WJEC Eduqas A Level Music specification (A660)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas A Level Music exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC Eduqas A Level Music specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official WJEC Eduqas A Level Music (A660) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official WJEC Eduqas specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Eduqas A Level Music qualification encourages students to engage critically and creatively with a wide variety of music from different genres and time periods. It provides a balanced focus on performing, composing, and appraising music, supporting both creative expression and academic analysis. Learners develop their understanding of musical forms, styles, and conventions, while acquiring skills in independent study, interpretation, and communication. This qualification is suitable for students pursuing music-related higher education or careers in the arts, education, or the wider creative industries:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Performing
- Minimum of three pieces performed live (solo and/or ensemble)
- One piece must demonstrate technical demand (grade 6 or above)
- Total performance duration: 6–8 minutes
- Can include any instrument or voice, in any style
- Must include a score or lead sheet and a recording
- Marked on fluency, accuracy, interpretation, expression and technique
Component 2: Composing
- Two compositions:
- One in response to a brief set by WJEC
- One free composition
- Total composition duration: 4–6 minutes
- Must include:
- Recording of both pieces (live or computer-generated)
- Notated score, lead sheet or annotation
- Assessed on musical coherence, technique, creativity and stylistic understanding
Component 3: Appraising
- Study of three areas:
- Area A: The Western Classical Tradition (compulsory)
- Area B: Rock and Pop, or Area C: Musical Theatre, or Area D: Jazz
- Area E: Into the Twentieth Century (compulsory)
- Set works include works by Haydn, Mendelssohn, Debussy, Poulenc and more
- Develops listening, analysis and contextual understanding of musical styles, conventions and structures:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Component 1: Performing
- Non-exam assessment; externally assessed
- 35% of A Level; 70 marks
- 6–8 minutes of recorded performance (solo/ensemble)
- Submitted with score/lead sheet
- Marked for accuracy, interpretation, technique and communication
Component 2: Composing
- Non-exam assessment; externally assessed
- 25% of A Level; 50 marks
- Two pieces: one set brief and one free composition
- 4–6 minutes total; score or detailed annotation required
- Assessed for structure, creativity and stylistic control
Component 3: Appraising
- Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes
- 40% of A Level; 100 marks
- Includes listening, analysis and extended writing
- Sections:
- Section A: Set work analysis and unfamiliar listening (Area A and Area E)
- Section B: Extended response comparing set and unfamiliar works (Area A)
- Section C: One essay on Area B, C or D (choice given in exam)
Assessment combines theoretical understanding with practical application:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas A Level Music isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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