Music

Why Study Music?

A Level Music is an exciting and creative course designed for students who are passionate about making, performing and understanding music. A Grade 7 at GCSE is recommended, but the course is open to any committed and enthusiastic musician. 

You will develop as a well-rounded musician through three core areas: listening and appraising, performance, and composition. Alongside building your musical skills, you will also strengthen independence, creativity, communication and problem-solving qualities highly valued in any career. 

What is the exam board and the route?

We study A Level Music Music (AQA (7272). A minimum of Grade 7 in GCSE Music is essential.

Assessment 

• Appraising Music (40%): A 2 hour 30 minute listening and written exam 
• Performance (35%): A 10-minute recital as a soloist 
• Composition (25%): One free composition plus technical exercises 

Further Information 

Beyond the classroom, you will benefit from an outstanding Music department, including weekly specialist support sessions, regular performance opportunities and concert visits. All A Level musicians are members of our choir as well as additional ensembles such as our Symphony Orchestra and Big Band. These experiences are central to your development as a musician.  

Music combines naturally with any subject and opens doors to a wide range of pathways—from performance and composition to professions such as law, medicine or media.  

Recent alumni have progressed to universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, King’s College London , Chinese University of Hong Kong and conservatoires; studying Music, Engineering, Biochemistry, Medicine, Law, Geography, Psychology and Politics.  

If you are looking for a subject that is expressive, challenging and immensely rewarding, A Level Music offers a rich and inspiring journey. 

Learn more about our Music School.