Music PearsonEdexcel A level

Applications Open: 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: 23rd March 2026

Entry Requirements: an overall GCSE points score of at least 50 (including grade 4 or higher in both Mathematics and English Language) is required to enrol. You also need to qualify for each of the subjects (minimum 3) you wish to take - a GCSE grade 6 or higher (7 or higher for Mathematics and Music) is required. See our prospectus for full details.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

“What kind of student is this course suitable for?

Anyone who has a keen interest in creating and listening to different styles of music and who wishes to broaden their experience and deepen their understanding of both live and recorded music. It is useful to have taken music at GCSE level, but this is not essential as long as you can already play a musical instrument to grade 5 standard, read notation and have a solid understanding of music theory.

In addition to music being a highly valued subject on any UCAS application, we are proud to say that a large percentage of our A level music students go onto study music at undergraduate and postgraduate level; our students have also entered careers in music ranging from composers to renowned performers, sound engineers and music therapists.

What will I learn on this A level course?

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 composition style tasks (notated using Sibelius or Logic Pro), of a combined duration of at least six minutes - one composition will be according to a brief set by Pearson or a free composition, and the other will be a technique task under controlled conditions from any of the following choices: Bach Chorale, Remix or Arrangement - 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 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.

Grade 7 in GCSE Music (or Grade 5 practical as a singer or instrumentalist and 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 50 points (simply add up all your GCSE grades) and achieving a Grade 4 or higher in both English Language and Mathematics.