GCSE Music

Music is an enriching experience and plays an important part in most people’s lives. Concerts, Eisteddfodau, musical productions etc. are an important part of school life and all students are encouraged to join the various vocal and instrumental groups available. Music helps develop key skills and qualities which are needed for adult life and the world of work.

What are the benefits of GCSE Music?

Music is an academic subject in its own right, but it actually benefits other subjects too.

A recent study in the UK found that playing a musical instrument appears to enhance general performance in other subjects at GCSE. Other studies have shown that music benefits learning by activating all areas of the brain: auditory (sound processing); motor (rhythm processing); and limbic (emotions). So by choosing music, your child could actually be improving their chances of doing well in their other subjects.

It will provide transferable skills

GCSE music involves written, analytical, practical and social/personal skills such as:

• independent learning: having to be disciplined about practising on their instrument or voice

• team working: particularly if they’re involved in weekly groups or ensembles, concerts and performances

• performance and presentation skills which are useful for any job/career

• listening: this is highly developed in musicians and it is an important part of the course

• analytical and essay-writing skills

• confidence and self-esteem: which has a knock-on effect in all areas of life and learning

• creativity and self-expression: helping young people to think differently and harness the power of their imagination

Making music can help a young person maintain good mental health during a time of high pressure.

Research has shown that music can improve mood and prompt creative flow, which helps with anxiety and self doubt. It can also help young people to regulate their emotions.

Both employers and universities see creative subjects as assets.

Increasingly, employers and universities are looking for young people who have skills that are learned through creative subjects: creative thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptability, communication and tenacity to name just a few. And universities are keen to attract students who have a well-rounded education and achieve good results, no matter what the subject.

There is usually only one exam – the rest is course work.

This takes the pressure off revision during those critical weeks where they will have many other exams. Finally, and perhaps most importantly: students are more likely to succeed and achieve a higher grade if they study something they are good at, and enjoy.

Scheme of Assessment

Performing (35%): This component will be assessed by the teacher and performances will be moderated by the examination board.

Composing (35%): This component will be assessed by the teacher and moderated by the Examination Board.

Appraising (30%): This component will be assessed in an external examination at the end of Year 11.

Summary of Content

The course is based on four areas of study:-

• Musical Forms and Devices

• Music for Ensemble

• Film Music

• Popular Music

PERFORMING: (35%)

All candidates will be required to sing or play in an ensemble. They can choose to perform as a soloist or a combination of both ensemble and solos. The majority of students who choose to do music already play a musical instrument and they are encouraged to continue having lessons. Tuition is provided in school for strings, brass, woodwind, percussion and voice. Students who do not play an instrument may offer singing. It is sometimes possible for students to begin singing lessons in Year 10.

All GCSE Students are expected to participate in school musical activities.

COMPOSING: (35%)

Candidates will be required to submit two contrasting compositions, one of which will be in response to a brief set by the WJEC. The second composition will be a free composition, for which learners set their own brief.

APPRAISING: (30%)

There will be a 1 hour listening paper. All questions will be based on, or will arise from, music which will be heard in the examination.

Candidates will be required to have a knowledge and understanding of notation(s), pitch, chord progression, rhythm, metre, instrumentation, and musical terms in general. In addition an awareness of phrases, cadence points and simple forms will be expected. Two questions out of the eight on the paper will be based on prepared extracts set by the WJEC. The examination will give candidates across the ability range access to the full range of grades A* - G.

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