Content and Assessment overview

The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Music is 100% externally assessed, and consists of one written paper and two non-examined assessment components. Students must submit their non-examined assessment (NEA) and complete the exam in May/June in the year of certification. 

Component 1: Performing (*Component code: 9MU0/01) 

Content overview 

 Approaches to performing 

Assessment overview 

A public performance of one or more pieces, performed as a recital. 

Performance can be playing or singing solo, in an ensemble, improvising, or realising music using music technology. 

The total performance time across all pieces must be a minimum of eight minutes. 

Performances must be recorded after 1 March in the year of certification and all materials for assessment submitted to arrive by 15 May in the year of certification. 

Non-examined assessment: externally assessed 

30% of the qualification 

60 marks 

Component 2: Composing (*Component code: 9MU0/02) 

Content overview 

Approaches to composing 

Assessment overview 

Total of two compositions, one to a brief set by Pearson and one either free composition or also to a brief. 

One composition must be from either a list of briefs related to the areas of study, or a free composition, carrying 40 marks for this component. This composition must be at least four minutes in duration. 

One composition must be from a list of briefs assessing compositional technique, carrying 20 marks for this component. This composition must be at least one minute in duration, unless the brief specifies a longer minimum duration. 

Total time across both submissions must be a minimum of six minutes. 

Non-examined assessment: externally assessed 

30% of the qualification  

60 marks 

Component 3: Appraising (*Component code: 9MU0/03)  

Content overview 

Knowledge and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language. 

Application of knowledge through the context of six areas of study, each with two set works, with the exception of Popular Music and Jazz, which has three set works. 

o Vocal Music,  

o Instrumental Music,  

o Music for Film,  

o Popular Music and Jazz, 

o Fusions,  

o New Directions, 

o Application of knowledge to unfamiliar works. 

Assessment overview 

One written paper of 2 hours 10 minutes, with a total of 100 marks. 

Audio files with the extracts to accompany questions on the paper will be provided to each student. 

This paper comprises two sections: A and B. 

Section A: Areas of study and dictation (50 marks) 

Three questions related to the set works (audio and skeleton score provided). 

One short melody/rhythm completion exercise. 

Section B: Extended written response 

Two essay questions – essay one (20 marks) and essay two (30 marks) 

Essay one asks students to draw links from their study of the set works to the music heard as an unfamiliar extract. 

Essay two gives a choice of four questions that ask students to evaluate the musical elements, context and language of one set work. Each option will be from a different area of study. 

Written examination: 2 hours 10 minutes 

40% of the qualification 

100 marks 

Stephen Delves - Head of Senior Music and Head of Instrumental Studies.