Course details

AS level

Unit 1—(Performing Music) gives students the opportunity to perform as a soloist or as part of an ensemble. Students can choose music in any style. Any instrument(s) or voice is acceptable as part of a five-six minute assessed performance.

Unit 2 - (Composing) encourages students to develop their composition skills leading to the creation of a three-minute piece in response to a chosen brief Students also write a CD sleeve note to describe aspects of their final composition and explain how other pieces of music have influenced it.

Unit 3 - (Developing Musical Understanding) focuses on listening to familiar music and understanding how it works. Set works from an anthology provide the focus for the first two sections, through listening and studying scores.

In the third section, students use a score to identify harmonic and tonal features and then apply this knowledge in the completion of a short and simple harmony exercise.

A2 level

Unit 4 (Extended Performance) gives students opportunities to extend their performance skills as soloists and / or as part of an ensemble, students can choose music in any style. Any instrument(s) and / or voice(s) are acceptable as part of a 12-15 minute assessed performance of a balanced programme of music.

Unit 5 (Composition and technical Study) has two sections: composition and technical study. The composition section further develops students’ composition skills, leading to the creation of a final three minute piece in response to a chosen brief. The technical study section builds on the knowledge and awareness of harmony gained in Unit 3. Students must complete two tasks in this unit choosing from either one composition and one technical study, two compositions or two technical studies.

BTEC Courses

The BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Music is taught as a 3-year course.

BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Music—Two core units:

  • Planning and Creating a Music Product
  • Working in the Music industry
  • Professional Development in the Music Industry

Select three specialist units:

  • Solo Musical Performance
  • Exploring Musical Composition
  • Developing as a Musical Performer
  • Working as a Musical Ensemble
  • Introducing DJ Technology
  • Rehearsal Techniques for Musicians
  • Producing a Musical Recording
  • Understanding Music
  • Exploring Computer Systems Used by Musicians
  • Exploring Musical Improvisation
  • The Musical World
  • Exploring an Area of Music

For the BTEC First Diploma students must complete three core units and three specialist units from the list provided for a combined total of 360 guided learning hours (GLH) to complete the qualification.

What could I go on to do after the course?

The A level in Music can lead to further study in Music, Humanities or Performing Arts in Higher Education or at Degree or HND level. Studying Music could lead to a career in the music industry, but it can also be used to broaden your knowledge of Western culture and to develop valuable communication and creative skills for a wide range of careers.