Music
Edexcel
The GCSE Music course provides a blend of practical and academic skills, and is a well-rounded, engaging introduction to academic musical qualifications. The course develops the key aspects of musicianship - performing, composing, listening and appraising – through four separate Areas of Study: Instrumental Music from 1700-1820, Vocal Music, Music for Stage and Screen, and Fusions. As part of the course, students will learn about a range of different styles of music, including in depth study of specific set works that exemplify the Areas of Study. These are wide ranging, and include traditional composers such as Bach and Beethoven, alongside more contemporary artists such as Queen, and John Williams.
Assessment is a mixture of examined and non-examined components.
UNIT 1 – Performing – 30% of the final mark
In addition to performing regularly throughout the course, students perform both as a soloist, and as part of an ensemble. Performances can take place on any instrument, including voice and contemporary instruments such as electric guitar. The ideal minimum standard at the time of the final performance is equivalent to Grade 5 (ABRSM, Rockschool or similar) on a student’s main instrument or voice.
UNIT 2 – Composing – 30% of the final mark
Students compose two compositions based on different Areas of Study, one in a ‘free style’ and the other to a brief set by the exam board. Composition is a taught skill throughout the course, and students will have many opportunities to explore ideas and concepts before completing their final portfolios.
UNIT 3 – Listening and Appraising – 40% of the final mark
This unit is a written exam, in which students answer a variety of questions based on the Areas of Study and the Set Works. This is a listening exam, and pupils will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in identifying, describing and explaining musical features.
Course requirements
There are no prerequisites in order to start GCSE Music, and students are not required to have taken any practical exams on an instrument, or in music theory. However, we recommend that a prospective GCSE Music student is performing at around Grade 3 level on their main instrument, and has a basic understanding of reading musical notation.
There will be ample opportunity to develop these skills during the course, and so we encourage anyone who is unsure of their current level to arrange a discussion with the Director of Music, who will be able to advise on the suitability of the course.
Assessment
The GCSE course is assessed in three units.
Unit 1 (Performing Music) is internally assessed and externally moderated; pupils perform one solo piece and one ensemble piece – both recorded (30% of overall marks).
Unit 2 (Composing Music) is internally assessed and externally moderated; pupils produce two compositions based on different areas of study, with a notated score or written commentary and a recording also provided (30% of overall mark).
Unit 3 is a 1 hour 45 minutes written paper (Listening and appraising) where pupils answer questions based on the set works they have studied. (40% of overall mark)
For further details about this course please contact Mr L Wynell-Mayow, Director of Music.