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A Level Music

At St Edward’s, A Level Music develops performing, composing, and appraising in equal measure. Students perform as soloists and with others, compose in contrasting styles (including Western Classical techniques), and analyse set repertoire and unfamiliar music with confidence. The course offers flexible pathways so students can specialise in either performance or composition while keeping a balanced musical education.

Why Study A Level Music?

  • Professional skills: Develop communication, collaboration, leadership and resilience through regular rehearsals, workshops and public performances.
  • Creative depth: Compose stylistically and freely; learn advanced harmony, orchestration and production techniques.
  • Academic rigour: Analyse scores and recordings; write persuasively about context, genre and technique to prepare for higher education.

Course Contact

Mrs Lauren Keene
Head of Performing Arts

Course Content

Component 1: Performing - Recital

  • Option A (35%): 10–12 minutes (minimum 3 pieces). One must reflect the musical characteristics of one Area of Study; another must reflect a different Area of Study.
  • Option B (25%): 6–8 minutes (minimum 2 pieces), with at least one linked to an Area of Study.
  • Assessed by visiting examiner.

Component 2: Composing - Portfolio

  • Option A (25%): 4–6 minutes across two pieces – one in a Western Classical style responding to a set brief, and one free composition linked to an Area of Study.
  • Option B (35%): 8–10 minutes across three pieces – one in Western Classical style to a set brief, plus two free compositions (at least one linked to an Area of Study).
  • Externally assessed by Eduqas.

Component 3: Appraising - Written exam (40%)

  • Listening, analysis and essay questions on set and unfamiliar music. Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes with audio extracts.

Areas of Study

  • Western Classical Tradition: The Development of the Symphony 1750–1900 (compulsory).

  • Plus ONE from: Rock & Pop (1960–2000), Musical Theatre, Jazz (1920–1950).

  • Plus ONE from: Into the Twentieth Century (1895–1935) or Into the Twenty-First Century (contemporary works).

Enrichment & Opportunities

  • Regular solo and ensemble performance platforms and public concerts.

  • Composition workshops and studio access for realising scores and demos.

  • Masterclasses, theatre visits and university taster sessions where available.

Where can this take you?

A Level Music is highly regarded by universities and employers. Typical pathways include:

  • Music, Musicology, Composition, Performance, Sound Production, Music & Maths, Music & Computing.
  • Conservatoire study (performance, composition, jazz, musical theatre).
  • Creative industries, education, arts management, media, events and beyond.

Recent destinations: ACM (Creative Arts), Trinity Laban (Performance), GSA (Musical Theatre), Leeds Conservatoire (Jazz), Russell Group universities.

Student Destinations 

  • Academy of Contemporary Music - Creative Art
  • Trinity Laban - Music Performance
  • Guildford School of Acting - Musical Theatre
  • Bangor University - Chemistry
  • Leeds College of Music - Jazz Studies

Student Testimonials

"The blend of practical performance, composition and in-depth analysis pushed me musically and academically. I felt prepared for university auditions and confident writing about music."

KS5 Music student