Music
Overview
Music GCSE is for students who enjoy playing and creating music while finding out how it works. The course aims to broaden musical interests and enable students to develop their own musical ‘voice’. Popular, theatre, classical, folk and jazz traditions are studied through practical and listening activities which support theoretical understanding. Students are encouraged to engage critically and creatively with a wide range of genres and musical contexts, reflecting on how music is used in the expression of personal and collective identities.
The course is broken into three main elements: performing (which ISN’T public performance), composition and understanding music. Students do not need to take graded exams to succeed and frequently make excellent progress on their instrument* during the course. Technology gives every student equal access to composition (Logic Pro X for sequencing and Sibelius or Noteflight for score-writing) and many find this aspect of the course as fulfilling as developing their instrumental and/or vocal skills.
Music GCSE supports progression to further and higher education in any subject, but also provides students with a platform to inspire a lifelong interest and enjoyment of music. Many Costello music students go on to study music post-16.
*also includes voice, sequencing, rapping and more - see ‘Unit 1 Performing’ below
Topics covered
Area of study 1: Musical Forms and Devices - Western Classical music 1600-1910 provides the context for a study of a range of musical forms.
Area of study 2: Music for Ensemble - Diverse musical styles composed for ensemble, such as jazz and blues, musical theatre, chamber music.
Area of study 3: Film Music - How music for film is created, developed and performed, and the impact this has on the audience.
Area of study 4: Popular Music - Exploring the musical idioms associated with a variety of popular music (in its broadest sense).
Assessments
Unit 1 Performing
Minimum 2 performances (recorded in the presence of your teacher, usually 1-to-1)
One solo, one group/duet. Total duration of performances: 4-6 minutes
What is accepted as a performance?
Instrumental performances, vocal performances, sequencing, DJ-ing, MC-ing, rapping, beat boxing and improvisation accepted
Standard required by the end of Year 11 – at least grade 3.
Total weight: 30% of qualification
Unit 2 Composing
2 compositions created individually
Total duration of compositions: 3-6 minutes
Total weight: 30% of qualification
Unit 3 Appraising
Written examination: 1 hour (approximately)
Eight questions, two on each area of study. Of the eight questions, six will be on unprepared musical extracts and two on extracts set by WJEC which relate to two areas of study. Extracts currently are Africa by In Toto and Badinerie by J.S.Bach for Flute and String Orchestra
Total weight: 40% of qualification
FAQs
Are there any entry requirements for Music?
Apart from an interest and a passion for the subject, there are no entry requirements. However there are things we would strongly recommend. As 30% of the course is performance, it is therefore necessary to play an instrument (which could include voice). We would recommend students to start (if they are not already) having lessons on an instrument when they start the course, and this also helps them to get the most out of it. Music theory grades are really helpful, the vast majority of the top achieving students each year invariably have done theory grades but this is not vital.
What styles and genres does it cover?
You need to have a passion for music to learn about all styles and genres. You will specialise in your areas of strength for composition and performance but you have to embrace all music keeping an open mind.
Do I have to be good at composition and performance now?
Not at all - you have time to develop these skills as part of the curriculum and part of your weekly practice/homework
Do I need to be good at technology to take music GCSE?
No, not at all, this is something that you gradually develop skills in as you go through the course. You do have to work independently at the computers to finalise your compositions but writing music should happen away from the computer in the first instance.
Do I have to perform in front of people?
It is not a requirement of the course and shouldn’t stop you choosing the course as you can record 1-to-1 with your class teacher. However, we encourage students to take the many opportunities we provide to get involved in public performance including band nights, shows, concerts, masterclasses and more. We don't just put you in front of an audience, but ideally by year 11 you’d like to have a go at performing in public (if not before!).