This course will equip students with the fundamental skills required to progress to advanced musicianship. Students will develop their skills as performers and composers, as well as learning how to analyse music from a variety of styles. Music is a multi-faceted subject and involves a variety of contrasting skills ranging from practical music making, to creating and analysing music.

• GCSE English Language grade 4 or above
• GCSE Mathematics grade 4 or above is desirable
• Grade 5 minimum on an instrument or voice from an awarding body such as Trinity, ABRSM or RSL

Component 1 – Appraising Music
The areas of study provide a focus for students to appraise, develop and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of musical elements, musical contexts and musical language. In this unit students will study the ‘Western classical tradition’ as well as: pop music and music for theatre. The areas of study can also provide a rich source of material for students to work with when developing performance and composition skills.

Component 2 – Performance
This unit gives students the opportunity to perform as an instrumentalist and/or singer. There is also an option to perform using music technology.

Component 3 – Composition
This unit gives students an opportunity to compose their own music. Students will acquire the necessary skills and techniques to complete two compositions; one to a brief, set by the exam board, and one free composition. Both are composed using the software program Musescore and Logic. Students will also write two 150-word programme notes to accompany their compositions.

Component 1 – Appraising Music
Exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
120 marks
40% of A Level

Component 2 – Performance
10 minute performance
50 marks
35% of A Level

Component 3 – Composition
2 compositions
50 marks
25% of A Level

The AQA Music course makes for great preparation for any further form of musical study at undergraduate level. It also gives students the fundamental skills required for any serious career in music as a performer or composer. Beyond this, its academic rigour and high demands on creative and interpretive skills makes it good training for many degrees and careers.

Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers.