The Edexcel A level Music course combines academic rigour with the exploration of a fascinating variety of styles of music.

Performing (30% of the qualification)

Students perform a recital for a minimum of 8 minutes. Grade 7 is the standard for A Level and a difficulty level grid will be applied to pieces above or below this standard. The final recital takes place in April of Year 13. Students are given plenty of opportunities to practise their performance skills, with recitals performed regularly at venues including Romsey Abbey.

Composing (30% of the qualification)

Students compose 2 compositions. One, to last at least 4 mins, will be to a brief related to one of the Areas of Study or a free choice. The other, lasting at least 1 min, must be from a list of briefs assessing compositional technique.

Listening and Appraising (40% of the qualification)

Students study set works and gain an understanding of analytical language, terminology, chronological and stylistic context. There are 13 set works across 6 areas of Study: Vocal Music; Instrumental Music; Music for Film; Popular Music and Jazz; Fusions; New Directions. They also apply their knowledge to unfamiliar works. This unit is assessed with a written paper in the Summer of Year 13, containing short answer questions and essays.

The Performing and Composing units are customisable to each student’s preferences, including instrument, style and favoured working methods.

We firmly believe that A level Music should not just include the assessed units. In Year 12, one hour per fortnight is devoted to studying areas beyond the A level syllabus including Arrangements, Group Composition and Music Technology.

Students prepare for the Performance options in conjunction with instrumental/singing teachers. For the other units they are taught in through discussion, analysis, research and presentations.

The course is practical too, with regular performance, composition and group tasks. Students are also expected to study independently, practising for the performing unit, working on their compositions, carrying out wider listening and preparing work for the written elements.

Please refer to our entry requirements document.

Don’t meet the criteria?

We understand that Music is a broad and varied discipline. Each student who applies is assessed as an individual and exceptions can be made.

A level Music leads to a large variety of opportunities at university or Music college. It is a highly respected subject for university entry in many fields and combines well with anything.

Jazz Band

• All are welcome who play Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone or Clarinet
• Ability level: Grade 4 and above
• Mondays 12:45 – 13:15

Composition Club

• Term 1 – GCSE & A Level atudents
• Terms 2–6 – All are welcome
• Mondays 12:45 – 13:15

A Cappella Choir

• Singers in Year 9-13 with experience
• A variety of challenging repertoire is covered and A Cappella also sing in the cathedral and in concerts
• Tuesdays 12:45 – 13:15

Theory Club

• All students welcome
• Tuesdays 12:45 – 13:15

Guitar Ensemble

• All guitarists welcome
• Wednesdays 12:45 – 13:15

Senior Choir

• Years 9-13
• All Soprano and Alto voices
• Students continue to build on their skills and enjoyment of singing, tackling a variety of repertoire and contributing to the Carol Service, concerts and school events
• Wednesdays 12:45 – 13:15

Baroque Ensemble

• Instrumentalists
• Ability level: Grade 6 and above
• Thursday 12:45 – 13:15

Chamber Orchestra

• All String players welcome
• Ability level: Grade 3 & above
• Fridays 12:45 – 13:15

Wind Band

• All Woodwind, Brass and Percussion players welcome
• Ability level: Grade 3 and above
• Fridays 12:45 – 13:15

Rock/Pop Bands

• All Singers, Guitarists, Bassists, Drummers and Pianists, of any age or ability
• There are various application windows throughout the year – look out for advertisements around the Music Block and in your emails
• Rehearsals take place throughout the week, based on each band’s availability.