Music study guides

A deep-dive guide to AQA A-Level Music Component 1, the appraising exam, covering the compulsory Western classical tradition 1650 to 1910 and the five optional areas of study, the exam structure, and how to analyse set works and unfamiliar extracts for top marks.

A deep-dive guide to AQA A-Level Music Component 2, the performance non-exam assessment, covering the minimum recital length, solo and ensemble playing, interpretation and expression, and how to prepare, rehearse and record a performance programme for top marks.

A deep-dive guide to AQA A-Level Music Component 3, the composition non-exam assessment, covering composing to a brief, the free composition, harmonic and contrapuntal techniques, orchestration and arrangement, and how the two compositions are assessed and submitted.

A deep-dive guide to the musical elements and theory needed for AQA A-Level Music appraising, covering harmony and tonality, melody and motif, rhythm metre and tempo, texture and structure, sonority and instrumentation, and reading and analysing scores.