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A Level Music

This course allows the student to gain an in-depth understanding of music as a profession and art form and to gain confidence in their performance. This course would be well suited for a creative individual who wants to study further at a conservatory or university.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

This course will develop your skill-set and all-round understanding of the world of music. You will learn music composition techniques from a professional composer, performance skills and music theory by studying classical, 20th century and Rock and Pop music. All of these aspects will ensure you have the relevant skills and knowledge you need to pursue your career aspirations. We are successful in getting students into several conservatoires including Guildhall, Royal Academy of Music, Leeds Conservatory, The Royal Welsh, Royal Birmingham, and Trinity Laban to study subjects such as Film Music Composition, Jazz Guitar, Composition and Performance.

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Start date: 08/09/2025

Course code
ALMUSIC25T
Level
Level 3
Location
Truro College
Duration
2 years
Qualification
A Level

TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

recital tuition

Practice rooms

Music academies

music conservatories application help

Music & Performing Arts 439

Support with Application

Our tutors can provide support with applications to conservat0ries and universities.

A student has headphones on and is playing a drum set with their hands.

Enjoy our Facilities

We have practice rooms and studios available for you to use, to ensure you get the most out of your College experience.

A close up of an electric guitar being played by an unknown person.

Enrichment

Our strong enrichment options include Jazz Band, Live Events, Music Technology, Rock Band, Music for Media, Vocals and Strings as well as Drama and Dance.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

You will learn the central aspects of music: Performance; Composition; Analysis. You will play to a high level (you must be a grade 5 player to start the course) and will progress quickly during your time on the course. In composition, you will grow to understand the mechanics of music, how it works in terms of harmony, structure and arranging, and you will be able to recognise and talk about different styles of music. Anyone taking this course must have the ability to read music as discussions about styles and compositional techniques will all be based on notation.

A brilliant aspect of the course is that you get to work with an accompanist in order that your recital is as polished as possible. This is something hardly any other colleges offer.

As a good musician you will need to be able to hear what is happening in music and we will spend a lot of time developing your ability to listen. By the end of the course you will be able to work out what notes and chords are being played. This of course means your composing will improve as you will be able to write down what you can hear in your head. Listening to a range of composers will give you inspiration about what you can compose, so the whole course is linked across theoretical and practical perspectives.

Taught by experienced musicians, the course is exactly right if you want to progress in music performing; film music composing; song writing or music education.

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WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?

This course can be combined successfully with most other A-level subjects. It is a suitable subject for progression to a BMus Degree or to a degree course in which Music forms part of a BA. It is very useful for those intending to teach and can lead to a career in the recording industry, arts administration and performing arts.

 

assessment arrangements

The assessment for this course is structured with 60% being practical coursework and the remaining 40% in exams.

entry requirements

To study this course you will need five GCSEs at Grade 5 and Grade 5 in an English or Humanities subject.

A Grade V in a Music Performance exam (or the ability to perform at the equivalent level) is also required. GCSE Music and/or BTEC level 2 Music are also relevant subjects to attain to progress onto this course.

information & support

For your first day of College, please bring along your instrument and some manuscript paper and a pencil. For extra information please email andrewharris@truro-penwith.ac.uk.

Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.

What you could earn

  • Musicians
  • Dancers and Choreographers
  • Actors, Entertainers and Presenters
Potential Salary

£50,364

Entry Level Salary

£14,159

Average Salary

£27,733

Annual openings in Cornwall

4

Potential Salary

£50,364

Entry Level Salary

£14,159

Average Salary

£27,733

Annual openings in Cornwall

1

Potential Salary

£50,364

Entry Level Salary

£14,159

Average Salary

£27,733

Annual openings in Cornwall

3

Truro College

Tel: 01872 305000
Email: enquiry@truro-penwith.ac.uk

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Penwith College

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STEM & Health Skills Centre

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Future Skills Institute

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College Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3XX
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