A-level Music

Awarding Body

AQA qualifications are internationally recognised and taught in 30 countries worldwide, highly valued and recognised by employers and universities and enable you to progress to the next stage of your life. AQA qualifications suit a range of abilities and include GCSE courses, IGCSE courses and A-level courses.

Endorsed by

This course carries UCAS points. This means that it can be used to gain direct access to university courses and other higher education qualifications, through the UCAS system.

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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 AQA 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 AQA examiners. Work must be completed and sent by post or uploaded to AQA 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.