a-level music

Music

 

Music A-Level is a dynamic and rewarding course designed to develop your musical skills, creativity, and academic understanding. This qualification offers a balanced approach across three key components: performing, composing, and appraising.

You’ll study set works from The Western Classical Tradition, including a deep dive into the symphony (1750–1900), alongside two optional areas of study such as Rock and Pop, Jazz, Musical Theatre, or 20th Century Music. Whether you’re analyzing scores, composing original pieces, or refining your performance, Eduqas encourages both creative expression and critical thinking.

Perfect for students planning to study music at university, attend a conservatoire, or pursue a career in the arts, Eduqas A-Level Music equips you with transferable skills in communication, analysis, and independent learning.

As a performer, you will have the opportunity to showcase your talents on your chosen instrument or voice, ideally at Grade 6 standard or above.

Option A

1. Performance 10-12 minute performance recital35%
2. Composition (Two contrasting pieces)25%
3. Appraising Exam40%

Option B

1. Performance 6-8 minute performance recital25%
2. Composition (Three contrasting pieces)35%
3. Appraising Exam40%

Students with Music A-level have gone on to study Music at universities such as Goldsmiths and Cambridge, or to specialist conservatoires, such as The Royal Academy of Music and Guildhall School of Music.

Students are greatly encouraged to attend as many live performances and recitals as possible during the period of the two year course. The college hosts concerts at Christmas and at the end of year Annual Exhibition in which Music students perform individually, in groups, or even in coordination with Music Technology students.

GCSE Music at grade B or above and Grade 5 on at least one instrument is a pre-requisite. Grade 5 Theory of Music (ABRSM) is also highly desirable.

 

Examination board: Eduqas

Universities & Careers

Most students progress to higher education either at top academic institutions or leading art colleges. We host regular talks on higher education options and future careers. We advise and help students complete their university and art school applications for institutions in the UK, Europe, US, Canada, and Australia.

Hampstead Fine Arts College became part of Dukes Education in 2015, and our students benefit from careers advice from Dukes Education’s team of Oxbridge and US admissions specialists. Students who wish to follow academic courses are regularly accepted to study at Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, LSE, King’s College, the Courtauld Institute, St Andrews, Edinburgh, York, Bristol, and Leeds. The most popular destinations for our art students are Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion, Camberwell, and Kingston. Our leading American destinations are Parsons, Pratt, NYU, and Cal Arts.

Students flourish in future careers in film, fine art, fashion, creative writing, the media, and academia, amongst others. Whatever FAC students go on to do, an education at Hampstead Fine Arts College provides a strong foundation for forging a distinctive career in a changing and competitive world.