Specification: 601/7928/4
The PEARSON A-Level Music specification covers 4 topics with 0 learning objectives (601/7928/4). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
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4
Topics
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Objectives
31
Exam Tips
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Pitfalls
The Pearson Edexcel A Level Music course offers a balanced and engaging programme that develops performing, composing, and analytical skills. Students explore a wide range of musical styles, from Baroque concertos to cutting-edge popular music, through six Areas of Study: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Music for Film, Popular Music and Jazz, Fusions, and New Directions. Central to the specification is the study of set works, which form the basis for the appraising exam, alongside wider listening to build contextual understanding. This approach ensures students become versatile musicians, able to perform with confidence, compose creatively, and critically evaluate music from diverse traditions.
The specification is structured into three components: Performing, Composing, and Appraising. In the performing component, students present a solo and/or ensemble recital lasting at least eight minutes, showcasing their technical and expressive skills on their chosen instrument or voice. The composing component requires students to create two compositions—one in response to a brief and one free composition—totalling at least six minutes. Both coursework elements are internally assessed and externally moderated, providing a genuine reflection of students' practical abilities.
The Appraising component is assessed through a 2-hour written examination, which tests knowledge of the set works, musical elements, and wider listening across all Areas of Study. Questions range from short-answer listening tasks to extended essay responses, demanding detailed analysis and critical thinking. This combination of practical and theoretical assessment ensures that students not only develop as performers and composers but also become informed, perceptive listeners, ready for further study in music, music technology, or related fields.
The Pearson Edexcel A Level Music is assessed through three components: Performing (30% of the total qualification, 60 marks, non-examined assessment), Composing (30%, 60 marks, non-examined assessment), and Appraising (40%, 100 marks, written examination of 2 hours). The performing and composing components are internally assessed by teachers and externally moderated by Pearson, while the appraising exam is externally set and marked. The total qualification is out of 220 marks.
Interpret musical ideas through performing, with technical and expressive control and an understanding of style and context
Create and develop musical ideas with technical and expressive control and coherence
Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of music technology
Use analytical and appraising skills to make evaluative and critical judgements about the use of music technology
Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge
Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts
Develops sophisticated analytical arguments
Give a single fact or term
Name, select, or recognise
Set out main features briefly
Give an account of what something is like or what happens
Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains
State similarities AND differences (both required)
Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains
Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion
Make judgments about importance with justification
Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units
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