Music – Edexcel – AS 8MU01
Music – Edexcel – A2 9MU01
Course Outline
Following this course will enable students to extend their skills, knowledge and understanding of
music and to take part in making music. In addition students' appreciation of the diverse and
dynamic heritage of music, promoting spiritual and cultural development will be explored.
Course Details
AS - Music
Unit 3:
Developing Musical Understanding
1 hour 45 minute written examination
(40% AS, 20% A2 Level)
A2 - Music
Unit 6:
Further Musical Understanding
2 hours 15 minutes written examination
(20% of total A Level)
Unit 2:
Composing
Externally Assessed Coursework
(30% of AS, 15% of A1 Level)
Unit 5:
Composing: Composition & Technical Study
Externally Assessed Coursework
(15% of total A Level)
Unit 1:
Performing
5-6 minutes Internally Assessed
(50% AS, 25% A2 Level)
Unit 4:
Extended Performance
15 minutes Internally Assessed
(15% of total A Level)
Assessment Criteria
The Assessment Objectives are common to AS and A Level.
AO1 – Interpret musical ideas with technical and expressive control and a sense of style and
awareness of occasion and/or ensemble (performing/realising).
AO2 – Create and develop musical ideas with technical control and expressive understanding
making creative use of musical devices, conventions and resources (composing/arranging).
AO3 – Demonstrate understanding of and comment perceptively on, the structural, expressive and
contextual aspects of music (appraising).
Course requirement and progression
It is recommended that candidates should have acquired the skills and knowledge associated with a
GCSE Music course or equivalent at a Grade C and above. Consideration will be given to students
who have studied music outside of GCSEs on an individual basis.