Both AS and the A2 part of the full A level consist of modules in the three main areas Performing, Composing and Historical studies. In the second year, for A2, they are more focused in their approach. The A level Music course is a varied and practical one well suited to those with some instrumental or vocal ability. The As level comprises 1)  Performing     Ability on an instrument or voice is developed leading to a final recital, which should demonstrate an ability to play in a variety of styles. An extra area chosen from one of the following options is also required:- playing on a second instrument, ensemble playing or playing pieces which the candidate composed especially for the instrument.

2)	Composition
		Exercises are undertaken and submitted to the examination board of harmony from the western tradition. There is also an option to work on a composition for 4 - 10 instruments, which should show understanding of the techniques relevant to each instrument, or an arrangement of a given melody with chord symbols taken from a lead-sheet.
3)	Introduction to Historical Topics
		Prescribed scores from late 18lh/early 191h century orchestral works and twentieth century jazz pieces are studied, along with the aural skills necessary to understand their structure. Assessment of this module is by a two-hour formal paper .
	A2 comprises
1)	Performing
		Detailed study is undertaken of a particular genre or style and culminates in a 12 -15 minute recital of pieces in this style. A project is also completed comparing 2 or 3 recordings of a particular work in order to understand the different approaches that can be made to performing.
2)	Composition
		Candidates produce a vocal work to a specific and detailed brief. Candidates also have the option to produce exercises from one of a variety of historical styles or to compose a piece of film music that follows a given storyboard.
3)	Historical and Analytical Studies
		Candidates develop the ability to apply their knowledge in analysing unfamiliar pieces of music. They also look at one of a choice of vocal styles, concentrating on the relationship between the harmony, words and music. Finally, candidates are expected to show that they can make connections between the various areas studied during the whole course