MUSIC

GCSE 9-1

OCR

How will this subject benefit me?

Studying music at GCSE will help you to develop your skills as a musician, in performing on an instrument/voice, composing and using music technology. It also offers you a fantastic set of transferable skills that will help to prepare you for the world of work including creativity, organisation, teamwork and confidence!

What will I learn?

Performance: You will prepare two performances, which will include at least one group piece on an instrument/voice or by using music technology to record and produce a cover of an existing song.
Composition: You will develop your skills in creating original music by producing two pieces selecting from several options of resources including music technology.
Listening and evaluating: You will improve your ability to listen to and analyse how a variety of pieces of music have been created, from Baroque to Rock!

Timeline and assessment plan

Who is this course appropriate for?

If you are interested in or passionate about music this course is appropriate for you. Whether you are a ‘classically’ trained performer, a singer, someone who picks things up by ear, or an aspiring producer, studying GCSE Music will open the doors.

It is expected that you either:

will have learnt to play an instrument or will be having instrumental/voice lessons with a specialist teacher. A subsidy is available from the Music Department, which can be applied for at the beginning of year 10.
regularly attend 'Music Producers' or make covers of songs using a DAW e.g. Logic

While not compulsory, we would also expect you to be taking part in at least one extracurricular music club in school.

How will I be assessed?

INTEGRATED PORTFOLIO 30%

Performance (traditional, improvisation or music technology cover).
A composition in a style of your choice.

Performance mark scheme

PRACTIAL COMPONENT 30%

Ensemble performance (traditional, improvisation or music technology cover).
A composition in response to a brief set by the examiner.

Example Composition Briefs

listening and apprasing 40%

1 hour and 30 minutes written paper, with CD: you will answer questions on what you can hear in different clips of music.

Example exam paper

What opportunities will this give me?

You will have more opportunities to compose and perform for/in school productions and concerts; you can take on responsibilities at public performances and have priority use of the recording studio and practice rooms.
You will have the chance to make music with other passionate musicians like yourself!
After completing this course, you can progress onto A level Music.

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