OPTION: Music
OPTION: Music
GCSE - OCR
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PLEASE NOTE there is an entry requirement for this subject: To be able to perform on an instrument to at least Grade 2 Standard at the start of the course (unless parents are willing to pay for additional lessons).
GCSE Music is the perfect choice for students with a passion for music, whether you love performing, composing, or exploring a wide range of musical styles. This exciting course will help you develop your instrumental or vocal skills through solo and group performances, nurture your creativity by composing original pieces, and deepen your understanding of music by studying styles ranging from classical to pop, film music to world traditions. Through practical and engaging lessons, you’ll build confidence, creativity, and teamwork skills while gaining insight into how music works. No matter your current ability, the course is designed to help you reach your potential. GCSE Music is also a great foundation for future careers in music, media, or the creative industries. Choose GCSE Music and turn your passion into progress!
Content and skills taught in this subject
Content and skills taught in this subject
Performance
Performance
For this component, students are required to complete two performances: one solo and one as part of an ensemble. These performances can be in any style, tailored to the student’s strengths and interests, as long as they meet the appropriate level of difficulty. Students develop technical accuracy, fluency, and control on their chosen instrument or voice while learning to interpret music with expression and confidence. Through this component, students build their ability to perform effectively in front of an audience, enhancing their stage presence and overall communication skills.
Composition
Composition
Students must create two compositions: one free composition in any style or genre of their choice and one in response to a brief provided by the exam board. Composition focuses on developing creative skills, teaching students how to structure their ideas using melody, harmony, rhythm, and instrumentation. They also learn to use music technology or traditional notation to record and present their work. By experimenting with styles and responding to challenges, students build their ability to compose music with purpose, imagination, and technical accuracy.
Listening and Appraising
Listening and Appraising
Students study a wide range of musical genres and learn to analyse key musical elements, including melody, harmony, structure, texture, and rhythm. They also develop critical listening skills and an understanding of how music reflects different cultures, contexts, and purposes. The component equips students with the ability to evaluate music using appropriate terminology and builds their appreciation of diverse musical traditions.
Areas of Study taught in this component:
The Concerto Through Time – Baroque, Classical, and Romantic concertos.
Rhythms of the World – Traditional music from Africa, the Caribbean, India, and South America.
Film Music – Music composed for film and video games.
Conventions of Pop – Popular music from the 1950s to the present day, including rock, ballads, and solo artists.
Delivery structure - how is the subject assessed?
Delivery structure - how is the subject assessed?
The Music GCSE is assessed through a combination of coursework and a final written exam.
Performance (30%) – Internally assessed, externally moderated
Students must submit two performances:
Solo Performance (minimum 1 minute)
Ensemble Performance (minimum 1 minute)
The total combined performance time must be at least 4 minutes.
Performances are assessed on: Technical accuracy (playing/singing the correct notes and rhythms), Expression and interpretation (dynamics, phrasing, articulation, and stylistic awareness), Ensemble skills (for the group performance), Control of timing and fluency
Composition (30%) – Internally assessed, externally moderated
Students must submit two compositions:
Free Composition – A composition in any style or genre chosen by the student.
Composition to a Brief – A composition responding to one of the briefs set by OCR (these briefs are released in the year of assessment and include themes such as writing for a film, a special event, or specific genres).
The total combined duration of the compositions must be at least 3 minutes.
The compositions are assessed on: The use of musical elements (melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, structure), Creativity and originality, Technical control (instrumentation, use of notation or music technology), Coherence and development of musical ideas
Listening and Appraising (40%) – Externally assessed written exam
The exam is assessed through a 1 hour 30 minutes written exam and focuses on four areas of study. It is structured into two sections which assesses the understanding of musical elements, terminology, and context, the ability to identify features and genre and critical listening and evaluation skills.
Section A: Listening questions based on unfamiliar music and pieces from the Areas of Study. These include multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-answer questions.
Section B: A comparison question that asks students to analyse and evaluate two pieces of music.
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