Eduqas Specification

Entry Requirements

Six GCSEs at Grade 6 or above PLUS:

GCSE Music at Grade 7 or above 

Course Overview

A-Level Music offers students the opportunity to develop as a performer and composer with 60% of the course made up of practical assessments. These can be weighted to enhance a student’s individual strengths with a choice of 25% or 35% weighting for either composition or performance. The minimum level of difficulty for performance is around a Grade 6 equivalent.

Course content

Component 1: Performing

Option A: total duration of performance 10 to 12 minutes; 35% of qualification

Option B: total duration of performance: 6 to 8 minutes; 25% of qualification non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner.

Component 2: Composing

Option A: Total duration of compositions: 4-6 minutes; 25% of qualification.

Option B: Total duration of compositions: 8-10 minutes; 35% of qualification Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by WJCEC

Component 3: Appraising

Written examination: 2 hr 15 min for 40% of the qualification. Three main areas are studied:

•  The western classical tradition (Mozart, Haydn, Mendelssohn etc.)
•  Musical Theatre
•  Into the 21st Century

Careers

Musicians can work in a variety of roles including sound technicans/engineers, music therapist, music teacher, as well as performing music. The study of music at A Level will also provide you with skills that are useful to a wide range of careers in the arts, marketing, events and the theatre.