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Is Music A-Levels difficult?

I'm planning on getting into A-Level Music because it's something I'm really interested in. The thing is, I haven't had any prior education before A-Levels (which means I've missed out on both GCSE and AS-Level Music). I've just started Year 13 and I've been sitting in on the music lessons but we haven't exactly discussed anything about the actual coursework.

I'm constantly hearing about different Grades of music and I'm not quite exactly sure what it means or where it comes from (but I'm aware that the higher the grade is the more difficult or rigorous the work - I think).

Would it be doable for me to finish 2-3 years worth of coursework in just about one academic year? Is it advisable? Please take into consideration that in my college, music is really the only other subject I can take because it's something that I am relatively passionate about.
Reply 1
Which exam board has been offered in your school? How confident are you in composition/performance/music theory? How many subject do you take/have you done for A2?

It is definitely possible to do a full A-level with A/A* in one year, just keep in mind that you will have double work load than other students-you need to take two: AS Music and A2 Music. I only recommend this to you if you want to study music as your major in university/conservatoire, but probably it is not your intention as you haven't started it earlier.

Music is recognised as one of the most difficult subject in Cambridge, as it examines 3 different areas: composition, performance, and music theory. Be prepared to spend 3-6 hours every day on music if you want a full A-level with A/A* in one year.
Reply 2
Which exam board has been offered in your school? How confident are you in composition/performance/music theory? How many subject do you take/have you done for A2?
It is definitely possible to do a full A-level with A/A* in one year, just keep in mind that you will have double work load than other students-you need to take two: AS Music and A2 Music. I only recommend this to you if you want to study music as your major in university/conservatoire, but probably it is not your intention as you haven't started it earlier.
Music is recognised as one of the most difficult subject in Cambridge, as it examines 3 different areas: composition, performance, and music theory. Be prepared to spend 3-6 hours every day on music if you want a full A-level with A/A* in one year.

I believe my school offers edexcel and CIA as the exam board. I've spoken to my music teacher and I've been informed about how difficult the music course is. He's informed me also about a more vocational route to music (such as doing the exams in Rock School Limited (RSL)) and I'm now more drawn into that rather than the A-Level.

Do you think it'd be possible for me to learn the electric guitar into Grade 6 in a year? I've read up on what each grade means and I believe I'm only up to Grade 1 or 2 (which is...not very good, I'm aware). I've read that having a Grade 6 or above skill in playing could get me UCAS points that would help me get into university. I'm hoping that getting into RSL is a viable option for me to look into for my future career.
(edited 3 months ago)
Reply 3
Please do take music A-Level seriously...

As far as I know, it is still one of the most convenient way to achieve something equivalent to Grade 8 theory and performance. Doing something like RSL may just waste your time if you have not done an A-Level as finally you will find out that lots of music degrees require more proper certifications. Additionally A-Level can force you to study some classical music which will benefit your whole music career.

Electric guitar is not a good choice to learn into Grade 6 in a year. Actually I think only 10% people can achieve it without pre-exquisite knowledge of classical guitar. If you want to choose it, you will need at least 500 hours practice. You need the Grade 6 qualification by January for UCAS as the qualification done after that will not be counted as UCAS points. While A-Level only requires certain length of performance with your own choice of pieces so you have the whole year to study for several pieces.

Just keep in mind that the conservatoires application deadline is in 5 weeks. Hope you find this helpful.

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