The course is aimed at those who have a serious interest in music and well-developed practical skills. It involves written, theory, and aural work, as well as composing and performing. The course includes the study of American Popular Song, and associated artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole, but is mainly focused on ‘classical’ music, covering composers as diverse as Bach, Berlioz, Beethoven, and Boulez. A Level of Music is highly demanding in the range of skills as well as the breadth of content and level of expertise it requires. 60% of the evaluation is coursework (composing and performing) with the remaining 40% being where aural perception, stylistic recognition, technical understanding, and historical development are tested. This includes short, technical answers, longer analytical responses, and full essay answers which give the opportunity for a fuller exploration of the repertoire you have studied. An ability to read both treble and bass clef fluently is essential for the study of scores. Grade 5 theory is an ideal preparation for this course.