Music A-Level

What is Music A-Level?

This course is the full A-Level but we do also offer the one-year AS Music option. It is a common option to combine this course with either RSL Creative Music Industry or the BTEC Music Production course.

What Will You Study?

Music Reading List >

The A-Level Music course is an academic course that involves the three core components of Performing, Composing and Appraising. This A-Level is more heavily weighted towards music theory and analysis of music and the core topics will include; The Development of the Symphony (1750-1900), Haydn & Mendelssohn, Into the 21st Century and Rock & Pop (1960-2000).

You will perform as a soloist in an assessed performance to a visiting examiner to at least a Grade 5 standard in the first year and at Grade 6 standard in the second year. You will also create a portfolio of 2-3 compositions in contrasting styles, including the Western Classical Tradition and a Free Choice. The analysis and understanding of musical components will be assessed in a formal exam at the end of each year, which includes a mixture of comparison questions and extended responses on a range of prepared and unprepared extracts.

What Next?

Many of our students have gained places at top Music institutions, including RNCM, Birmingham Conservatoire, Leeds College of Music and BIMM, as well as Huddersfield University, Salford University and Bangor University.

Many students go onto Music related degrees such as Performance, Composition and even Acoustics.

Exam Board

Eduqas  (WJEC)

Entry Requirements

At least five 5s at GCSE, including at least a 6 in GCSE Music. You will need to have a minimum standard of grade 5 practical or above in your instrument. A working understanding of Grade 5 theory is essential (and/or 6 at GCSE Music). There will be a formal pre-audition before you are enrolled onto the course.

Have you considered studying a Mixed Programme (A-Levels and BTECs)? Whether you’re on target to achieve five 5s in your GCSEs or not, there may still be an option to study A-Levels alongside a BTEC qualification at Newman.

Course Type

A-Level

What other subjects go well with this subject?

Music Technology (Production) or (Performing), Modern Foreign Languages, Business Studies, English, Musical Theatre, History, Media Studies, Maths and Physics.