Academic Music Exam Preparation

(GCSE, A-Level, University BA)

  • Does your teenager need extra guidance with their GCSE, A-Level or University exams?

  • Are they struggling with composition, performance or their appraisal exam preparation?

  • Do they need extra help with music theory to bring them to the right level to pass with flying colours?

Please get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss how we can help you.

GCSE Music

There are three components to Music GCSE.

Understanding music:

This part relates to understanding of musical elements, context and language. You will study various types of music from western classical tradition between 1650-1910, pop or Broadway, to traditional folk music, blues, and even film music. You'll also learn how to use the language of music theory to describe these types of music as well as spot the subtle changes in genres and periods based on musical patterns and features that represent these styles.

Three key skills are being covered in preparation for A level Music. Those are performing, composing, and listening and appraising. We will help students build on their knowledge of musical theory, gain a solid understanding of the basic principles of performance, refine their practical skills, study and practice composition, and expand their knowledge of music history through listening and appraisal.

Performing music:

In this area, you will learn how to apply your theory and understanding of music with your practical ability. You will learn how to tell a story with your performance and deliver it confidently to an audience. 

Students will be coached and evaluated on technical aspects such as: accuracy of pitch and rhythm, interpretation, confidence in playing, musical expression to ensure that the highest level/quality of performance is achieved.

A Level Music

Within these areas of study, A level Music gives you the opportunity to harness as well as develop your ability to use musical tools and conventions through composition, engage with and grow awareness and appreciation of musical diversity, and develop critical evaluation skills through appraising your own music and the music of others.

Composing music:

You will gain an understanding how to develop musical ideas; learn the characteristics of each of the orchestral and band instruments, as well as become confident in how to score music in different styles. You'll also compose music that is convincing and recognised as a particular genre. An important part of composition is understanding and knowing how to apply music theory when composing a piece of music,

Here are the following subtopics students will learn during their theory lessons: Melody, Harmony and Tonality, Structure, Tempo, Metre, and Rhythm, Dynamics and Articulation, Sonority, Texture and Notation.

Students will learn about a range of types of music, including vocal, instrumental, film music, pop, jazz, fusion. Students will be required to give a performance of usually eight to twelve minutes (around three pieces) in the final year of studies. Therefore, students will be coached and evaluated on technical aspects such as: accuracy of pitch and rhythm, interpretation, confidence in playing, musical expression to ensure that the highest level/quality of performance is achieved.

music aptitude test preparation

"It's amazing how much I have learnt for just half an hour a week! Because of this course I managed to pass both my grade exams and my GCSE music exam with flying colours! Definitely helps with revision and generally just learning about the music, if you're looking for a course, this one is it."

Josh Woolley, London

"The lessons with Ash have been very beneficial for preparing me for my university music production course. I did not have the option to study music technology for A Level, but my lessons with Ash equipped me with greater knowledge of sound, and by the end I had a solid portfolio to present to my university"

David Woolley, London

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