Composition

Composition in AQA A-Level Music is a creative and technical component where you demonstrate your ability to craft original music. It accounts for 25% of your final grade (40 marks) and requires you to produce a single composition lasting at least 4 minutes, with a total time across both compositions (including the free composition) of at least 8 minutes. The composition must be in response to a brief set by AQA, which changes annually and is released on 1 September of the academic year. You can choose to compose in any style or genre, but your work must show clear structural coherence, harmonic understanding, and idiomatic writing for the chosen forces.

This component is not just about creativity; it's about applying theoretical knowledge from the 'Understanding Music' section. You need to demonstrate control of musical elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, and timbre. The composition is assessed on three criteria: technical control (15 marks), creative use of musical elements (15 marks), and response to the brief (10 marks). A strong composition will show a clear sense of direction, effective use of contrast, and a convincing conclusion. It's vital to plan your structure and develop your ideas logically, avoiding aimless wandering or over-repetition.

Composition also develops skills valuable beyond the exam: it trains your ear, improves your analytical abilities, and deepens your appreciation of how music is constructed. Many students find this component the most rewarding part of the course, as it allows personal expression within a structured framework. To succeed, you should regularly listen to a wide range of music, analyse scores, and experiment with different techniques. Start early, keep a sketchbook of ideas, and seek feedback from your teacher throughout the process.