Hello. In addition to working within schools as a peri, I also tutor A level candidates in extra lessons. Normally the school enters them as they are still having music lessons within the school but this year I am tutoring a pupil whose school does not offer AS music.
Please can anyone advise me about entering a candidate externally and all that entails?

Many thanks.

This is a tricky one - from experience as a home-educating mother who has entered children for GCSEs.
You have to find a friendly school who are willing to take the candidate and who have staff who are willing to moderate their course work. As you work as a peri, do you have a head of music at one of your schools who may be willing to speak to the school's examination officer? Costs for the exam and administration have to be paid by the pupil. The exam board may offer advice, but have you checked with them that they are willing to take external entries for music? Not all subjects are allowed, depending on the board. Another option may be to find a adult education course in AS music and see if they are willing to tag on your entry.

Good luck - I have made many 'phone calls trying to sort this sort of thing out!!

Hi, everyone! I've been reading the forum with great interest and enjoyment for many months, but this is my first posting!

Vikki - my daughter took AS music as a private candidate this summer so we've just been through it!

The only exam board which will allow you to sit music as a private candidate is WJEC (Welsh Joint Education Committee). (Edexcel won't as they rely a lot on teacher assessment)
If you go to their website you will find their syllabus which is quite different to Edexcel - they also don't publish any study guides so you are a bit on your own - but you can buy past papers to give you an idea of the sort of questions asked.
You will need to find a school or college where they are doing Music using WJEC - there are a few schools in England who do - we found one just outside London. Go to 'Advice for Private candidates' on the WJEC website - there are some phone numbers; ring them and they will give you a list of schools in your area.The schools aren't obliged to let you sit it there - some will and some won't. Some will also charge you an extra 'administration fee' which can basically be what they like - our school was very nice and didn't charge anything!
you also need to check whether the music teacher will mark the coursework essay - there's a choice of 3 subjects so they might want you to choose the same as their pupils.

Good luck!