We appreciate that students joining the school have all different levels of musical experience, so we have worked tirelessly to develop a curriculum that all students can access, whatever level they begin at. We also strongly believe that all students, no matter their musical background, can make improvements in their confidence to perform, their ability to create and make music, and their ability to talk and respond to Music through listening and appraising. Finally, we hope that Music at SGS makes a lasting impression on students so they can carry a passion and appreciation of Music into their adult lives.
Outside of the classroom, we have a range of extra-curricular groups including an Orchestra, a Jazz Orchestra, a range of choirs, a String group and a creative music club. These groups work on repertoire throughout the year and are showcased in termly performances. We also carry out a bi-annual Musical Production in collaboration with Sutton High School.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in trips and music workshops throughout their time at SGS. If students wish to learn an instrument outside of lessons, we have a range of peripatetic tutors who can provide lessons in piano, guitar, vocals, woodwind, strings, drum kit, composition and brass.
Instrumental Music Lessons Application Form
The Music department aims to
- To develop confidence and appreciation in performance
- To expand students’ creative capacity in Music Making
- To nurture an ability to discuss, analysis and appraise a broad range of Music in an articulate way.
Inclusion, Improvement, Impact.
No matter what your musical experience, students will be stretched, challenged and offered an opportunity to engage with the Music Curriculum.
Throughout the three year key stage, students will improve their singing; understanding of notation, ability to perform, use Music technology, work as a team, extend their vocabulary, and expand composing and appraising skills during your time at SGS.
Whether you study Music to year 9, or Year 13, we hope all students can carry an appreciation and understanding of music into their adult lives.
If pupils wish to learn an instrument a SGS, we have a range of experienced peripatetic teachers who deliver lessons in; piano, vocals, violin and viola, clarinet, flute, saxophone, drum kit and percussion, guitar, composition and brass lessons. Please visit the instrumental lesson session for further information.
Key stage three students also have access to Music workshops and Music trips to enhance their understanding and cultural appreciation of different musical styles. Year 7 students undertake 4 lessons a fortnight in Music, and three lessons a fortnight in year 8 and 9.
Specification – Pearson Edexcel – Music (1MU0)
Who this course is for
This course is ideal for students passionate about music, whether in performing, composing, or appraising. It suits those who enjoy a mix of creative and academic work, developing practical performance skills, composing techniques, and analytical abilities. This course is suitable for students who have achieved grades 9 to 7 in GCSE (or equivalent) Music.
What you will learn
A Level Music covers performing, composing, and appraising. You will study various musical styles, developing an understanding of the Western Classical Tradition and contemporary genres like Rock, Jazz, and 20th century Musical Theatre.
Key areas of study include:
- Performing: Solo and ensemble performances across different styles and genres, primarily related to the areas of study.
- Composing: Composing in response to a brief as well as free compositions.
- Appraising: Studying key works from the Western Classical Tradition, as well as relevant works from modern styles such as Rock, Jazz, and Twentieth-Century music.
How you will learn
You will participate in a combination of practical performances, compositional workshops, and theoretical analysis. The course includes regular opportunities for performance, and you will study a range of set works, learning how to analyze music from a technical and historical perspective.
What you will need to bring
Access to your instrument for performance practice and materials for composing and analysing music. A strong commitment to practice is essential. Contributions to the extra-curricular offer at SGS are welcomed and encouraged.
How you will be assessed
The course is assessed through three components:
- Component 1 (Performing – assessed by an external examiner):
- Option A: 10-12 minutes of performance (35% of qualification).
- Option B: 6-8 minutes of performance (25% of qualification).
- Component 2 (Composing – externally assessed by WJEC):
- Option A: Two compositions, 4-6 minutes (25% of qualification).
- Option B: Three compositions, 8-10 minutes (35% of qualification).
- Component 3 (Appraising):
- 2-hour 15-minute written/listening exam (40% of qualification).
- Students will study three areas of music, including the Western Classical Tradition and two additional areas such as Rock, Jazz, or Musical Theatre.
Where next
A Level Music is essential for studying Music at university and demonstrates skills like dedication, time management, and analytical thinking. These skills are invaluable in many academic and professional contexts, even beyond music. The top 75per cent of silicone valley CEOs studied music!
Specification – Eduqas – Music (601/8146/1)
Music can be enjoyed on whatever path you choose. Many students who take A level music go on to university to study Music, Music Technology or some combined music course. Every university has several orchestras, groups and choirs that you may wish to be part of. In the last four years, we have had successful Oxbridge applicants in Music. You may also wish to continue your musical pursuits alongside your future career and what you studied at A level will help you understand the music that you would be playing in any high standard orchestra or as part of solo work.
Students should note that the delivery of this course will be subject to review based on levels of student interest.
Overview of the specification
This specification is divided into three components.
Component 1: Performing – Options A or B
Non exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner.
Option A (35%) Total performance duration: 10–12 minutes
Option B (25%) Total performance duration: 6–8 minutes
Component 2: Composing – Options A or B
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by WJEC Eduqas.
Option A (25%) Total duration of compositions: 4 – 6 minutes
Option B (35%) Total duration of compositions: 8 – 10 minutes
Component 3: Appraising
Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes approximately 40% of qualification
The written examination focuses on three areas of study.
Area of study A
The Western Classical Tradition covering The Development of the Symphony,
1750 – 1900. Learners should choose one of the following set works for detailed analysis, and the other for general study:
- Symphony No.104 in D major, ‘London’ by Haydn
Or - Symphony No.4 in A major, ‘Italian’ by Mendelssohn
Area of Study B, C or D
- Area of study B: Rock and Pop (1960-2000)
- Area of study C: Musical Theatre (Rodgers, Bernstein, Sondheim Schonberg, Lloyd Webber and Schwartz)
- Area of study D: Jazz (1920-1960)
Area of study E
Into the 20th Century, which includes 2 set works –
- Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano, Movement II by Poulenc
- Three Nocturnes, Number 1 Nuages by Debussy
What if I don’t want to continue with Music after A Levels?
Music A level shows any employer or university that you are dedicated and committed because you have to be both these things in order to prepare for, rehearse and perform an instrumental recital. It also shows that you have effective time management when composing music within a set time frame and to a specific brief. Composition requires creative openness, which is a key interpersonal skill. Creativity is becoming increasingly desirable to employers. For those students who want to study Music at the university degree level, it is essential that you have a Music A level to do this. Above all, music is a great way to express yourself where words fail, it is a universal language that all cultures understand.
There is a breadth of soft skills that apply to learning music, learning a musical instrument, creating music or analysing Music including; problem solving, executive function, resilience, team working, team management, creativity, confidence, negotiation, innovation, time management, decision making and analytical thinking. Learning music ignites the brain and develops stronger pathways in the corpus collosum which in turn can develop and nourish the above skills mentioned, which are transferable to all manner of careers including data analysis, project management, leadership roles, jobs in communication to name a few. The two fundamental benefits of music of creativity and problem solving are crucial in developing and handling AI.
At Sutton Grammar School, our Music curriculum is built on the belief that every student, regardless of their prior experience, can grow in confidence, creativity, and musical understanding. We pride ourselves on offering an inclusive and ambitious programme that enables pupils to perform, compose, listen and appraise across a broad range of musical styles, while also engaging in our vibrant extra‑curricular life, including orchestras, choirs, jazz ensembles and collaborative productions. To support this vision, and in line with the Department for Education’s Music Development Plan guidance, we have created a dedicated Music Plan outlining how we nurture musical progression, widen access to high‑quality musical opportunities, and ensure that all students can develop a lifelong appreciation of music.