Music

MUSIC                                                                                  AQA             8271

Why study Music?

If you are passionate about music, enjoy performing music (either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble), creating your own music or using music technology, then this is an excellent subject to choose!  If you like writing music of your own, then the composition modules will give you the opportunity to explore this further.  If you wish to broaden your knowledge of different musical genres, including Classical, Popular, Jazz and World Music, then this exciting course will give you an appreciation and greater understanding of all these musical styles and more.  

The subject is extremely stimulating, giving you the chance to explore your individual passion for a specific style of music whilst working to your strengths and following your own musical interests.  Performance is expected to be around the grade 4 level by the end of the course, but you do not need to have taken graded exams to choose this course. If you are already working at that standard or higher, then you will be aiming for the highest grades in performance.  70% funding for instrumental lessons is available for Pupil Premium students taking GCSE Music.

For the vast majority of students, this course is essential if you intend to further your musical studies at A Level or embark on a university course in this wide subject genre. A number of  GCSE Music students have gone on to study the subject at university and music college. Equally, if you just want to take a creative subject at GCSE level to broaden your choices, then Music is a strong and sensible choice to make.  It complements other subjects within the KS4 curriculum and enables students to have an outlet for their creative expression. It is regarded highly by prospective universities and employers, as a subject that demonstrates creativity and teamwork, as well as the pursuit of wider interests.

How is the course organised?

• Performing   NEA       30%       One solo performance, one ensemble performance

• Composing    NEA       30%       Two compositions, one in response to a brief and one ‘free’ composition

• Understanding Music      Exam     40%       Four areas of study including listening to, analysing and contextualising both set works and unfamiliar music

How is it assessed?

All NEA is internally marked and moderated by the exam board.  Composition pieces are continually worked on during lesson time throughout the two-year course with regular feedback on how to improve.  There is a 1½ hour listening exam at the end of the course based on the four areas of study.

Other information

Areas of Study:

1.      Western Classical Tradition 1650-1910          Baroque, Classical & Romantic music, including a set work by Beethoven

2.      Popular Music                                               Pop, rock, film & computer gaming music, musical theatre, including three tracks by Queen

3.      Traditional Music                                          Contemporary Latin music, folk music of the British Isles,  Afro-Caribbean fusions, blues

4.      Western Classical Tradition Since 1910          Music by Copland, British composers, Kodaly & Bartok, Minimalism

How can I find out more?    

See Mr Warner (Director of Music) or a Music Subject Ambassador. Also, have a look at the AQA website where you will find the specification: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/music/gcse/music-8271