Music

Course summary

OCR A-level music provides a creative and integrated approach to the three main elements of music: performing, composing and appraising. Pupils explore a wide variety of genres, styles and eras to help them develop their knowledge and skills of performance and composition. The course offers pupils the chance to play to their strengths with the 60 per cent total coursework element either being split 35 per cent to 25 per cent in favour of performing or composition. OCR’s bespoke approach to musical learning does not end with coursework. For the appraising component pupils are required to study two compulsory areas of study, Instrumental Music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven and Popular Song: Blues, Jazz, Swing and Big Band, alongside two others selected from a varied list. These choices allow the course to be further tailored to pupil interests and staff specialisms.