Music A Level 3

Skinners School Academy Trust, The

, St John's Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9PG

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026

The Skinners School Academy Trust

1 Year(s)

Full time

Daytime/working hours

Please contact the provider directly to apply for this course.

Application Instructions

Applications Open: - 8th October 2025

Applications Close:- 20th August 2026

How to Apply: - Please contact The Skinners’ School directly to apply. We do not accept applications via KentChoices

Please see here for more information about our Sixth Form and to complete an application form.

Course Summary

The specification gives a wide ranging and broad based understanding of musical development from the Baroque era through to the present day. Set works chosen by the exam board guide us through musical chronology charting the development of many musical styles and genres taking in the influence of music from outside the western world as well. Good practical skills are an important component of the course, and students need to be well motivated independent learners as the performance unit is reliant on individual preparation time on the candidate’s chosen instrument. As at GCSE, the modules focus on performing, composing and appraising but with greater creative freedom in the style of composition and performance undertaken.

Course Details

Assessment Component 1: Performing - 30% (NEA)

A continuous instrumental or vocal performance of at least 8 minutes. Performance can be solo and/or ensemble. To access higher marks, performance standard should be at least grade 7.

Component 2: Composing - 30% (NEA)

Two compositions: one ‘free’ or ‘free choice brief’ composition at least 4 minutes long; one ‘brief assessing technique’ for which most students submit two harmony exercises in the style of Bach.

Component 3: Appraising - 40% (exam)

Six Areas of Study are each studied via 2 or 3 set works: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Music for Film, Popular Music and Jazz, Fusions, and New Directions. A 2-hour exam includes two essay questions and 3 score-based listening questions focussed largely on these set works.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

Edexcel A level Music is externally assessed for all 3 components, and consists of one written paper, two non-examined assessments (NEA) and a solo recital. See full details online at www.edexcel.com/alevelmusic16

Entry requirements

It is expected that candidates will have taken music GCSE, however other candidates will be considered if they are known to the department as strong practical musicians.

Your next steps...

A Level music is a demanding but rewarding qualification that will stretch all musicians to develop their understanding of a broad range of musical styles. It can lead to further study at university or conservatoire level on a broad range of

courses, practical and/or academic. Universities value music A level as a qualification that demonstrates significant practical and analytical skill.

For more courses like this, check our courses page.