Music
GCSE Eduqas 601/8131/X
In order to study this subject at A-Level you must take it for GCSE.
This course is designed for students who are committed to developing their musical skills and understanding. It requires practice, focus, and creativity. Students who wish to take A-Level Music must study it at GCSE first.
GCSE Music is challenging and rewarding. Students should expect to practise at home weekly to develop performance and composition skills — commitment outside of lessons is essential.
What is the course about?
Over three years, students actively engage in three key disciplines:
Performing – developing technical skill and confidence on an instrument or voice
Composing – creating original music and experimenting with musical ideas
Appraising – listening critically and understanding music in different styles and genres
Students study four areas of music, providing a broad and deep understanding of the subject:
Music Forms and Devices – The Western Classical Tradition
Music for Ensemble - Chamber Music, Musical Theatre, Jazz and Blues
Film Music
Popular Music - Pop, Rock, Bhangra and Fusion
Who should choose GCSE Music?
This course suits students who:
Play an instrument or sing, ideally at Grade 3 level or above
Enjoy performing, both solo and in groups
Are creative and willing to experiment with composing their own music
Are committed to practising regularly at home and meeting coursework deadlines
Are curious about music, open to exploring different styles, and willing to learn basic music theory
Attend regular instrumental or vocal lessons at school, and use these weekly lessons to support their performance and coursework
Students can expect:
Playing in ensembles, such as rock bands or vocal groups – PHS offers opportunities to perform in the PHS Orchestra, PHS Rock Bands, and PHS Choir
Using music technology to compose and record music – PHS uses Noteflight software
Exploring creative composition techniques and improving performance skills
Listening to and analysing a wide variety of music, from classical to contemporary
Before starting GCSE Music, it is helpful for students to have experience or ability in the following areas:
1. Performing skills
Play an instrument or sing with reasonable control and accuracy, ideally around Grade 3 level or higher
Perform solo and in an ensemble, following others and blending with the group
Maintain steady rhythm and pitch, and respond to tempo, dynamics, and expressive markings
The will to practise regularly, both at home and in lessons, to improve technique and meet coursework requirements
2. Reading and understanding music
Can read basic music notation (treble clef, note values, rests, simple chords)
Understand key musical symbols such as repeats, dynamics, tempo markings, and articulations
Basic music reading and understanding of rhythm, pitch, and chords is expected; more complex theory is taught as part of the course
Follow a simple score while playing or singing
3. Rhythm, tempo, and musical awareness
Understand rhythm patterns and play or sing them accurately
Keep a steady pulse alone or in a group
Recognise changes in tempo, dynamics, texture, and phrasing when listening
4. Composing and creativity
Able to create short musical ideas or melodies
Understand basic musical structures, e.g., verse/chorus or simple chord progressions
Willing to experiment with musical ideas, including using music technology (Noteflight)
5. Listening and appraising
Can listen attentively and identify elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, dynamics, texture, and instrumentation
Interested in different musical styles, from classical to pop, film music, jazz, or world music
Willing to learn musical vocabulary to describe and analyse music clearly
6. Theory knowledge
Basic music reading and understanding of rhythm, pitch, and chords is expected; more complex theory is taught as part of the course
Familiarity with basic scales, key signatures, and simple chords is helpful
7. Work habits and attitude
Organised and self-motivated, able to manage practice and coursework independently
Open to constructive feedback and willing to improve
Curious and enthusiastic about exploring new musical ideas and styles
Understands that GCSE Music requires effort, commitment, and creativity
How is it examined?
Component 1 – Performance (30%): Solo and ensemble performance, 4–6 minutes
Component 2 – Composition (30%): Two original compositions, 3–6 minutes
Component 3 – Listening & Appraising Exam (40%): 1 hour 15 minutes written exam
https://www.eduqas.co.uk/media/akxduier/eduqas-gcse-music-spec-from-2016-e-050225.pdf