What does AQA A-Level Music Component 2 require?

Component 2, Performance, is non-exam assessment worth 35 percent of the A-level. You perform a recital of at least 10 minutes of solo and or ensemble music on any instrument or voice. It is marked by your teacher against AQA criteria, moderated by AQA, and recorded for submission. Marks reward accuracy, fluency, technical control and interpretation.

How long must the performance be?

The recital must total at least 10 minutes of performance. You can fill this with solo pieces, ensemble pieces, or a combination of both. Build the programme with contrasting repertoire that shows your range, and make sure the total comfortably exceeds the minimum before you record the assessed take.

What is the performance marked on?

Performances are marked for accuracy (correct notes and rhythms), fluency and continuity, technical control, and interpretation and expression (dynamics, phrasing, articulation, tempo, tone and stylistic awareness). Once notes are secure, the top mark bands are reached through convincing, communicative interpretation, so plan and rehearse your expressive choices.

Can I perform in an ensemble?

Yes. The recital can include solo performance, ensemble performance, or both. In ensemble playing, marks also reward listening and blending with the group, keeping together, and balancing your part within the texture. Choose ensemble repertoire where your contribution is clearly audible and assessable.

How should I prepare and record the recital?

Choose repertoire early, rehearse in stages (notes, then fluency, then interpretation, then full run-throughs), and perform to others before recording to manage nerves. Record in a quiet, acoustically suitable space, check levels and balance, capture the whole programme in clean takes, and submit with the documentation AQA requires.

EnglandMusic

AQA A-Level Music Component 2: the performance non-exam assessment

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.

Generated by Claude Opus 4.812 min read4.8Updated 2026-06-02

Reviewed by: AI editorial process; not yet individually human-reviewed

Jump to a section

What you have to do
The three study pages
How to score well
Browse the dot points
For the official specification

Component 2, Performance, is one of two non-exam assessment components in AQA A-Level Music (specification 7272). It is worth 35 percent of the A-level: a recorded recital of at least 10 minutes, marked by your teacher and moderated by AQA. This guide maps the requirements and how to prepare.

What you have to do

You perform a recital of at least 10 minutes of solo and or ensemble music on any instrument or voice. The performance is recorded and submitted as non-exam assessment. Marks reward:

Accuracy - correct pitches and rhythms.
Fluency and continuity - a secure pulse, no breakdowns.
Technical control - command of your instrument or voice.
Interpretation and expression - dynamics, phrasing, articulation, tempo, tone and stylistic awareness.

The three study pages

Solo and ensemble performance - the requirements, accuracy and fluency, and ensemble skills.
Interpretation and expression - how expressive shaping reaches the top mark bands.
Preparing a performance programme - choosing repertoire, rehearsal planning, nerves and recording.

How to score well

Choose repertoire you can play accurately and expressively, demanding enough to show your level.
Rehearse in stages and run the whole programme through, not just the hard bars.
Plan your interpretation so the recorded take sounds deliberate and musical.
Record carefully in a suitable space and submit the required documentation.

Browse the dot points

Each page has worked exam-style questions. Start with solo and ensemble performance or browse the full set at /a-level-aqa/music/syllabus.

For the official specification

AQA publishes the full specification (7272) and the non-exam assessment guidance at aqa.org.uk. Always check the current specification for the exact requirements and submission rules.

Sources & how we know this

AQA A-level Music (7272) specification — AQA (2016)