CCEA
Level 3
QN: 601/8496/6
Curriculum Active
CCEA Level 3 Advanced GCE in Music
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by CCEA. Classified as a GCE A Level. Total guided learning hours: 1620 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 3
Awarding Body
CCEA
Syllabus Units
6 Units
Guided Hours
1620 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
Composing
Composition 2 (Brief-based Composition)
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Compose a piece in response to a given brief
- Demonstrate understanding of the brief's stylistic and technical requirements
- Analyse the brief to identify key musical parameters, genre conventions, and compositional constraints
- Develop a coherent musical structure that fulfills the specified duration, forces, and formal expectations
- Employ appropriate compositional techniques to achieve stylistic authenticity and idiomatic writing
- Evaluate the effectiveness of compositional decisions in meeting the brief through reflective annotation or commentary
2
Composing
Composition 1 (Free Composition)
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Compose a piece of music in a style of the student's choice
- Demonstrate creative use of musical elements and structures
3
Listening and Appraising
Popular Music and Jazz
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse popular music and jazz from 1920 to present
- Discuss stylistic developments and key artists
4
Listening and Appraising
Western Classical Music 1600–1910
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify and analyse musical features from Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods
- Contextualise works within their historical and stylistic frameworks
5
Listening and Appraising
Twentieth Century Music
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse music from 1900–2000 including impressionism, expressionism, serialism, minimalism, and experimental music
- Discuss the impact of technology and changing aesthetics
6
Listening and Appraising
Irish Music
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the characteristic features of Irish dance music including jigs, reels, and hornpipes by their time signatures and rhythmic structures.
- Explain the role of ornamentation in traditional Irish instrumental and vocal performance.
- Analyse the differences between regional styles of Irish traditional music.
- Evaluate the significance of Irish traditional music in shaping and expressing cultural identity.
- Discuss the impact of key revivalist figures and groups on the preservation and evolution of Irish music.
7
Performing
Solo Performance
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Select and compile a contrasting programme of solo music that meets the prescribed time requirements and demonstrates a range of technical and expressive challenges.
- Perform with consistent technical accuracy, including intonation, rhythm, articulation, and tone production appropriate to the instrument/voice.
- Apply expressive devices such as dynamics, phrasing, and rubato to convey musical meaning and emotional intent.
- Interpret music from different stylistic periods or genres with an understanding of historical performance conventions.
- Maintain composure, focus, and stage presence throughout the entire performance, managing performance anxiety.
- Evaluate own performance critically, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in preparation for final assessment.
8
Performing
Ensemble Performance
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Perform as part of an ensemble for 5–8 minutes
- Demonstrate ensemble skills including balance, blend, and interaction
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 601/8496/6
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- CCEA
- Qualification Type
- GCE A Level
- Operational Start
- Sept 2016
- Operational End
- Aug 2029