IGCSE Music

Studying IGCSE Music is a most exciting opportunity, where learners listen to, perform and compose music, encouraging aesthetic and emotional development, self-discipline and, importantly, creativity. As a result, learners enhance their appreciation and enjoyment of music, an achievement that forms an ideal foundation for future study and enhances life-long musical enjoyment.  

Learners study music of all styles; each style is placed in its historical and cultural context, and they are encouraged to be perceptive, sensitive and critical when listening. IGCSE Music is accepted by universities and employers worldwide as providing proof of musical skills, knowledge and understanding. 

Course Content

IGCSE Music offers students the opportunity to develop their own practical musical skills through performing and composing. They also develop their listening skills by studying music from the main historical periods and styles of Western music as well as from selected non-Western traditions. The emphasis of the syllabus is as much on developing lifelong musical skills as on acquiring knowledge. 

Learners studying IGCSE Music are given the opportunity to: 

• listen to and learn about music from a wide range of historical periods and major world cultures

• develop their skills in performing music, both individually and in a group with other musicians

• acquire and consolidate a range of basic musical skills, knowledge and understanding, through the activities of listening, performing and composing 

• develop a perceptive and critical response to the main historical periods and styles of music 

• recognise and understand the music of selected non-Western traditions, and thus to form an appreciation of cultural similarities and differences 

• grow an informed appreciation of music 

• create a foundation for further study in music at a higher level

Assessment

In Music, all students study the same syllabus and can achieve grades A* - G. Students take the same 3 assessments and these are completed throughout Year 10 and 11. The 3 assessments include;

• Listening - 40% of the overall grade, which includes 8 questions based on the different areas of study (that students will have studied during the course) which range from baroque concertos to film music to EDM!  This exam is completed at the end of Year 11. 

• Performing - this component is assessed as coursework completed throughout Year 10 and 11. Students prepare two performances: one individual and one ensemble. This is worth 30% of the overall result. The solo performance is 2 minutes in length and could be 2 shorter pieces. This is for the students' first/main study (vocal or instrumental). The enemble (group) performance is 2 minutes in length.  This does not have to be on the same instrument as used for the solo performance and can be done with people outside of the music class.

• Composing - this component is also assessed as coursework where students develop and submit two contrasting compositions. This is worth 30% of the overall result.

Common questions about IGCSE Music

If taking it, should my son/daughter have regular instrumental/vocal lessons?  Yes - weekly private vocal/instrumental tuition will help with all aspects of the course but particularly the performing.  Students who have this generally perform better.

My son/daughter sings/plays an instrument but is not very confident with theory - should they take it?  At the start of the course, we revise music theory covered in KS3 and also learn new concepts.  If students are willing to put in the work then they should be ok with the Music theory required for the IGCSE course.

My son/daughter has only recently started playing an instrument/singing - will they be able to take it?  As long as they are willing to put in the practice and are having weekly instrumental/vocal tuition. I have worked with students in the past who have started playing at a later age and have progressed and achieved done very well. Performance marks may be low in Year 10 but, provided students are putting in the effort and listening to the advice from their teacher, their marks should increase by the time of the final performance exams in Term 2 in Year 11.

What is the value of having a Music qualification?  IGCSE and IB Music qualifications are very highly regarded around the top universities in the world.  You will see from the IGCSE Music syllabus outline above that there is a balance of practical work and academia.  Additionally, it is recognised that musicians tend to develop a good work ethic and time management due to dedicating time to practicing outside of a timetable. Musicians are also often good team players due to working in ensembles.  This is a topic I could probably write about for some time!  If your son/daughter is considering IGCSE Music next year then please encourage them to speak to me about it.  As mentioned at the start of this email, there are many strong musicians in Year 9 who would do well taking it further.

For further information on the course and assessment details please do speak to teachers in school who will be very happy to help.