GCE A Level in Music
at Samuel Ryder Academy, St. Albans · school or sixth form
What the college says
Students who are interested in developing and applying the musical knowledge, understanding and want to form a personal and meaningful relationship with music. You will be encouraged to engage critically and creatively with a wide range of music and musical contexts, and reflect on how music is used in the expression of personal and collective identities. You will develop particular strengths and interests, encourage lifelong learning and provide access to higher education and university degree courses in music and music-related subjects as well as music-related and other careers. The Subject content is divided into three components: • Appraising music • Performance • Composition.
What you need to get on
5 GCSE grades 9 – 5 including mathematics and English. It is essential that you achieve a level 5 or higher in GCSE Music and can perform to Grade 5 standard on an instrument/singing.
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
Samuel Ryder Academy
Drakes Drive, St Albans, AL1 5AR
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 1 September 2026 · St Albans
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
- Their version
Chippenham · South West · 2 years
- Their version
Warrington · North West · 2 years
- Their version
Leeds · Yorkshire and The Humber · 2 years
- Their version
South East · 2 years
- Their version
Skipton · Yorkshire and The Humber · 2 years
- Their version
Harrogate · Yorkshire and The Humber · 2 years