Paper 3 of A-Level Business challenges students to apply their knowledge across the entire syllabus to a real-world context. This year’s focus is the music industry, specifically recording, distribution, and live performances. Success in this paper requires understanding how businesses navigate trends like streaming, ticketing, and managing intellectual property in a competitive market.
Key Topics to Revise
Themes 1 and 2 (Year 1 Content)
- Marketing: Branding and promotion of artists, albums, and live events.
- Distribution: The role of streaming platforms, physical sales, and ticketing systems.
- Motivation and Leadership: Managing creative teams and freelancers in the music sector.
Themes 3 and 4 (Year 2 Content)
- Strategic Decision-Making: SWOT, PESTLE, and Ansoff Matrix applied to music businesses.
- Global Business: Challenges of international tours, copyright law, and cultural diversity.
Quantitative Skills
- Evaluating revenue streams from streaming services, ticket sales, and merchandise.
- Investment appraisal for new music ventures or live events.
How to Prepare
- Research the Industry: Study trends like the dominance of streaming, dynamic ticket pricing, and challenges from piracy.
- Apply Theories: Link core concepts (e.g., pricing strategies, leadership) to examples from the music industry. Use case studies like these https://phillipsresources.co.uk/products/5x-music-recording-case-studies-2025-paper-3-edexcel-a-level-business
- Practice Papers: Use past Paper 3 questions to develop strong analytical and evaluative skills. You can also use predicted papers (just make sure they're trusted) ours are: https://phillipsresources.co.uk/products/predicted-paper-3-2025-a-level-business-edexcel
- Stay Updated: Incorporate real-world developments into your answers, such as innovative business models or major industry shifts.
This year’s music industry context provides a fascinating opportunity to explore a dynamic, real-world sector. With focused preparation, you can hit all the right notes and excel in your exam.
Here's our full revision bundle that will set you up for a top grade in paper 3 in 2025: