Music

Music Courses at Queen Ethelburga’s College – BTEC & A Level

Become a star with Music at Queen Ethelburga’s College, a leading independent school and sixth form near York. Whether you're passionate about performance, composition, or music production, QE’s Sixth Form offers an inspiring environment to study Music at BTEC and A Level.

From joining rock bands to singing in the chamber choir, you’ll have countless opportunities to practise, perform, and progress in your musical journey. Our music courses are ideal for students who have completed graded instrumental or vocal awards and are ready to take their talent to the next level.

Launch Your Music Career at QE College

Many of our students who studied A Level Music or BTEC Music have gone on to pursue further education in Music, Music Production, or Music & Sound Production at prestigious universities such as:


Student singing at Speech Day.

Study Music as a BTEC or A Level at Queen Ethelburga’s College.
ISA Young Musician of the Year

In 2023, three QE students achieved outstanding results at the ISA Young Musician of the Year competition, securing First Place, Second Place, and a Judges’ Award.

The finalists had an unforgettable day at Warwick Arts Centre, where they performed on stage and experienced the joy of sharing music with talented peers from across the UK.

BTEC Music Courses Near York

BTEC Music Level 3 National Foundation and Extended Diplomas – Pearson

Designed for Sixth Form students, this advanced course concentrates on developing musical performance and applying it to the music industry.

Foundation Diploma Topics:
  • Music Skills Development
  • The Music Industry
Extended Diploma Topics:
  • Personal Music Profile
  • Collaborative Music Project

A Level Music Course Near York

AS and A Level – EDUQAS

Our A Level Music course is a comprehensive programme combining theory and practice. You will explore different genres while developing performance and composition techniques.

Course areas include:
  • Performance: Solo and ensemble playing across various musical styles
  • Composition: Creating original music using established styles and techniques of other composers.
  • Appraisal: Listening and analysing genres such as Rock, Pop, Musical Theatre, and Jazz.

Student playing the violin at the carol service.

Beyond the Classroom: Enrichment Opportunities

At QE College, music is more than just a subject; it’s a community. When not in the classroom, you can benefit from:

  • Peripatetic lessons to practise a specific instrument and earn graded awards.
  • Access to the music block with a grand piano, numerous airy classrooms, a selection of music practice rooms, and even a sound recording studio!
  • Joining a variety of ensembles, such as a rock band, orchestra or a selection of choirs.
  • Numerous performance opportunities, including one of the many school productions, the school’s birthday, Speech Day or the Carol Concert.  

Feels Like Home – A Hit Single by Team QE

We released a music video with the help of number one UK music producers Billen Ted (Tom Hollings and Sam Brennan), best known for producing the UK’s 2024 Eurovision entry by Remember Monday.

Tom and Sam visited Queen Ethelburga’s College for two days to collaborate with a group of our students,  workshopping lyrics, developing melodies, and producing the final track.

Everything you hear in the song was created entirely by our talented students, from the melody and lyrics to the vocals, instrumentation, and even the song title and theme.

You may have heard the track on Capital FM, where it featured as part of our national advertising campaign.

Discover Music Excellence at QE

If you're looking for BTEC Music or A Level Music courses near York, Queen Ethelburga’s College offers expert tuition, world-class facilities, and endless opportunities to grow as a musician.

Ready to take the next step in your musical journey?
Contact our Admissions Team or arrange a visit to learn more.