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Music GCSE

What will I study?

Please note that if you are in receipt of free vocal or instrumental lessons there is an expectation that you will take music as one of your GCSE options.

Over the two year GCSE course, you will study three main areas of music: performing, composing, listening and appraising. Listening work will cover all areas of music from different periods in history and from different cultures and countries.

Performing gives you the chance to become a better instrumentalist or singer and allows you to perform music of your choice, from classical music right through to the music you listen to at home. Composing starts in a structured way during the 1st year but then becomes open for you to compose your own music in the 2nd year and to use IT to produce a professional presentation of your work.

How Will I Study This Subject?

Apart from the listening work, which is done as a class, Music GCSE tries to encourage people to learn independently.

The lessons are divided up between the three areas of the subject with the majority of the time taken up by composing and listening. During practical lessons, which occur at least twice a fortnight, you will work in small groups and independently in various areas of the department so that you can hear yourself and ask for individual help when you need it.

You will be expected to attend, on a weekly basis, a 20 minute free instrumental or vocal lesson and also become a member of the various bands/ensembles. You are expected to practise regularly for the performing aspect of the course.

How Will I Earn Marks For My Final Grade?

60% of the subject is attained through performing and composing work.

By the end of the second year, you will need to have composed three pieces and performed every term, all of which are recorded. Performances for the GCSE are recorded privately but in the presence of music staff and you can have as many attempts as you wish to achieve the best result.

The final 40% is made up by the listening exam, where you will answer a range of questions requiring varied responses from multiple-choice questions through to longer answers. A range of musical styles from classical to dance, are studied. Reading music is not necessary to take music, but it does help and will give you a head start.

How Will This Subject Help Me In The Future?

Music is looked upon favourably by employers and academic institutions alike. To do well at Music shows that you have commitment, dedication and a disciplined approach.

In certain companies i.e. computer research, business and enterprise, music qualifications are positively looked for because employers know that musicians possess these qualities.

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