MUSIC GCSE

Exam Board: Eduqas

Course Overview / Introduction

Music is an incredibly broad subject, which means that you get the opportunity to study a wide range of musical genres and musical skills. You will experience playing an instrument across a number of genres, developing instrumental abilities as well as your musical knowledge and music theory. You will also study composition alongside this, which means that you really do cultivate a wide range of skills and experience a varied curriculum. You will also develop important transferable skills such as; group work, communication, rehearsal/refining, creativity and problem solving.

What will you study?

The Eduqas GCSE Music course has three components: Performing, Composing and Appraising (Listening.)

Performing (playing music) on your own and in a group. This could be in any style, on any instrument or voice, including DJ skills, rapping, singing, band and orchestral instruments. Exploring how great pieces of music were put together, then when you have learnt some of the techniques, composing your own music. This could involve using computer software, writing for a specific purpose, writing songs etc. Listening to a variety of music and learning how to identify the facts about what you hear. You will already have heard about the elements of music in your Key Stage 3 lessons. At GCSE you focus on how these are used for different purposes.

How many exams are there?

Component 1 Performing 30% - Teacher assessed - completed in Year 11

A minimum of two pieces, lasting a total of 4-6 minutes, recorded in the year of assessment:

• One piece must be an ensemble (group piece) lasting at least one minute

• One piece linked to an Area of Study(see below)

Grade 3 music is the standard level and can score full marks if played perfectly - your teacher will support you in choosing the right pieces to perform.

You can use any instrument or voice, or choose a technology option.

Component 2 Composing 30% - Teacher assessed - Completed in Year 10 and 11

Two pieces:

• One in response to a brief set by the board – there are 4 to choose from each year. 

• One free composition – ANY style you want to write in.  

Component 3 Appraising 40% - Externally assessed examination - end of course examination

Listening examination: 8 questions, 2 on each area of study: 

• AoS 1 Musical Forms and Devices (including a set work*) 

• AoS 2 Music for Ensemble 

• AoS 3 Film Music 

• AoS 4 Popular Music (including a set work*)  

What will you gain from this course?

Beyond school, Music can lead to careers in the recording industry, radio or television, theatre, advertising, teaching, and importantly, in areas not directly relating to music. The transferrable skills mentioned earlier also mean that employers are starting to look at music as an increasingly informative and important subject when recruiting. Even if you choose not to study Music beyond Key Stage 4, you will develop insight into one of the most important aspects of human culture.

What does this lead to?

Music at Key Stage 4 is, obviously, a formal qualification in its own right. It might lead to further study in Music, perhaps to BTEC Level 3 or A-Level at Brakenhale.

Staff Contact:

Mrs Millard,
Head of Performing Arts