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GCSE music
GCSE music
Examination Board: Eduquas
Who to speak to:
Miss Leow
WHY SHOULD STUDENTS CHOOSE music?
WHY SHOULD STUDENTS CHOOSE music?
You should study Music if you enjoy performing and composing in different styles and studying music from different periods of time and cultures. It is ideal for those who are considering a career in Performing Arts or just wish to further their musical skills. Students will enjoy all aspects of music and will be fully dedicated to learning about all aspects of music.
WHAT WILL STUDENTS NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS COURSE?
WHAT WILL STUDENTS NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS COURSE?
The ability to perform and compose using one or more musical instruments at grade 3 standard.
The ability to work independently and in a group.
A reasonable knowledge of musical notation and basic theory.
Basic keyboard or guitar skills.
Regular commitment to practising your instrument(s) outside of school hours.
To attend after school intervention sessions targeted on your weaker areas e.g. music theory, listening and composing.
A commitment to school music clubs is important to help you improve the standard of your work and contribute to the extra-curricular life of the school.
It is important to note that although music notation is not the ‘be all and end all’ of GCSE Music, the exam will assume that you can understand basic concepts such as reading notes and pitches on the stave, note value and technical terms which are used in performance.
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
This course is suitable for students of all ability levels. Students with aspirations of Grade 7 and above can expect to move onto A Level or similar Music Technology courses.
Students aiming for Grade 3 and higher will be well supported with weekly, after-school intervention sessions.
Course DEscription
Course DEscription
The Course is divided into three parts: Appraising, Performing and Composing.
Course Content
Course Content
Understanding Music - There are four areas of study:
Aos 1 Forms and Devices (Western Classical Tradition 1650–1910)
Aos 2 Music for Ensemble
Aos 3 Film music
Aos 4 Popular music
You will learn to listen attentively to unfamiliar music from all four areas of study. You will be able to identify and accurately describe musical elements and use musical language (including music notation).
There are also two study pieces:
Toto’s Africa
Bach Badinerie
Composing Music - You will have to write two pieces of coursework. One is based on a composition brief such as a poem or photo and the other can be anything you choose – it is a free composition.
Performing Music - You will be expected to do two performances. They can either be played or sung (or even performed using music technology such as a DJ performance or sequencing). One of the performances should be a solo performance and the other should be as part of an ensemble, showing that you can perform with, at least, one other person.
Assessment
Assessment
40% of GCSE Music is a listening exam. You will be asked questions based on the four areas of study and to also write an extended answer to a question based on the two study pieces. This exam lasts for one hour and a half and is externally assessed.
30% will be awarded to you for your compositions and will be assessed by your teacher.
30% will be awarded to you for your performances and will also be assessed by your teacher.
FURTHER EDUCATION AND CAREER PATHWAYS
FURTHER EDUCATION AND CAREER PATHWAYS
Music and Music Technology A Levels provides a very solid foundation for everyone wishing to continue their music studies. They will prepare you for a degree at university or provide you with a qualification accepted at music production educational institutes, such as the SAE Institute.
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