Musik

Entry Requirements: A minimum of Grade 6 in GCSE Music. For A Level, students are expected to have achieved ABRSM Grade 5 (or its equivalent) in practical music. Grade 5 Theory is also highly recommended.| Exam Board: WJEC Eduqas

Is A Level Music the right choice for me?

The WJEC Eduqas A Level Music offers a dynamic, comprehensive course that allows students to explore their own musical passions. Throughout the course, students develop their abilities in three interrelated areas: performing, composing, and appraising. There is flexibility for students to specialise by choosing whether to allocate 10% of their assessment to either performing or composing. The course covers a diverse range of music styles, including classical, jazz, and rock/pop.

All students will study:

Area of Study A: The Western Classical Tradition The Development of the Symphony 1750–1900: This section explores the evolution of the symphony during the Classical and Romantic periods. Students will also compose a piece using the musical techniques from this era, responding to a set brief.

Students will choose one area of study from the following options:

Area of Study B: Rock and Pop This area focuses on rock and pop music spanning various genres, composed between 1960 and 2000.
Area of Study C: Musical Theatre In this area, students study the works of six notable musical theatre composers: Richard Rodgers, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Claude-Michel Schönberg, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Stephen Schwartz.
Area of Study D: Jazz Students explore key jazz genres that emerged between 1920 and 1960.

Students must also choose one area of study from either Area E or F:

Area of Study E: Into the Twentieth Century This section delves into the unique musical styles of the early 20th century, a time marked by radical changes and experimentation in music.
Area of Study F: Into the Twenty-First Century This area focuses on contemporary music, featuring works by living composers like Sally Beamish, Judith Weir, Mark-Anthony Turnage, and Thomas Adès. Students examine how these composers develop new ideas in their compositions.

Career Opportunities in Music

A Level Music is an excellent choice for those passionate about music. While it provides a rewarding and demanding study path, it also offers extensive job satisfaction. Even if you don’t plan to pursue a career in music, this qualification is highly valued by universities and employers. They recognise the diverse skills A Level Music students develop, such as:

Creativity and out-of-the-box thinking
Long-term planning and responsibility
Collaboration and strong communication skills
Time management and multitasking
Independent working and problem-solving abilities

Music opens doors to a wide variety of career paths, including performance, composition, teaching, arts administration, music therapy, publishing, journalism, broadcasting, instrument manufacturing and repair, and more.