Music A Level

Applications Open - 21st November 2025

Closing Date for applications is Friday 13th February 2026.

Applications are still welcomed after the February closing date, and we will still try to ensure that each person's subject options are possible.

Entry Requirements - Please see our prospectus for grades needed

How to Apply -

ALL applications are to be made via KentChoices - if you do not have log in details, please speak to your school. If you are applying from outside of our area or an Independent school please email ccvioffice@ccgrammarschool.co.uk

**** IMPORTANT ****

Closing Date for applications is Friday 13th February 2026.

Applications are still welcomed after the February closing date, and we will still try to ensure that each person's subject options are possible.

What is the course about?

This course teaches performance, composition and understanding of music at an advanced level and lessons explore Western Classical music as well as a variety of modern musical genres and styles.

For whom is the course suitable?
This course would be suitable for you if:
• You have a love of many different kinds of music and are willing to explore and expand on this throughout the course
• You are about Grade 5 or above (or equivalent) on an instrument or voice
• You have a basic knowledge of music theory (Grade 5 Theory is not necessary but useful) or have taken Music GCSE

Teaching Methods and Homework commitment
The course is taught using a variety of media, such as scores, streamed music and the internet. The main software used is Musescore.
Homework is varied and could be essay based, composition or acquiring listening skills.

What could I go on to do at the end of the course?

This course could lead to a music, or other degree, or to employment with a musical slant.

Method of Study and Assessment

A Level Course

Unit 1 – Performing

● A performance, in front of a visiting examiner, of three or more pieces, performed as a recital.

● Performance can be playing or singing solo, or in an ensemble.

● The total performance time across all pieces must be a minimum of 8 minutes.

Candidate must perform at Grade 6 (or equivalent), or above, in Year 13

35% of A Level

Unit 2 – Composition

● Total of two compositions, one to a brief set by EDUQAS and one other free composition or from a list of briefs assessing compositional technique and harmony - one must be in a classical style

25% of A Level

Unit 3 – Developing Musical Understanding

This unit focuses on listening to familiar and unfamiliar music and understanding how it works.

● Two questions related to the set works (audio and skeleton score provided).

● One short melody/rhythm completion exercise.

● One essay question – worth 15 marks

The set works and topic areas studied are as follows:

Hayden's symphony 104

Debussy's Nuages

Poulenc's Trio Sonata

An overview of the development of the symphony

Music Theatre and its development

focussing on Rodger’s & Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Claude-Michel Schonberg,

Sondheim and Stephen Schwartz

Music into the 20th Century

focussing on Impressionism and Neoclassicism

(Unit 3 assessed on one written paper of 2 hours 15 minutes)

40% of A Level

Website URL: For more information please go to http://www.ccgrammarschool.co.uk

See Prospectus on school website for details