music

The Eduqas GCSE in Music offers a broad and coherent course of study which encourages learners to:

• engage actively in the process of music study

• develop performing skills individually and in groups to communicate musically with fluency and control of the resources used

• develop composing skills to organise musical ideas and make use of appropriate resources

• recognise links between the integrated activities of performing, composing and appraising and how this informs the development of music

• broaden musical experience and interests, develop imagination and foster creativity

• develop knowledge, understanding and skills needed to communicate effectively as musicians

• develop awareness of a variety of instruments, styles and approaches to performing and composing

• develop awareness of music technologies and their use in the creation and presentation of music

• recognise contrasting genres, styles and traditions of music, and develop some awareness of musical chronology

• develop as effective and independent learners with enquiring minds

• reflect upon and evaluate their own and others’ music

• engage with and appreciate the diverse heritage of music, in order to promote personal, social, intellectual and cultural development.

The Eduqas specification encourages an integrated approach to the three distinct disciplines of performing, composing and appraising through four interrelated areas of study. The four areas of study are designed to develop knowledge and understanding of music through the study of a variety of genres and styles in a wider context. The Western Classical Tradition forms the basis of Musical Forms and Devices (area of study 1), and learners should take the opportunity to explore these forms and devices further in the other three areas of study. Music for Ensemble (area of study 2) allows learners to look more closely at texture and sonority. Film Music (area of study 3) and Popular Music (area of study 4) provide an opportunity to look at contrasting styles and genres of music.

You will learn through a combination of practical and theoretical work, guided by specialist teaching.  You will be able to develop the skills learnt through KS3 music, and shape your learning in the musical direction they wish.  There will be the opportunity to take part in workshops, extra-curricular sessions and trips that will extend and support the knowledge given in the classroom.

This course is open to anyone who currently plays an instrument or would like to learn an instrument (including voice).  If you don’t currently play but are very interested and committed to developing your instrumental ability then music could still be a great choice for you.

You do not have to be able to play multiple instruments and if you ‘only’ sing and don’t play other instruments that is completely fine.

If you have a passion for music and are open to learning about a wide variety of musical styles and practices, you will enjoy this course.

The course gives learners an opportunity to explore music in a practical setting and to develop understanding of the techniques used to create and realise music. They will explore a variety of musical styles and the musical theory and techniques that underpin them and develop technical and practical skills through workshops and classes. In addition, learners will develop transferable and employability skills such as responding to a brief, self-development, planning, time management and communication.

Introduction

This specification enables learners to develop knowledge and understanding of music through four interrelated areas of study:

Area of study 1: Musical Forms and Devices

Area of study 2: Music for Ensemble

Area of study 3: Film Music

Area of study 4: Popular Music.

The specification has three components based on the three skills of performing, composing and appraising. An integrated approach to the three skills is encouraged through each area of study and serves to highlight the importance of the relationship between composer, performer and audience.

Knowledge and understanding of each area of study is assessed explicitly in Component 3. However, learners are also required to perform and compose music using conventions, styles or idioms linked to at least one area of study. Learners may choose the same or different areas of study for Components 1 and 2. Learners will also have the opportunity to follow their own musical interests in composition and performance.

The following information provides an introduction to each area of study. 

Area of study 1: Musical Forms and Devices

Forms and devices are of fundamental importance in musical composition, and many of the common musical forms and devices used by composers today have their origin in the Western Classical Tradition. The music of the Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras provides the context for a study of binary, ternary, minuet and trio, rondo, variation and strophic forms. Learners are encouraged to engage with a variety of music from the prescribed eras, through a range of performing, composing and appraising activities. They are also encouraged to make links between music they listen to, pieces they perform and their own compositions, as well as music by composers from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries who use these forms and Devices.

Area of study 2: Music for Ensemble

Music for ensemble forms the basis for a study of texture and sonority. Through a study of diverse musical styles composed for ensemble, such as jazz and blues, musical theatre and chamber music, learners will consider how music is composed for small groups of instruments and voices. Learners will also consider how texture is manipulated and they are encouraged to use small instrumental/vocal groupings in their own music. Learners are required to perform as part of an ensemble, and  through this to actively engage with ensemble music, understanding the relationship between performers on the stage and the audience.

Area of study 3: Film Music

The film industry is of considerable commercial and cultural interest in both the UK and abroad. There are many areas of specialism for musicians within this industry such as composer, orchestrator, arranger, performer, music editor, producer and more. A film composer scores music to accompany a motion picture for film or television. This includes dramatic underscore and thematic music as well as popular songwriting. Through this area of study learners are encouraged to consider how music for film is created, developed and performed, and the impact this has on the audience. Learners will have the opportunity to compose and perform film music and are encouraged to use musical technology to create mood and atmosphere through engaging with the story of the film.

Area of study 4: Popular Music

Popular music is a wide-ranging and diverse art form encompassing several distinct genres. The popular music industry offers a wide range of opportunities for both composers and performers, including singer, song-writer, music producer, arranger and more. Through this area of study learners are encouraged to explore the musical idioms associated with a variety of popular music, and they will have the opportunity to perform popular music as well as compose music associated with a popular music genre.  Learners are also encouraged to use music technology, understanding the impact this has on the way music is developed and performed in popular music.

Eduqas Music allows a huge amount of choice and develops a well-rounded knowledge of lots of music styles which is hugely beneficial for a musician.

Component 1: Performing

Total duration of performances: 4-6 minutes

Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated

30% of qualification

A minimum of two pieces, one of which must be an ensemble performance of at least one minute duration. The other piece(s) may be either solo and/or ensemble.

One of the pieces performed must link to an area of study of the learner’s choice.

Component 2: Composing

Total duration of compositions: 3-6 minutes

Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally Moderated

30% of qualification

Two compositions, one of which must be in response to a brief set by Eduqas. Learners will choose one brief from a choice of four, each one linked to a different area of study. The briefs will be released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken.

The second composition is a free composition for which learners set their own brief.

Component 3: Appraising

Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes (approximately)

40% of qualification

This component is assessed via a listening examination.

Eight questions in total, two on each of the four areas of study.

Area of study 1: Musical Forms and Devices

Area of study 2: Music for Ensemble

Area of study 3: Film Music

Area of study 4: Popular Music

Two of the eight questions are based on extracts set by Eduqas.

Study of the qualification as part of Key Stage 4 learning will help learners to make more informed choices for further learning, either generally or in this sector. The choices that learners can make post-16  include:

A Levels at music and music technology

Career opportunities include teaching, performing, composing, studio technician/work, musical theatre, music therapy – the list is endless! 

Mr Philpott, Subject Leader for Expressive Arts (rphilpott@honywoodschool.com)

For GCSE specification information, visit the GCSE Music | Eduqas Website