GCSE Music

As part of the GCSE Music Qualification, students must perform on their chosen instruments. For solo performances, the highest marks are available to students performing music of Grade 4 standard or above. 

It is not vital that pupils have achieved the Grade 4 examination, but it would be advisable that they would be preparing towards performing at that level by the end of Year 12. The best musical learning happens in musical group settings, and so GCSE pupils will be expected to contribute to the extra-curricular musical life of the school. 

This will help them develop ensemble ideas and relationships for the ensemble performance examination, and provide regular performance opportunities. This is a linear qualification, meaning all components are formally assessed at the end of Year 12. 

The specification allows students to develop knowledge, understanding, and skills relating to the three fundamental musical activities/ components: 

Areas of Study: 1. Western Classical Music 1600–1910 2. Film Music 3. Musical Traditions of Ireland 4. Popular Music 1980–present day 

Assessment Component 1: Performing and Appraising External examination (visiting examiner) – one solo and one ensemble performance (assessed in April/May of Year 12). Both performances will last no more than 6 minutes in total and are assessed by a visiting examiner. You will have a discussion with the visiting examiner about how you prepared for your performances. This discussion will also be assessed.  

Component 2: Composing Controlled assessment – candidates produce two compositions, one in response to a pre-release stimulus and one free choice (we expect the first composition to be submitted at the end of Year 11, and the second by March of Year 12) 

Component 3: Listening and Appraising External written examination – 1 hour 30 minutes - which comprises of questions on familiar and unfamiliar music relating to the Areas of Study. This examination takes place during May/June of Year 12. 

The A-Level qualification is structured similarly to the GCSE, building upon and diversifying skills established during the GCSE course. It contains the three fundamental components: Listening, Composition, and Performance, but also includes extended writing and score analysis. It is advisable for A-Level that pupils have Grade 5 Theory, or are working towards Grade 5 Theory. 

Career Opportunities: Performance within ensembles/ as a soloist/ accompanist/ pit band, Recording industry careers, Music Technology, Music Management, Publishing, Music Journalism, Composition/ Arranging, Careers within the Arts Sector (theatre work, concert managers, tour managers, cultural officers, media opportunities), Education – peripatetic/ classroom.