What you will learn
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- Solo performance
- Ensemble performance
- Improvisation
- Realisation using music technology
- Approaches to performing
- Musical elements
- Musical contexts
- Musical language
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- Compositional briefs
- Vocal music
- Instrumental music
- Music for film
- Fusions
- Popular music and jazz
- New directions
- Free composition
- Composition recording
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- 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
Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation offering 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
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 9MU0 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.
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 course commences on 31st October 2023.
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: Performing
A public performance of one or more pieces, performed as a recital. This can be playing or singing solo, in an ensemble, improvising, or realising music using music technology.
Non-examined, externally assessed. 30% of the qualification, 60 marks. The total performance time across all pieces must be a minimum of eight minutes
Component 2: Composing
Total of two compositions, a minimum of six minutes in total, one to a brief set by Pearson Edexcel and one either free composition or also to a brief.
One composition must be from a list of briefs assessing compositional technique, carrying 20 marks for this component. This composition must be at least one minute in duration unless otherwise specified.
Non-examined, externally assessed. 30% of the qualification, 60 marks.
Component 3: Appraising
Written examination: 2 hours 10 minutes. 40% of the qualification, 100 marks.
This paper comprises two sections. Section A: Areas of study and dictation (50 marks), and Section B: an extended written response to two essay questions.
Entry requirements
It is strongly recommended that you have studied GCSE Music before starting this course.
