NEW for 2025

Subject Content

Performing: The purpose of this component is to assess students’ performing skills in a solo and/or ensemble context. They should be given the opportunity to rehearse and refine performances on their chosen instrument or voice, developing technical control, expression and interpretative skills.

 

Composing: The purpose of this component is to assess students’ skills in composing music. It allows students to appreciate the process of creating music. Students will learn more of the processes involved in creating music through developing the technical and expressive skills needed by a composer.

 

Appraising: The purpose of this component is for students to develop their listening and appraising skills through the study of music across a variety of styles and genres. The content is grouped into six areas of study, each of which contains two set works, with the exception of Popular Music and Jazz, which has three set works.

Assessment Details

Performance:

A public performance of one or more pieces, performed as a recital, which can be playing or singing solo, in an ensemble, improvising, or realising music using music technology. The total performance time must be a minimum of eight minutes.

Composition:

• A total of two compositions, one to a brief set and one either free composition or also to a brief.
•  One composition must be from either a list of briefs related to the areas of study, or a free composition, carrying 40 marks for this component. This composition must be at least four minutes in duration.
•  One composition must be from a list of briefs assessing compositional technique, carrying 20 marks for this component. This composition must be at least one minute in duration, unless the brief specifies a longer minimum duration.
• Total time across both submissions must be a minimum of six minutes.

Appraising:

• One written paper for 2 hours 10 minutes, with a total of 100 marks. This paper comprises two sections: A and B. 
• Section A: Areas of study and dictation (50 marks). Three questions related to the set works (audio and skeleton score provided).  One short melody/rhythm completion exercise. 
• Section B: Extended written response. Two essay questions – essay one (20 marks) and essay two (30 marks)
• Essay One asks students to draw links from their study of the set works to the music heard as an unfamiliar extract. 
• Essay Two gives a choice of four questions that ask students to evaluate the musical elements, context and language of one set work. Each option will be from a different area of study.

Additional Equipment Recommended

A copy of the set works anthology

Preferable, but not essential to be at Grade 5 performance standard

What can I do to support my child at home?

Please ensure that your child has regular lessons on their instrument, at least 30 mins per week.

Recommended Resources for the Course

Websites

Edexcel : https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/music-2016.html

Books

• Edexcel A Level Music Revision Guide
• Edexcel AS and A Level Music Study Guide
• Edexcel AS/A Level Anthology of Music (Edexcel AS/A Level Music 2016)

Teaching Staff Contact Details

Head of Performing Arts

Miss J Mayhew - jmayhew@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk

Teacher of Music

Mrs L Pinto - lpinto@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk