A Level Music: Distance Learning
Course details
At Trinity Laban, we’re proud to offer a distinctive, high-quality A-Level Music course online via distance learning. Since 2009, we’ve supported students across the UK and beyond to study A-Level Music flexibly in a dynamic, conservatoire-standard environment.
The course combines weekly small-group lessons via video conferencing with one-to-one composition tutorials led by specialist composers. Students continue their performance development with their own instrumental or vocal teachers, nurturing essential performance skills, independent study, and deeper musical understanding.
Expert tutors – many of them experienced Heads of Music and examiners – guide students throughout the academic year. Twice a year, students are invited to join the Junior Trinity community at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, experiencing the unique atmosphere of a leading conservatoire while meeting peers and tutors in person.
Detailed Information
Our A-Level Music course, following the Edexcel Specification, is designed to develop students’ musical skills, understanding, and confidence across a wide range of musical styles – from classical repertoire and popular music to jazz and music for film.
The course is structured around three key components:
- Performance: developing and refining solo and ensemble performance skills.
- Composition: supporting students as they compose in various musical styles, developing their creativity and fluency.
- Musical analysis: deepening students’ appreciation of musical language, structure, and historical context through attentive listening and written critique.
We deliver our lessons online, using interactive materials, tutorials, and discussion forums, with students submitting work and receiving individualised feedback via a secure platform.
Distance Learning With Conservatoire Support
Choosing to study A-level music online through distance learning doesn’t mean studying alone. Trinity Laban’s distance learning programme ensures students are supported through every stage of their course, with access to experienced tutors, a dedicated course leader, and specialist resources.
Our lessons offer personalised attention, and our online learning environment allows students to learn in their own time, while still receiving regular lessons, assignments, and mock assessments.
Our success rate is outstanding. Distance-learning students typically achieve grades A or B, with 31% awarded an A* over the past three years. Since the introduction of the current specification, 96% of students have achieved A-C grades, and over the past decade, 83% have secured A*-B. Many of our students go on to study music at university or conservatoire level, with several gaining places at prestigious institutions including Oxford and Cambridge.
Entry Requirements
- Most students are aged 16-19 and studying alongside school, sixth form, or from home.
- International students are welcome.
- Students should be independent, self-motivated, and passionate about music.
- Knowledge of music theory up to Grade 5 level, above-average performance ability, and an interest in composition and a wide range of musical genres is expected at course start.
- While no formal qualifications are required, previous performing or composing experience is important.
- Most students have a minimum of four GCSEs, including English and Maths.
Entry requirements may vary by exam board.
Our A Level Music Online Teachers
Penny Davis
GCSE and A-Level Music Programme Manager
Dr Ian Morgan-Williams
A-Level Music Distance Learning Teacher
Sean Collins
A-Level Music, Distance-learning teacher
Alison Armstrong
A-Level Music Distance Learning Teacher
Dr Chris Maxim
A-Level Music Distance Learning Teacher
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This A Level Music Course for You?
Most students who join us are aged 16-19 and are also studying at school, sixth form, or from home. The course is equally suited to international students seeking the flexibility of distance learning and a high standard of conservatoire education.
To study A Level Music with us, students should be independent, self-motivated, and passionate about developing their musical skills. At the start of the course, we expect a good grasp of music theory, above-average performance ability, and a genuine interest in composition and a broad range of musical styles and genres.
While no formal qualifications are required, previous experience in performing or composing is important, and knowledge of music theory up to Grade 5 level is essential. Most students have a minimum of four GCSEs, including English and Maths.
International students and those unable to attend a local school are warmly welcomed.
How successful are students on the A Level Music course?
Our results are consistently excellent. Over the past three years, 96% of students secured A*-C grades, with 31% achieving an A* since the current specification began.
Where can studying A Level Music at Trinity Laban lead?
Our A Level Music course equips students with the skills needed for undergraduate study. With its emphasis on performance skills, composition, and musical analysis, this course ensures that students are well-prepared for auditions, university applications, or further study in music technology, composition, or performance.
Regular feedback and clear milestones help track progress, while workshops, masterclasses, and opportunities for performing ensure that students continually develop their abilities and understanding. Many students progress to music conservatoires, universities, or work within the music industry.
Music can readily complement and broaden programmes of study in the Arts, Humanities and Sciences. Music can be studied for single honours at university or at conservatoire, but students can also consider the many established joint honours courses with subjects such as English, History, Languages, Maths, Media Studies, Philosophy and Physics.
How often do students visit Trinity Laban in person?
Twice a year, distance-learning students are invited to join the Junior Trinity community in Greenwich for in-person sessions, giving them a chance to meet peers, work with tutors, and experience the conservatoire environment.
What Our Students Say
“I think the course is fantastic! The contact time may seem minimal on the surface, however it’s very high quality and concentrated and also quite personal which I like. You get a lesson plan at the start of every week with regular homework that is marked meticulously. The day at Trinity was great as you actually get to meet the people on the video calls. It’s action packed with a range of tutors. If you are considering this, you are most definitely in safe hands! Not a single lesson has been cancelled this academic year and the lessons are always engaging. It has exceeded my expectations.”
Distance Learning A-Level Music student
“The composition sessions are really interesting, and having never done any before, it was a really interesting experience to learn how it works. Overall I feel like I’ve learnt a lot while studying: it’s opened me up to all sorts of different music that I wouldn’t have sought out otherwise and has given me a better understanding of the music that I do listen to.”
Distance Learning A-Level Music student
“You guys were amazing, so supportive and the quality of lesson plans etc that you sent through was phenomenal.”
Distance Learning A-Level Music parent
“Thanks for your kind report and most of all thanks so much for giving me the chance to do the course, being so much older. I learnt so much and I am so glad I did it.”
Distance Learning A Level Music mature student