Music - KS5

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Students at SJB study music to have a lifelong appreciation for music of different cultures and genres. Fun and enjoyment are at the heart of our curriculum and students will develop confidence, analytical skills and to collaborate through performance and composition work.

 

Exam Board: Eduqas

Qualification: A Level Music

Eduqas A Level Music Specification

Curriculum Map

A Level Music aims to encourage students to become active musicians through studying, performing composing and listening. The course aims to broaden musical interests and experiences through the variety of genres and helping students develop their creativity and curiosity.

The Eduqas A Level Music course provides an in-depth study of music, combining performance, composition, and detailed analysis. Students explore a wide range of musical genres and styles, including Western classical music, popular music, and 20th Century music. The course emphasizes developing advanced technical skills, creativity, and critical listening through performing solo or ensemble pieces, composing original music, and appraising complex works. It’s designed to deepen musical understanding and prepare students for higher education or careers inside and outside of music.

 

Music A Level offers a blend of academic, creative and practical development through the course components. A Level Music develops critical thinkers, supports students with discipline and self-motivation as well as encouraging creativity. A Level Music gives you lifelong skills, an appreciation for a wide range of music and the ability to engage with a large part of human culture. 

Pathways Music A Level can lead to: 

  • Professional musician or composer 

  • Music production or sound design 

  • Music education or therapy 

  • Broadcasting 

  • Film, theatre and game music 

 

But, Music is valued for its mix of academic and creative discipline and an A Level can lead to a huge variety of careers, in and outside of music.

It is essential to have a Music GCSE at grade 6 or evidance tht shows a passion and skills for the subject.

It is also desireable that students have grade 6 standard or higher in an instrument. 

Component 1: Performance

Option A - 35% of final grade Option B - 25% of final grade

  • A 10–12-minute recital to a visiting examiner 

  • A minimum of 3 pieces, at least 1 as a soloist 

  • At least 2 pieces must link to 2 different Areas of Study 

  • A 6–8-minute recital to a visiting examiner 

  • A minimum of 2 pieces 

  • One piece must link to an Area of Study 
Students perform live to an examiner. The performance is externally marked and moderated by Eduqas.

Component 2: Composition

Option A - 25% of final grade Option B - 35% of final grade

  • Total duration of compositions: 4-6 minutes 

  • 1 free composition 

  • 1 reflecting the conventions of Western Classical music in response to an Eduqas brief 

  • 2 compositions 

  • Total duration of compositions: 8-10 minutes 

  • 1 free composition  

  • 1 reflecting musical characteristics of another Area of Study 

  • 1 reflecting the conventions of Western Classical music in response to an Eduqas brief 

  • 3 compositions 
The composition is externally marked and moderated by Eduqas. 

Students choose either option A or option B for both performance and composition.

 

Component 3: Appraising - 40% of final grade

  • Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes (approximately)
  • Area of Study A (compulsory): The Development of the Symphony 1750-1900 

  • 2 set works 

  • Symphony No. 104 in D major, ‘London’, Haydn 

  • Symphony No. 4 in A major, ‘Italian’, Mendelssohn 

  • Area of Study B: Rock and Pop 
  • Area of Study E: Into the 20th Century 

  • 2 set works 

  • Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano, Movement II: Poulenc 

  • Three Nocturnes, Number 1, Nuages: Debussy 

 

  • Other Areas of Study for performance/composition references: 

  • Area of Study C: Musical Theatre 

  • Area of Study D: Jazz 

  • Area of Study F: Into the 21st Century 

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