A-Level

OCR A-Level Music Revision

Adaptive practice aligned to the Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations specification. 8 topics, exam-style questions, and instant AI feedback.

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About OCR A-Level Music

OCR provides GCSE and A-Level qualifications with a strong academic heritage. Their specifications are developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge and are widely adopted across England.

A-Level Music combines practical musicianship with academic study of music theory, analysis, and composition. You will develop your performance skills on your chosen instrument or voice, compose original music in a range of styles, and study set works in depth, analysing their structure, harmony, rhythm, texture, and historical context. The course demands both creative talent and intellectual rigour.

Topics in OCR A-Level Music

1 Appraising

2 Set Works

3 Composition

4 Performance

5 Music Theory

6 Harmony & Counterpoint

7 Music History

8 Analysis

Study Tips for OCR Music

Analyse set works by listening with the score in front of you, annotating key features: harmonic progressions, modulations, structural sections, use of instrumentation, and compositional techniques. Being able to identify and describe these features by ear is essential for the listening exam.

Practise aural skills daily — interval recognition, chord identification, cadence spotting, and rhythm dictation. These are perishable skills that improve with consistent short practice sessions rather than occasional long ones.

For composition, study the techniques and conventions of the style you are writing in. If composing a Baroque-style chorale, study Bach chorales. If composing a film score, analyse how professional composers create mood and narrative. Stylistic authenticity earns marks.

Maintain a regular practice routine for your performance component and perform in front of others as often as possible. Exam performance is assessed on communication and musicality as well as technical accuracy, and these improve with experience of performing under pressure.