Setting your own target grades in Year 9 is an important first step in your GCSE Music journey.
There are a couple of things to consider before you embark on this task.
What is the Standard Level?
The standard level for this GCSE is broadly equivalent to Grade 3 in graded music examinations. If you perform music that is more difficult than this (Grade 4 or 5+), your raw mark can be adjusted upwards. If you are not sure where you are, please come and have a conversation with Mr Bayliss or Mr Spencer who can guide you.
Why an Integrated Approach?
The course encourages an integrated approach, meaning that what you learn while listening (Appraising) should help you when you are playing (Performing) and creating (Composing). For example, if you are studying Film Music for your exam, you might also choose to perform a piece from a movie or compose a dramatic underscore.
Component 1 - Performing Music
This is worth 30% of your total grade. You need to perform at least two pieces lasting 4–6 minutes in total.
What You Need to Do
Grades 1–3 You can perform simple pieces with some hesitations. You follow basic performance directions and are beginning to show control of your instrument.
Grades 4–6 Your performance is generally accurate and fluent. You show reliable technical control and start to use dynamics and expression to keep the audience interested.
Grades 7–9 Your performance is fully accurate and secure. You play with "flair"—using a wide range of dynamics, excellent technical control, and a strong sense of style.
Component 2 - Composing Music
This is also worth 30%. You must write two compositions: one from a brief set by the exam board and one "free" composition.
What You Need to Do
Grades 1–3 You can create basic musical ideas that relate to your brief. Your music might be quite repetitive or simple in its structure.
Grades 4–6 You develop your musical ideas well. Your composition is coherent (makes sense) and shows you can use musical elements like harmony and texture effectively.
Grades 7–9 Your work is highly creative and imaginative. You use advanced "compositional devices" and show excellent technical control over your chosen instruments or software.
Component 3 - Appraising Music
This is the "listening" part, worth 40%. You will have an exam with eight questions based on four Areas of Study.
Area of Study 1: Musical Forms and Devices (Western Classical Tradition).
Area of Study 2: Music for Ensemble (Jazz, Blues, Musical Theatre).
Area of Study 3: Film Music.
Area of Study 4: Popular Music (Rock, Pop, etc.).
What You Need to Do
Grades 1–3 You can identify basic musical elements (like if it’s loud/soft or fast/slow) and recognize some instruments.
Grades 4–6 You can use musical terminology (like staccato, homophonic, or minor) to describe what you hear. You can also complete simple rhythmic or pitch dictation tasks.
Grades 7–9 You can make "evaluative and critical judgements". This means explaining how and why a composer used certain techniques to create a specific effect or mood.
If you need any further guidance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your music teacher, either face to face or via email.
Mr Bayliss - sbayliss@wardenpark.co.uk
Mr Spencer - jspencer@wardenpark.co.uk
Please browse the folders below to listen to examples of moderated pieces of student coursework: