Taking Music at IGCSE will benefit anyone with a keen interest in music. As 60% of the qualification is coursework, there is a large practical element where you will be working on developing your playing or singing skills. You will perform both as a soloist and as part of a group.

Composition is taught in class and you will be helped to develop these skills through numerous short exercises. This will allow both you and the teacher to explore which genre of composition best suits you before embarking on your 2 final compositions.

The listening exam, not surprisingly, requires a lot of listening to a wide variety of music from around the world and from different periods of history. You will learn musical technical terms which help describe how music is constructed. Being able to read music certainly helps but is only required for certain questions in the exam.

Why study music?

This course will not only help you develop your musical skills but also help you in many other ways:

• Developing confidence in performing in front of others.

• Developing creativity through composition work.

• Developing communication skills through both performance and composition and also within group work.

• Organisation and self-discipline to be properly prepared for your performances.

• Developing a sense of history through the study of musical eras

• Developing an understanding of world cultures through studying music from different parts of the world.

• Developing your brain - playing an instrument activates and connects more areas of your brain than any other known activity to date.

What level do I need to be on my instrument?

ABRSM Grade 4 to 5 will help to get you a top mark in performance. If you are grade 3 now and keep progressing with lessons you will be fine. Any higher - excellent! Check with Mr. Pitchfork if you are not sure. Information about instrumental lessons can be found at the bottom of this page.

How much theory is there? 

You will need to know quite a number of musical technical terms - these will be covered during the course. Reading music is a great help and you should try to do this if you don’t already.

Do I need to be good at composing?

You will be taught how to compose during the course - you are not expected to be good at this to start with. The more you practice this skill, the better you will become