Music
at Dame Alice Owen'S School, Potters Bar · school or sixth form
What the college says
Ideal for those who are passionate about and interested in music, the A-level course explores a broad range of musical repertoire. Students will make connections between all areas of their music-making, both within the course and also beyond: as performers, composers and in their appraising of music, including analysis skills, theoretical understanding, contextual knowledge and stylistic awareness. Through this they will gain a deeper understanding of how music ‘works’ enabling them to develop further their expressive capabilities as performers and composers. Students will have many opportunities to engage and extend their musical interests, and the course will certainly help them to prepare for further musical study, for example at a conservatoire or at university. However, it may also be studied purely for interest and, to this end, serves as one of the pre- requisite academic subjects for any university degree. Students considering this option should be actively involved in making music as performing forms an important part of the A Level course.
What you need to get on
You do not need Music GCSE to take the A level, but it is advisable. If you have taken the GCSE you are required to have achieved at least a grade 6. If you haven't taken the GCSE then theory equivalent to ABRSM grade 5 is highly recommended. All students must receive instrumental or vocal tuition whilst undertaking the A level course. All students are strongly advised to be at a performing standard or at least ABRSM grade 5 at the start of the course.
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
Dame Alice Owen's School
DUGDALE HILL LANE, POTTERS BAR, EN6 2DU
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 3 September 2026 · POTTERS BAR
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
St Olave'S and St Saviour'S Grammar School
Orpington · London · 2 years
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Uxbridge · London · 2 years
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Eye · East of England · 2 years
- Their version
Stoke-On-Trent · West Midlands · 2 years
- Their version
Maidstone · South East · 24 months
- Their version
Manchester · North West · 2 years
- Their version
Bath · South West · 2 years
- Their version
Amersham · South East · 18 months