A level music

[Dallahaun]

I quite fancy doing an A level in music but am fifty three. I play reasonably but am not sure how one does it by oneself? Anyone ever done an A level by themselves? Do I need a teacher?

Don't have any answers but I'm interested too - maybe in retirement !

Yes, you need a teacher. IT is possible to do it online but the exam spec says that teachers have to certify certain things such as the performance and composition parts of the qualification. One of the compositions has to be carried out under 6 hours of controlled conditions for Edexel for example.

You need to be around Grade 7 standard by the time of the exam for Edexel althugh for AQA you can be a lower standard and still not lose too many marks. You can perform less difficult pieces for Edexel but you won't be able to access the full range of marks.

I’d definitely say you need an in-person tutor. Quite apart from any exam regulations, it’s awfully hard to stay motivated without any outside coaxing and challenge to push past the level you’re already comfortable at. And there are inevitably boring bits in any exam course - it’s a tutor’s job to push you through the parts you’d prefer to ignore.

I’m curious as to why an A’ Level? Are there not alternative courses and qualifications available that are more tailored to adults?

What are you hoping to do next? (I know people who’ve joined conservatoires for postgraduate degrees at your age …)

Is there a requirement for ensemble playing with fellow students? That would make it hard to do, other than in a group, at college.

Added in edit: oh not necessarily, how tempting;
https://oxbridgehomelearning.uk/course/a-level-music/?utm_medium=ppc&utm_source=adwords&utm_campaign=Category+-+All+[Dynamic]&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjw1t2pBhAFEiwA_-A-NKDXJxWQPlF4P3a8tAjzrhd-58f8uQkdq_f_anqH35GINoR5LVTlvBoCd8QQAvD_BwE

Yes, there is an ensemble performance reuirement.

Not sure if this one is open to mature students

https://www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/study/music/junior-trinity/a-level-music-distance-learning-course/

I would look at a local further education college

I’m curious as to why an A’ Level? Are there not alternative courses and qualifications available that are more tailored to adults?

I'm also wondering this. It might be quite frustrating (and lonely) to spend time on a qualification whose target audience is teenagers preparing for university.

Another one wondering why A level - just being nosy not saying you're wrong to want to do it!

My daughter just did music A level and didn't really enjoy the theory and composition elements at all. She also found them really hard going so I wonder how you'd manage without a teacher for those bits?