The A Level specification builds on the skills developed in GCSE Music. Students will be encouraged to engage critically and creatively with a wide range of music and musical contexts. The specification allows the development of your own particular strengths and interests, encourages lifelong learning and provides access to higher education and university degree courses in music and music-related subjects as well as music-related and other careers. Students will extend their performance and composition skills whilst also developing their listening and analytical skills by studying a variety of pieces of music from three areas of study. The course has one compulsory area of study (Western classical tradition 1650–1910) and a choice of two further options from a list of six (Pop music; Music for media; Music for theatre; Jazz; Contemporary traditional music; Art music since 1910). The examination will ask questions related to the set works and also to draw links between the set works and an unfamiliar extract of music. A Level can lead directly to further study at university or conservatoire but is also studied by students looking to broaden their range of skills at A Level. Music has many applications and can lead to work in performing, teaching, recording, media and advertising, journalism, publishing, business and the armed forces. It is a fully recognised academic subject that combines practical and creative skills with analytical and critical work. It is highly regarded by universities, as it requires excellent personal and interpersonal skills, as well as demanding high levels of discipline, self-motivation and self-confidence in presenting oneself in a public situation.