Examinations

More information on the AS examination is included below:

Listening test 60 mins 18% of AS Level
9% of A2 Level 		January and Summer
Students must attempt:
  • three questions on unfamiliar music, drawn from approximately 1700 to the present day (but not including music from any of the Areas of Study);
  • one question on unfamiliar music related to the compulsory Area of Study (Music for Orchestra, 1700 to 1900); and
  • one question on one or more set extracts studied as part of the compulsory area of study.

 

Written examination

75 mins

18% of AS Level
9% of A Level

January and Summer

Students must attempt a series of short-answer questions and one essay question.

Short-Answer Questions

Students are given a short, printed score extract from one of the set works from the compulsory Area of Study (Music for Orchestra, 1700 to 1900). They must complete a number of short-answer questions relating to the score extract. Questions focus on characteristics of musical style, structural matters, resources used and musical devices.

Essay Question

Students must answer one essay question on one of the three optional areas of study:

  • Chamber Music, 1750 to 1830;

  • Music for Solo Piano, 1825 to 1890; or

  • The Musical, 1900 to Today.

For more detail on examinations, see the full specification.