Entry Requirements

GCSE Music 4 or higher, Merit or above at BTEC Level 2, or Grade 5 standard in your instrument. Under exceptional circumstances, students with high levels of extra-curricular music performance experience will be considered for this course without formal music qualifications. You should also have practical experience of live performance. 

Exam Board: Pearson / Edexcel

Why Study Music?

Music is all around us. It influences our moods and emotions and stimulates us in many ways. It is a universal language central to cultures around the world. Recent neurological research has proven that studying an instrument is the only activity we do that engages every part of your brain. It develops your intelligence, your ability to solve problems and your emotional insight.

This course will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in music and express yourself as a performer and/or a composer. It will give you an insight into the varied employment opportunities in the music industry and practical experiences and performance opportunities to be proud of for the rest of your life.

The course can be adapted to your interests, abilities and aspirations both in what you study and in how you are assessed.

What Topics Will I Study?

There are three mandatory units in Ensemble Music Performance, Practical Music Theory and Harmony and Professional Practice in the Music Industry. You will then choose a fourth option from a range of practical units to suit your musical tastes and abilities. These include solo performance, composition, improvising music and music performance session skills. You will learn in a range of styles including practical lessons rehearsing, composing, forming bands and groups, trips to studios, events and concerts.

Recent performances have included performing at the Tower of London, New Wimbledon Theatre and Wimbledon Bookfest.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Two completed units are externally assessed (Ensemble Music Performance and Professional Practice in the Music Industry). The other two (Practical Music Theory and Harmony and the optional unit) are internally assessed at RR6 and graded Pass, Merit or Distinction. A variety of methods are used including presentations, recordings, written projects, set tasks, and performances. 

What Careers or Higher Education Follow from this Subject?

Musicians can go on to numerous careers within and beyond the world of music. The skills required to be a good musician (creativity, listening, perseverance, team skills) are sought by further and higher education courses and employers from all walks of life. 

This year, 75% of our Yr13 RR6 Music group are applying to study Music at a range of prestigious universities including Royal Holloway, Kings, Bristol, Sussex and Goldsmiths.

Other Opportunities Available Whilst Studying this Course

We are an award winning department. In 2017 we were awarded an ISM (Incorporated Society of Musicians) Bronze Certificate in recognition of our outstanding results in Music. In the same year, and for the third year running, one of our school rock bands won a national competition to perform at Wembley to 10,000 people, and one of our current RR6 students was a finalist in a national songwriting competition and performed at Dingwalls in Camden.

RR6 students will have full access to our Music ICT suite equipped with Logic Pro X, practice rooms and studio. We would encourage you to join or help lead one of our many ensembles/choirs and/or form your own band. We would highly recommend having instrumental or vocal lessons from one of our talented and dynamic peripatetic teachers. You will have the opportunity to take part in a number of performances in a range of venues giving you musical experiences you will remember for the rest of your life!