Music

Students study the AQA exam syllabus and will be assessed in their ability to perform (30%), compose (30%) and appraise (40%) music.

Performance 

• • All students will complete two performances, one as a soloist or with a significant role within the music and one as a member of an ensemble, performing with at least one other live musician. They may choose to complete a technology performance, recreating an existing piece of music and recording at least one part live

  • GCSE Grade 3 students will perform to a Musical Instrument Grade 1-2 standard and will demonstrate secure technical control over their instrument with moderate accuracy (pitch, rhythm and tempo) and fluency. They will perform with a moderately secure sense of style and attention to detail although the character of the music will still be well conveyed

  • GCSE Grade 5 students will perform around a Musical Instrument Grade 3 standard and will demonstrate highly developed technical control over their instrument with high levels of accuracy (pitch, rhythm and tempo) and fluency. The performance will be expressive with a highly developed, secure sense of style and attention to detail. There will be some inaccuracies which become more noticeable 

  • GCSE Grade 7 students will perform above a Musical Instrument Grade 3 standard and demonstrate highly developed technical control over their instrument with high levels of accuracy (pitch, rhythm and tempo) and fluency. The performance will be expressive with a highly developed, secure sense of style and attention to detail. 

Composition

• • Students will compose two pieces of music, one will be entirely free choice and the other in response to a brief from the exam board. They may compose for any instrument(s) and in any style. They will be assessed on their ability to use musical elements effectively and creatively and its suitability for the students’ suggested audience and occasion

  • GCSE Grade 3 students will compose music that shows moderate creativity and effectiveness, demonstrating a moderate understanding of composition. The selection and use of musical elements will be moderately perceptive and insightful: largely appropriate to the intentions of the music. The composition will sound mostly finished but with some further work required. It will occasionally lack coherence, technical and expressive control will be limited and not always consistent

  • GCSE Grade 5 students will compose music that convincingly shows secure creativity and effectiveness, demonstrating a sound understanding of composition. The selection and use of musical elements will show secure perception and insight, almost always appropriate to the intentions of the music. The composition will require  little more to sound finished but with some further work required. Technical and expressive control may not be consistent 

  • GCSE Grade 7 students will compose music that is convincingly highly creative and effective, demonstrating a coherent understanding of composition. The selection and use of musical elements will be highly perceptive and insightful: clearly appropriate to the intentions of the music. Compositions will sound finished, with excellent technical and expressive control throughout. 

Please browse the folders below to listen to examples of moderated pieces of student coursework: