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Music

at Simon Langton Grammar School For Boys, Canterbury · school or sixth form

Level 3A levelsGCE A level2 yearsFull timeFree

What the college says

The course presents performing, composing, listening and analytical skills in almost equal measure. You will improve your skills in performing and composing in a range of styles. You will listen to and analyse a wide variety of music and develop a more informed appreciation of how and why it was written and/or performed. The A Level qualification consists of the following three units and are all externally assessed: Unit 1: Performing 30% You will perform: � a minimum of one piece, performed live and uninterrupted as a recital in front of an audience, during the second year of your course � performance can be solo or as part of an ensemble � total performance time across the recital must be a minimum of 8 minutes of Grade 6+ standard music Unit 2: Composing 30% Students must submit two compositions (both notated using Sibelius), of a combined duration of at least six minutes ? one composition to a brief set by Pearson or a free composition, and one harmonisation of a Bach Chorale, set by Pearson Unit 3: Developing Musical Understanding 40% You will sit a listening/written exam including a musical dictation, listening questions based on aspects from 18 set works and essay questions, one based on an unfamiliar piece and the second on one of the set works. The set works will be taken from the following categories: Vocal, Instrumental, Music for Film, Popular Music and Jazz, Fusions and New Directions

What you need to get on

Grade 7 GCSE Music or Grade 5 practical as a singer/instrumentalist &Grade 5 theory guarantees a place on this course.Please note that applicants must also meet our overall entry requirements of scoring at least a total of 42 points and achieve a Grade 4 or higher in both English Language & Mathematics.It is useful to have taken music at GCSE level, but not essential as long as you already play a musical instrument to grade 5, read notation and understand music theory to a Grade 5 standard.

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

  • Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys

    LANGTON LANE, CANTERBURY, CT4 7AS

    DaytimeClassroom based
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Start dates

  • 1 September 2026 · CANTERBURY

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