Our Courses

Is this course right for me?

A-Level Music is perfect for students who are passionate about performing, whether through singing or playing an instrument. Ideally, you should be working towards at least Grade 5 standard, though you don’t need to have taken the exam officially. Some experience in composing or creating music is also helpful, whether that’s writing songs, experimenting with music software, or improvising.

To thrive on this course, you’ll need an open mind and a genuine enjoyment of listening to a wide range of music, from classical and jazz to pop, musicals, and film scores. A solid grasp of music theory, such as notation, keys, chords, and rhythms, is recommended (around Grade 5 Theory level), though you’ll develop these skills further as you progress. You should also be ready to analyse and write about music using musical terminology and short essay-style responses in exams. Finally, an interest in using music technology—such as Sibelius, Logic, or other digital audio workstations—will give you a real advantage when composing.

Why study this with us?

Studying Music at the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College offers a wealth of exciting opportunities. You’ll regularly perform in front of your peers, staff, and wider audiences, helping you build confidence as a live musician. Concerts, competitions, and college showcases provide the chance to share your skills, while ensembles such as choirs and pit bands give you valuable collaborative experience.

Beyond the classroom, you’ll take part in enrichment activities and trips to see concerts, musicals, and theatre performances, as well as visits to recording studios and music industry venues. Workshops with professional artists and composers give you first-hand insight into life in the music world, while guest speakers—including producers, performers, and composers—share their expertise and advice. Our strong links with employers and music companies also open up opportunities for placements and internships in studios, venues, and festivals, allowing you to gain hands-on industry experience.

Where can this course take me?

A-Level Music provides a strong foundation for higher education and future careers in the arts. Many students progress to degrees in Music Performance, Composition, Music Production, Music Education, Music Therapy, or Music Business, as well as related creative fields such as Performing Arts or Media. It also develops transferable skills such as creativity, analysis, and communication, which are valued in a wide range of university courses beyond music.

For those who prefer a more vocational path, the qualification can lead to apprenticeships in areas such as sound engineering, production, event management, creative media, or even instrument making and repair.

In terms of careers, A-Level Music equips you for roles both on and off the stage. Some students pursue performance as soloists, ensemble members, or session musicians, while others follow creative paths as composers, songwriters, or producers. Opportunities also exist in sound engineering, teaching, therapy, arts administration, journalism, and event management. Whatever your chosen direction, this course gives you the skills, experience, and confidence to take your passion for music to the next level.