Course Overview
If you have a keen interest in music or are looking to pursue a career in music, A Level Music teaches students to develop performance and composition skills and to further develop knowledge of a variety of music including classical, film, jazz and popular music. The course is designed to extend the skills of performing, composing and listening. Throughout the course students also develop skills in the handling of music technology.
This A-Level is awarded by AQA.
The course is aimed at those who have previously attained some knowledge in music or aspects relating to it, through either a GCSE qualification or equivalent. Students may have also acquired suitable experience through less formal means as a performer or as an attentive listener.
Course Structure:
-Year 1
Performing (30%)
Students have to perform a 6-8 minute recital made up of playing or singing solo, in an ensemble, improvising, or realising music using music technology.
Composition (30%)
Students will demonstrate their ability to create and develop musical ideas with technical control and expressive understanding, making creative use of musical devices, conventions and resources by creating two compositions. One will be set to a brief and one will be a free composition.
Listening Exam - 90 mins (40%)
This will be based on both familiar and unfamiliar music. Students will study 12 set works within the following 6 areas of study:
- Vocal Music
- Instrumental Music
- Music for Film
- Popular Music and Jazz
- Fusions
- New Directions
The exam structure is as follows:
Section A: Areas of study and dictation (45 marks)
Three questions related to the set works (audio and skeleton score provided)
One short melody/rhythm completion exercise
Section B: Extended response
Two essay questions - essay one (15 marks) and essay two (20 marks)
Essay one asks students to draw links from their study of the set works to the music heard as an unfamiliar extract
Essay 2 gives a choice of three 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
The second year follows a similar pattern to the first year, including performing, composing and a listening exam based on general listening skills, the six areas of study, the set works studied in the first year and an additional six pieces of music.
The course can be taken in the following ways:
- Within KC Sixth with another two, possibly three A-Levels, tutorial and optional EPQ and Core maths
- As an 'add on' to a Full Time Level 3 Study Programme at the College, for example alongside a BTEC Extended Diploma
- As a stand-alone part-time course
If you would like to study a full-time programme of A-levels, please complete a full-time application form.
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English Language and Maths.
All applicants will require an audition with an instrument or instruments of your choice.
You should also ideally have a grade 5 or above in Music Theory; applicants without these qualifications can still apply, providing they can demonstrate relevant experience and commitment to the study of music at interview.
Adult Learners:
Our A-Level courses are designed to be part of our sixth form, 'KC Sixth', and studied full-time (3-4 subjects). They have 3 classes on different days across each week & are run over two academic years with a tutorial provision alongside them. If you want to study A-Levels part-time (1-2 subjects), please email hello@kendal.ac.uk, and Student Services will contact you to discuss this further. Alternatively, we offer a fast-track route to Higher Education via our Access to HE courses, which are specifically designed for adult students.
After Your Course
An A level Music qualification can enable you to progress to Higher Education either through the College's HND/HND or through direct application to external HNC/D and BA Degree courses.
The qualification also provides a platform to progress into the music industry in a number of different ways; there are great benefits to having the practical and theoretical skills and knowledge in Music within the production, marketing and performance routes of a music led career path.
Fees
£2225.00
The fee displayed is the course fee. Course fees are per year for full-time courses and per course for part-time courses.
Other costs may be associated with this course, e.g., kit, equipment, books, trips, etc. Financial support may be available to support you with these. See the Student Money pages for more information.
Courses fees
The current full-time & degree-level fee information is related to the 2024/25 academic year.
Level 3-6 Courses
Advanced Learning Loans are available for students aged 19 or over and studying eligible level 3, 4, 5 & 6 courses. If you are on an Access course, the loan will be written off if you complete a degree.
You may qualify for financial support to cover the cost of a Level 3 qualification if you do not already have a Level 3 qualification (this will depend on the course & your age on 31/08/24).
Please speak to Student Services for more information on course fees.
A-Levels
The fees displayed are for the one-year AS-Level course. If you would like to progress onto the full A-Level, please get in touch with us for the cost of the second year, as it will be different.
16-18 year olds
There are no course fees if you were aged 16-18 on 31/08/24 and are not studying at another institution.
