GCE A Level in Music
at The Bishop'S Stortford High School, Bishop's Stortford · school or sixth form
What the college says
A-Level Music involves studying music at a deeper level. It consists of three elements: Performance, Composition, and Appraising. You will plan and perform a recital on your chosen instrument, write your own composition, learn how to write in the styles of other composers, and study several key pieces of music in diverse styles, and from a wide historical period. Johannes Brahms once said: Study Bach. There you will find everything. The listening exam has elements of this, with the study of music from the Western Classical Tradition, alongside music from various other genres including film, rock, jazz and world music. The set works are in a variety of styles and from a range of different periods in music history. The course is essentially creative, develops analytical skills, demands excellent time-management skills, requires dedication to practising an instrument, and fosters talent: all skills which universities and employers regard highly.
What you need to get on
Overall Pathway requirements: 3 A levels - at least 44 from your best 8 GCSEs (and at least grade 5 in Mathematics and English Language or Literature) or BTEC and 1 A level - at least 34 points from your best 8 GCSES (and at least grade 5 in Mathematics and English Language or Literature) plus subject requirement: 6 in GCSE Music
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 Bishops Stortford High School
Beaumont Avenue, Bishops Stortford, CM23 4SH
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 1 September 2026 · Bishops Stortford
- 1 September 2027 · Bishops Stortford
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.
- Their version
Altrincham · North West · 2 years
- Their version
Hull · Yorkshire and The Humber · 2 years
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Chippenham · South West · 2 years
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Warrington · North West · 2 years
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Leeds · Yorkshire and The Humber · 2 years
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South East · 2 years
- Their version
Skipton · Yorkshire and The Humber · 2 years
- Their version
Harrogate · Yorkshire and The Humber · 2 years