Music A Level

A minimum of 4 subjects at grade 5 or above at GCSE plus English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above.

You should be able to play an instrument (including voice), to at least grade 5 standard and be at, or working towards, grade 5 standard in music theory. (If you have not followed the grading route, applications will still be considered.) Students are required to do an audition and attend a guidance discussion.

Edexcel A Level Music – Course Outline

Component 1: Performing (30%)
Students give a live performance lasting 8–12 minutes.
Can be as a soloist or as part of an ensemble.
Must be recorded and submitted as a continuous performance.

Component 2: Composing (30%)
Two compositions are required:
1)    Free composition – students choose their own brief.
2)    Set brief composition – linked to one of four briefs released annually by Edexcel.
Combined length must be 6–8 minutes.
Encourages creativity in a range of styles, genres and techniques.

Component 3: Appraising (40%)
Written exam: 2 hours 10 minutes.
Students study a wide variety of music across six Areas of Study:
1.    Instrumental Music (1700–1820) – e.g. works by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven.
2.    Vocal Music – including classical, musical theatre and popular songs.
3.    Music for Film – a range of film score extracts.
4.    Popular Music and Jazz (1910–present) – including artists such as Kate Bush, Courtney Pine, and Beatles tracks.
5.    Fusions – exploring cross-cultural musical styles.
6.    New Directions (20th/21st Century) – works by composers such as Stravinsky and Saariaho.

Exam format:
•    Section A: Listening questions on set works and unfamiliar music.
•    Section B: Essay-style questions analysing and comparing set works.

The course develops practical performance skills, creative composition techniques, and analytical understanding of music across a wide variety of styles and contexts. It also strengthens wider transferable skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and communication.

Additional Information
Whilst studying at York College, students have the chance to take part in practical music workshops, perform both in college and at the National Centre for Early Music, go on inspiring trips, and engage in talks with leading musicians. There are also opportunities to collaborate with full-time vocational music students, giving a real taste of working within the wider music community.
 

You will typically be in College four days per week, with lesson style varying according to subject. In-College delivery is supported by online resources, and students develop strong independent learning skills to equip them for their next steps. In addition, you will be expected to do performances throughout the course.

Component 1: Performing (30%)

You give a live performance lasting 8–12 minutes.
Can be solo or ensemble, on any instrument/voice.
Performed as one continuous recital, recorded and sent to Edexcel.
Marked by Edexcel examiners.

Component 2: Composing (30%)

You submit two compositions:
1.    A free composition (your own choice of style).
2.    A composition to a set brief (released by Edexcel each year).

Together they must last 6–8 minutes.

Component 3: Appraising (40%)

A written exam: 2 hours 10 minutes.
Based on the set works and unfamiliar extracts.
The paper has:
-  Listening questions – short answers on set works/unfamiliar music.
-  Extended responses – essays comparing set works or analysing musical elements.
Assessed on: knowledge of set works, ability to listen critically, and quality of written analysis.

Good course combinations for Music are Music Technology, Media Studies, Film Studies, Drama and Theatre Studies and Maths.

The course provides a strong foundation for music study in higher education, with many students progressing to university or some of the country’s top conservatoires. In the last few years, our alumni have gone on to study at the Royal Northern College of Music, London Guildhall School of Music & Drama, the Royal Academy of Music, and a wide range of Russell Group universities.

A Level Music also opens doors to a variety of careers within and beyond the music industry, including performance, composition, teaching, music therapy, arts management, event management, and media.
During the course, you’ll gain valuable real-world experiences: performing in professional venues, working with industry musicians, composing with specialist equipment, and building creative links with other performers. These opportunities not only prepare you for further study or employment but also help you grow in confidence, creativity, and communication – skills that are highly valued in any career.