Courses / A-level / A-level Music

A-level Music

Edexcel
Edexcel A-level Music explores musical heritage and enhances your confidence in both composing and performing various styles.
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A-level Music Edexcel online course

Where words fail, music speaks. With our online A-level music course, you will develop key skills in performing, composing, and appraising music from across various genres and broaden your understanding of individual musical styles.

You will also hone critical reflection skills, delving into the diverse heritage of music and use this knowledge in your own musical style and performance.

Guided by expert tutors, you gain confidence in composing and performing, either as a group or ensemble, or as a solo artist. With this unique online course, you can go on to study at university or progress into other career opportunities.

What you will learn

  1. Unit 1 - Performing

    • Solo performance
    • Ensemble performance
    • Improvisation
    • Realisation using music technology
    • Approaches to performing
    • Musical elements
    • Musical contexts
    • Musical language

  2. Unit 2 - Composing

    • Compositional briefs
    • Vocal music
    • Instrumental music
    • Music for film
    • Fusions
    • Popular music and jazz
    • New directions
    • Free composition
    • Composition recording

  3. Unit 3 – Appraising

    • Analyse and evaluate music in aural and written form, using knowledge and understanding of musical elements, musical contexts and musical language to make critical judgements
    • Formulate critical judgements, achieved through attentive listening and aural perception
    • Comment on music, showing critical understanding through the genres, styles and traditions studied
    • Use acute aural perception skills
    • Use appropriate technical musical vocabulary to communicate sophisticated judgements
    • Show an understanding of the complex interdependencies between musical elements

Awarding Body

Pearson Edexcel

Edexcel offers academic and vocational qualifications in schools, colleges and workplaces in the UK and abroad. Edexcel is a multinational education and examination body covering A-level courses and GCSE courses.

Recognised through UCAS

ucas registered centre

This course carries UCAS points. This means that it can be used to gain direct access to University courses and other Higher Education, through the UCAS system.

Course Outcome

As a student of this qualification, you will benefit from a wealth of A-level teaching experience from a range of academic tutors who are or have been Heads of Music in schools and colleges and examiners for A-level examination boards.

Our music A-level course follows the Edexcel syllabus and develops practical skills in performing and composing as well as a deeper understanding of music history, theory and analysis. Through listening to and studying a wide variety of music, both classical and popular, you will develop a more informed appreciation of how, and why, it was written.

This course is for musicians who wish to attain an advanced internationally recognised qualification and for those who wish to study music at university. Don’t worry if you don’t get the grades you want though; take a look at our guide to getting to university through UCAS Clearing here.

How do you study A-level Music online?

This unique A-level music course blends practical and theoretical study, with an expert tutor on hand to support you all the way. Working from home or wherever you feel most comfortable, you have the freedom to express your talent and broaden your knowledge of critical music theories.

Studying A-level music online means you can learn at the pace that gives you the best chance of success. You can access your course materials from any compatible device using our MyOxbridge learning portal, meaning you can fit learning and musical practice around other commitments, without the fear of falling behind.

How is this course assessed or examined?

This is a linear qualification. In order to achieve the award, you must complete all assessments at the end of the course and in the same series.

Component 1: Appraising music

What is assessed? 

  • Listening
  • Analysis
  • Contextual understanding

How is it assessed?

This component is 40% of your total A-level marks (120 marks). It is assessed through an exam paper with listening and written questions using excerpts of music, answering the following questions:

  • Section A: Listening (56 marks)
  • Section B: Analysis (34 marks)
  • Section C: Essay (30 marks)

Component 2: Performance

What is assessed?

  • Music performance

How is it assessed?

This component is 35% of your total A-level marks (50 marks). You will also need to complete a solo and/or ensemble performing as an instrumentalist, or vocalist and/or music production (via technology). A minimum of 10 minutes of performance in total is required.

A non-exam assessment (NEA) will be externally marked by Edexcel examiners. Work must be completed between 1 March and the specified date given by Edexcel. Work must be sent by post/uploaded to Edexcel by the specified date given.

Component 3: Composition

What is assessed? 

  • Composition 1: Composition to a brief (25 marks)
  • Composition 2: Free composition (25 marks)

How is it assessed?

This component is worth 25% of your total A-level marks (50 marks). A minimum of four and a half minutes of music in total is required.

An NEA will be externally marked by Edexcel examiners. Work must be completed and sent by post or uploaded to Edexcel by the specified date. The NEA deadline is 20th October each year; therefore, students will next be able to take their A-Level Music Exams in Summer 2025.

Entry requirements

It is strongly recommended that you have studied GCSE Music or achieved Grade 5 minimum standard on performance instrument/voice before starting this course.

Past Papers

You can access past papers for this course. They are free to access and cover a range of exam boards.

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A-level Music

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Include exams (+£730)

Find out more about the exams here.

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FAQ

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Can I retake my A-level Music exams if I don’t pass?

You can! At Oxbridge, we also have an exam pass guarantee, meaning that we will support you in taking the next exam for free. Contact our advisers for more information.

How can I access my A-level Music course materials?

After you've enrolled onto the A-level Music course, we will send your login information for MyOxbridge, where your study materials will be ready for you.

How can I contact my A-level Music tutor if I get stuck?

When you enrol on your A-level Music course, you will be sent login details for the MyOxbridge platform, where your tutor's contact email can also be accessed.

Are there any exams for A-level Music?

You will need to complete a combination of performances and written examinations as part of your A-level Music course. Components 1 and 2 consist of performances and compositions, accounting for 40% of your total mark, with Component 3 being a written exam worth the other 60%.

How is A-level Music taught online?

This online A-level course lets you combine your theoretical understanding of music with practical experience. All your course material is accessed through MyOxbridge, with assessments throughout to test your practical knowledge.

Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

Can you provide a reference for my UCAS application?

Oxbridge is able to provide an academic reference for you however, we cannot provide a personal reference as this needs to be someone who knows you personally.

Can I get predicted grades for my UCAS application?

Absolutely! We can process a predicted grade for you once you have completed a total of four assignments - this can be sent over to you via email or letter which can then be passed on to UCAS for your application.

Exam Results: I need to resit my exams, can I enrol with Oxbridge?

At Oxbridge, we take enrolments all year round. Once you're enrolled, you'll be able to get started right away. Studying online means your work and revision fit around you and your lifestyle. For example, if you have a part-time job or need to study alongside other subjects, you'll be able to find time to fit our online courses into your schedule. Enjoy flexible, convenient, affordable learning, fully supported by expert tutors who are passionate about their subjects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our course tutors and know that they hold the key to success. Whatever your goals, dreams or aspirations, Oxbridge is here to help you facilitate them.

Exam Results: When will I receive my certificate?

Oxbridge students who sat their exams through our partnership exam centres will usually receive their certificates in November. Certificates will be sent out by recorded delivery.
Wondering what to do next? There are so many options available, it's important to get the right advice. Whether your choice is to continue onto further education, go into job training or get an apprenticeship and whether your grades are high or low - there are always options! Speak to an adviser today to see how we can support you on your next steps...

Exam Results: I didn't pass English or Maths, what do I do next?

First of all, don't worry - everything will be okay. Unfortunately, if you didn't get a grade 4 or higher (equivalent to a C or above) in your English and Maths, you will have to re-take it in order to pass. Oxbridge is ready and available to support you with this. Get in touch via live chat, phone or email.

Exam Results: I have individual unit marks, but no overall grade. What should I do?

Check for a cash-in code on your statement of entry. If there isn't one, cash-in may not have been applied for. Cash-in can be applied for retrospectively from your exam centre and once entered you can expect an overall grade in one week.

Exam Results: I haven't done as well as I expected in my exams. Is there anything I can do?

Yes! There are a number of post-result services available. Your entering centre will be able to provide you with further information and will process any requests for you. If you're not sure where to turn, our friendly learning advisers are on hand and ready to help you.

What can I do with my A-levels?

A-levels are a universal way to demonstrate academic competency in a multitude of disciplines. A-levels are subject-based qualifications that lead to either university, further study, training, or work. A-levels serve as a standardised way to demonstrate your academic ability and are very common entry requirements to most higher-level courses.

Why study an online A-level course from home?

A-levels can be studied from home with Oxbridge, using our online platform. On average we find that students receive 20% higher grades and pass around 30% more quickly than in a traditional college.

How many UCAS points is an A-level course?

A-levels are the most common way to access university in the UK. The system in which this is done is called UCAS. This stands for: “the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service”. See the A-level UCAS tariff points breakdown below:
  • A* - 56
  • A - 48
  • B - 40
  • C - 32
  • D - 24
  • E - 16

What A-Level courses should I take?

If you’re planning on going on to a degree, your chosen university will usually publish their entry requirements for each course on their website. See how these subjects feel and decide if you would enjoy them as they will form much of the base knowledge for your degree. If you’re not entirely sure what to study, there are some standard subjects that many students choose to help them secure a place at a prestigious university, such as one of the Russell Group universities. These courses are known as the ‘facilitating courses’ and include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Literature, Geography, History, Maths, Further Maths, Modern Languages and Classical Languages. Generally speaking, taking two facilitating subjects will allow you to keep your progression options open. For further help and guidance, we have written a detailed guide on How to Choose A-Levels.

How long does it take to study an A-level?

It’s possible to study an A-level course both full-time and part-time. Normally students would study for two years, but with Oxbridge, you can also fast-track your course to complete it in one year.

What are A-Levels?

A-levels (also known as Advanced level qualifications) entail in-depth study of a chosen subject in order to open doors to further study including University, training, and work. A-levels courses tend to focus on specific academic subjects such as Mathematics, English and the Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The course material and the exams you take will be the same everywhere.

How much do exams cost?

Many of our courses do not require exams however, A-levels, GCSEs and some other courses do require exams to complete the qualification. Exam fees are additional to the cost of the course and prices vary depending on the course and where you sit them - find out more. Planning on studying A-levels or GCSEs with us? We can add your exams during enrolment and blend them into your monthly payment plan if you wish. If you're not ready to book your exam(s) yet, you can book them at a later date - all of the information is available on MyOxbridge under NEAS and Exams.