EXAM BOARD 

EDEXCEL 

STRUCTURE OF COURSE 

Component 1: Performing

Component 2: Composing

Component 3: Appraising 

ASSESSMENT 

Component 1: Performing 

An 8-12 minute recital to an audience in year 13 

Component 2: Composing 

One composition and one technical composition, completed over the course of the two years. 

Component 3: Appraising 

A two-hour listening and written exam at the end of year 13. 

All components are externally marked. 

CONTENT 

Component 1: Performing

Over the two years, you will perform a number of times both in lessons and at Recital Evenings to prepare you for a final recital in year 13 on your instrument(s) or as a singer.

Component 2: Composing

You will learn a range of composition skills through completing various ‘mini’ compositions over the two years, before completing one composition to be examined in year 13. You will also learn a variety of harmony techniques and skills to enable you to complete a ‘technical’ composition, such as a chorale in the style of Bach, or a baroque sonata movement in the style of Corelli.

Component 3: Appraising

You will study a wide range of set works over the two years, in classical, modern, pop, world music and film music styles. You will build your knowledge of music history over the course of the two years through wider listening and research.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS 

Music University Graduates enter a very wide range of jobs, with about 20% entering teaching, 20% entering management (including arts management), 20% entering finance, as well as other business and retail employment. 

POSSIBLE SUBJECT COMBINATIONS 

Music combines well with Mathematics or a Foreign Language but a wide variety of options is available.