Skip to content
referalearnerFind my match

GCE A Level in Music

at The Coopers' Company and Coborn School, Upminster · school or sixth form

Level 3A levelsGCE A level2 yearsFull timeFree

What the college says

The A Level components of performance (option A 35% option B 25%), composition (Option A 25% Option B 35%) and appraising (40%). Students will be able to major in performance or composition, but will be assessed on both. There is a balance of coursework and exam based assessment during the course. Students will be expected t participate in Senior Choir as well as perform in at least on ensemble each week. Component 1 - Performance A public performance of one or more pieces performed as a Recital. Performance can be either for solo and/or ensemble, the total time to last between 8 and 12 minutes. The Recital can be in any stle of music, notated or imporovised. the level of difficulty needs to be at least Grade 7 standard. Component 2 - Composition A total of two compositions to be assessed, the total time across both submissions must be a minimum of 6 minutes. the first is either a free composition or composed to a brief set by Pearson Edexcel relating to the set works, and lasting at least 4 minutes. The second will assess compositional techniques. This composition must be at least one minute in duration, unless the brief specifies a longer minimum duration. Component 3 - Appraising Students will sit a two hour 15 min exam in three sections, A and B based on three areas of study some of which will include set works. Section 1 - Musical Theatre Section 2 - Intro to the Twentieth Century Section 3 - Western Classical Tradition 9 The Symphony)

What you need to get on

At lease 8 grade 9-5 GCSEs including Maths and English Language. A grade 6 GCSE Music with a minimum of grade 6 practical exam. If GCSE has not been taken, students must have passed grade 7 practical AND grade 5 theory exams Whilst not part of the entry criteria, we would strongly recommend students are currently taking instrumental lessons and have a working knowledge of music theory.

How you are assessed

Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.

What this level means

The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.

Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?

Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.

Where it runs

  • The Coopers' Company and Coborn School

    St. Marys Lane, Upminster, RM14 3HS

    DaytimeClassroom based
    Check the journey

Start dates

  • 1 September 2026 · Upminster

Who else teaches this exact qualification

Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.

See all 146 providers teaching it