Music - GCSE

What will I study in Music?

Performing: You can either perform on an instrument or sing, and will have the opportunity to take part in ensemble performances as well as performing solo. You will perform one solo and one ensemble piece of your choice with or without accompaniment lasting between two and four minutes which will be worth 30% of your GCSE.

Composition: In this unit you will learn the craft of composing. You will study music from the four topics to assist you in submitting two original compositions lasting between two and four minutes which will be worth another 30% of your GCSE. Compositions can be for solos and duets or for bands and orchestras depending on the candidates’ own strengths.

Listening & Understanding: Throughout the course you will be expected to develop and improve your listening skills so that you can recognise different sounds to critically analyse performances. You will answer questions related to music heard during the examination and then answer a essay based question on the set works which are contained within the GCSE Music Anthology. The written exam undertaken in June will compromise the final 40% of your GCSE.

How will I be assessed?

Performances and compositions are internally marked and moderated whilst a listening and analysing examination takes place in the summer.

Do I need to have studied Music before?

No, but some basic music theory and the ability to play at least one instrument are an advantage. Enthusiasm is a must.

Who will teach me?

Tony Gear is an experienced teacher of classical and popular music. He is a vocal coach and plays the piano, trombone, bass and acoustic guitar, and drums. Tony is the singer/songwriter for two bands which play and tour nationally.

Which subjects complement Music?

Music would have a good degree of relevance for those studying Theatre, Film or Media Studies, Mathematics and English Literature.

Which careers can Music lead to?

As well as careers as a performer, there are many relevant jobs in the creative arts industry such as performer, composer, journalist, copyist, archivist, promotional work and PR, orchestral management, etc. Teaching also plays a large part in most musicians’ lives.