Studying Music

The A-level Music programme is very demanding and students taking this course should be well prepared, with an appropriate level of Music Theory knowledge.

You will cover the following major areas of musical expertise: 

• Performance 
• Composition 
• Musical Understanding
• Music Technology
• Listening and Analysing
• Producing. 

From Classical to Hip-Hop

Lessons are a mixture of theoretical understanding and active participation.  The course involves the study of all music from the 1400s to the present day and you are free to specialise in either Classical or Popular music (or both).   

Perform your own compositions

Every week there is a designated lesson for performance where you (and teachers!) can perform your own compositions, solo work or prepare ensemble pieces during the lesson. Listen to some of our students' compositions using the links at the bottom of this page!

Preparation for the Composition unit is a combination of learning and practicing established composition techniques as well as developing your own ideas.

Develop your understanding of music

During both the Music and Music Technology aspects of the course you be examined on the analysis of set works covering a wide range of time periods and genres. You will look at the development of musical techniques as well as the wider context – changes in society and culture and how these affect musical styles.

The first step in a musical career

The music pathway is very demanding and will test your musical abilities and musical comprehension to the maximum.  However, it does give a solid grounding in music and allows for lots of personal expression and creativity.  Lessons are fun as well as informative and use a wide variety of teaching styles to keep the you focused and involved.

Above all, a career in music starts with being passionate about music - and this is what we want to build on through the course.

Top 5 Universities for Classical music

1. Goldsmiths, University of London 
2. Royal Northern College of Music
3. Durham University
4. Nottingham University
5. Bristol University

Top 5 Universities for Popular music

1. Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) 
2. Salford University
3. Leeds College of Music
4. University of Hull
5. Southampton University