Cambridge A-Level Music
Cambridge International A Level Music combines listening and analysis of set works, composition, and performance across Western and world music traditions.
Difficulty
Challenging
Popularity
42%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May/June & October/November, annually
Listening exam + coursework
A* A B C D E grades
E = minimum pass | A/A* for top universities
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — Listening (AS) | 2 hours | Set works + unprepared | 30% |
| Coursework — Performing (AS) | Coursework | Recital | 20% |
| Coursework — Composing (A Level) | Coursework | 2 compositions | 25% |
| Paper 4 — Advanced Listening (A Level) | 2 hours | Analysis + essay | 25% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Demanding
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
Learn formal analysis vocabulary (composition, form, tone, texture) and use it when discussing any work.
- 2
Seek critique early and often — feedback loops matter more than hours spent working alone.
- 3
Document your creative process as you go — most art assessments reward development and experimentation, not just final pieces.
- 4
Work through Cambridge past papers and mark schemes — examiner wording is consistent year to year.
- 5
Read examiner reports: they tell you exactly which mistakes cost students marks last session.
Past Exam Questions
Define Listening & Analysis using appropriate critical vocabulary and give an example that illustrates it.
Analyse a work relating to Set Works, commenting on technique, composition, and cultural or historical context.
Develop and document your own creative response to Harmony, explaining your intentions, process, and the decisions behind your final outcome.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Poor pacing on long-form coursework and portfolios.
- ✕
Leaving process documentation until the end instead of recording as you work.
- ✕
Playing it safe — assessors reward experimentation and risk-taking with media.
Official Resources
Free, official study material for Cambridge A-Level Music — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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