Music GCSE &

A Levels

Music GCSE and A Level Classes

The course requirements for both the Music GCSE and Music A level qualifications are vast covering elements for performance, history, Analysis to composing.

As such, school classroom lessons are often short of time to cover it all in adequate detail. We have tailored our support classes to focus on each of the components needed, so you can feel confident you have what’s required to get the best grade.

We offer support for all exam boards, however, we have chosen Edexcel as the course we offer.

GSCE Music Course Requirements

The Exact Requirement for the courses will vary depending on the exam board you have chosen, but there are some of the details of how the exams are structured. See exam board website for more details.

  • Edexel

  • Educas

  • AQA

  • Minimum Duration: Typically, the minimum duration of the performance is between 1 and 4 minutes depending on the exam board.

    Difficulty Level: The performance is marked on a range of criteria such as accuracy, technique, interpretation, expression, and communication.
 the required level is equivalent to Grade 4 ABRSM.

    Number of pieces: Students are usually required to perform a minimum of two pieces, but the exact number may vary.

    Style and Genre: The pieces chosen for the performance can be in any style or genre, but the exam board may provide some guidance on suitable repertoire.

    Performance context: The performance can be recorded either in a formal performance setting such as a concert hall or in an informal setting such as a classroom or at home.

    Accompaniment: Students may perform with or without accompaniment, and they may choose to perform with a backing track or a live accompanist.

  • Duration: Typically, the composition must be between 1 and 4 minutes long depending on the exam board.

    Style and Genre: Students are free to choose their own style and genre, but the exam board may provide some guidance on suitable repertoire.

    Instrumentation: Students are free to choose any instrumentation for their composition, including electronic or digital instruments.

    Composition Techniques: Students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of basic composition techniques, such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and structure.

    Originality: The composition must be original and not a copy or arrangement of an existing piece of music.

    Recording: Students must provide a recording of their composition, which can be either a live recording or a synthesized recording using music


  • Students are required to study two areas of historical analysis. and then answer a set of questions about them.

  • Students will be assessed on their ability to listen critically and analytically to a range of music, demonstrating their understanding of musical elements, structures, and context.

Assessment Components

  • Minimum Duration: Typically, The minimum duration of the performance must be between 8 - 12 Minutes

    Difficulty Level: The performance is marked on a range of criteria such as accuracy, technique, interpretation, expression, and communication. the required level is equivalent to Grade 7 ABRSM

    Number of pieces: Students are usually required to perform a minimum of two pieces, but the exact number may vary.

    Style and Genre: The pieces chosen for the performance can be from one of the areas of study, but the exam board may provide some guidance on suitable repertoire.

    Performance context: The performance must be recorded either in a formal performance setting such as a concert hall or in an informal setting such as a classroom or at home. with a minimum audience of 2 people

    Accompaniment: Students may perform with or without accompaniment, and they may choose to perform with a backing track or a live accompanist.

    Score: A Score must be submitted with the recording.

  • Duration: Typically, the composition must be a total of 6 minutes long depending on the exam board.

    Style and Genre: 1 composition must be to a set brief decided by the exam board (20marks), the other can be a free choice picked from an area of study (40 marks)

    Instrumentation: Students are free to choose any instrumentation for their composition, including electronic or digital instruments.


    Composition Techniques: Students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of basic composition techniques, such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and structure.


    Originality: The composition must be original and not a copy or arrangement of an existing piece of music.


    Recording: Students must provide a recording of their composition, which can be either a live recording or a synthesized recording using music


    Key Dates: All assessment materials

    must be sent to the examiner to arrive by 15 May in the year of certification.

  • Exam Duration: The written exam will last 2 hours 1 minutes.

    Exam Structure: The Appraising section of the exam is split into two sections A and B.

    Section A: This section contains Three questions related to set works, with audio and skeleton scores provided. 1 short melody and rhythm completion exercise.

    Section B: This section contains Two extended response questions,

    • Essay 1: Drawing links from a set work to an unseen extract. (20 marks)

    • Essay 2: A choice of four questions drawing examples from one of the areas of study. (30 marks)

    Key Dates: Exams will take place in either May/June of the academic year.

Edexcel A Level Music Course Requirements

Key Information:

  • Composition: briefs will be released via the Pearson website on the 1st of September (free choice) and 1st of April (technical brief), Composition briefs must be submitted to arrive by 15 May in the year of certification.

  • Appraising & Dictation: Instrumental music, Music for Film, Vocal Music, Popular Music & Jazz, New Directions. Exams will take place in May/June of the Academic Year.

  • Performance: Performances must be recorded after March 1st, and be submitted to arrive by 15th May.