Music 9483

Choose your paper route

• AS Level onlyPaper 1 Listening · 2 hours · 100 marks · 60%; Component 2 Practical Music · 100 marks · 40%

  Both components are required in the same examination series for the AS-only route. Component 2 includes a 6–10 minute performance and two contrasting 1–2 minute compositions. Confirm the exact year, entries and centre instructions.

• A Level staged over two yearsYear 1: AS Paper 1 + Component 2 · Year 2: choose two of Components 3, 4 and 5

  AS marks may be carried forward subject to Cambridge rules and time limits. Component 3 is Extended Performance, Component 4 Extended Composition and Component 5 Investigating Music.

• A Level in one seriesPaper 1 Listening + Component 2 Practical Music + two of Components 3, 4 and 5

  Check the current syllabus, assessment option and centre's submission plan before selecting the two A Level components.

• Set works by exam year2025–2026 · 2027–2028 (plus syllabus update) · 2029–2030

  Set works change between versions. Use the exact syllabus and lawful recordings for the candidate's exam year. These lessons currently do not provide a complete set-work course.

Cambridge recommends prior study equivalent to IGCSE or O Level Music. Exams are available in June and November. Private candidates cannot enter for 9483; check administrative-zone timetables and entry availability with your Cambridge centre.

Practice the papers

• Compositional Techniques and Performance PracticePaper 1 · Section A · 6 lessons
  Turn careful listening into musical evidenceRead notation and connect score to soundExplain compositional techniques and their effectsAnalyse Baroque style, technique and performance practiceCompare performances and musical interpretationsAnswer Section A questions with score-linked detail

  Section A is compulsory and uses set works plus unprepared music. The current paper uses supplied score/recording materials as specified; text-based practice here cannot replace listening to recordings.

• Understanding MusicPaper 1 · Section B · 4 lessons
  Build a set-work analysis from score and recordingConnect musical style with historical and cultural contextWrite a focused music essay with evidence and judgementEvaluate music research sources and evidence

  Section B asks for an essay about one or more set works. Set works depend on the exact examination year; use the current Cambridge list and full recordings.

• Connecting MusicPaper 1 · Section C · 4 lessons
  Connect styles and traditions in a comparative essayConnect musical style with historical and cultural contextEvaluate music research sources and evidenceWrite a focused music essay with evidence and judgement

  Section C has no set works and expects connections across at least two styles or traditions from folk, pop, jazz and world music; candidates may also use Western classical music outside the set works.

• Performance and two contrasting compositionsComponent 2 · Practical Music · 5 lessons
  Plan and review a performance programmeDocument performance and rehearsal evidenceDevelop original composition ideasShape, notate and review a compositionReflect on musical decisions and revisions

  Both performance and composition are compulsory. Teacher-assessed and moderated; StudyForA offers planning and formative study only, not performance or coursework grading.

• Extended PerformanceComponent 3 · A Level option · 4 lessons
  Plan and review a performance programmeDocument performance and rehearsal evidencePlan an extended performance and research reportEvaluate music research sources and evidence

  15–20 minute performance and 1000–1500 word research report in the 2029–2030 syllabus. The assessed report and performance are the candidate's independent work.

• Extended CompositionComponent 4 · A Level option · 4 lessons
  Develop original composition ideasShape, notate and review a compositionPlan an extended composition and research reportEvaluate music research sources and evidence

  6–8 minute composition and 1000–1500 word research report in the 2029–2030 syllabus. The candidate must independently create and document assessed work.

• Investigating MusicComponent 5 · A Level option · 4 lessons
  Choose a focused question for Investigating MusicEvaluate music research sources and evidenceWrite a focused music essay with evidence and judgementReflect on musical decisions and revisions

  2500–3000 word essay and reflective statement up to 500 words in the 2029–2030 syllabus. The candidate independently chooses, researches and writes the assessment.