Music

GCSE Music

Examination Board: AQA



Watch the video to the right to find out about the GCSE Music! 

Why should STUDENTS choose GCSE Music?

GCSE Music is a stimulating course that encourages musicians to explore and develop musical skills in listening, composing and performing. Lessons will cover the theoretical aspects of the course through practical tasks and listening exercises. Students will refine their composition skills to develop ideas they have experienced and enhance their creativity. There will also be chances for students to perform a wide range of music as a group and to work together to prepare for a range of concerts and productions. 


Read the Royal Conservatory's report on the benefits of music education to the right. 

Music Education Benefits.pdf

What will students need to be successful in this course? 

Students should study this subject if they have a genuine interest and passion for music. It is advantageous for all students to have private instrumental tuition to support them with the practical demands of this course. Students will be expected to reach a practical standard equivalent to Grade 3 by Year 11, although it is not essential to have taken any formal exam. 


support for students

This course is suitable for students of all ability levels. Students with aspirations of grades of 7 and above can expect to be challenged through the independent nature of music composition, being self motivators and problem solvers as well as learning to perform on an instrument with sophisticated levels of musical expression and interpretation. They will also have the opportunity to use and explore advanced professional music technology software such as Logic. For the listening paper, students with aspirations of grades of 7 and above can expect to be challenged by unpicking composers' intentions and directions through score reading and by learning new key terms. They will also look at a wide range of repertoire from many time periods and traditions.


Students aiming for Grades 3 and higher will be well supported with the use of technology and the ability for the computer programs to manipulate their work in any way needed, for example, inputting work by playing a guitar or by writing it in manually. They will also be supported by the practical and flexible nature of the coursework elements, being able to perform and compose music that complements their strengths and experience. AQA demand that the content is learnt through performing, which means that the set works will be much more manageable as students will have experience of playing the music while studying it.


As students approach their examinations they can expect for 60% of the course to be completed already by the successful submission of coursework. We will then look through past papers and understand exam technique so that confidence can be gained in applying musical knowledge against specific types of question. There are targeted and general revision sessions available to students throughout the final year of their studies and the opportunity to engage in an exciting and varied extra curricular programme to support their musical understanding. 

Course Description

The course aims to empower students to compose and perform music in any style to the highest standard.  A lot of time will be spent composing either in a GarageBand/Logic or Sibelius environment using the new Mac computers.

 

Course Content

Students will explore elements such as melody, harmony, tonality, and timbre through the study of music from genres that will include Popular music, traditional music, and music of the Western Classical tradition.


Assessment

Component 1: Understanding (40%) 

This is assessed through an end of course examination. Students will be asked to recognise musical features in listening exercises and then write about features from some set works of music. These set works include Haydn’s 101st ‘The Clock’ symphony and various tracks from The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band’s album. 

Component 2: Performing (30%) 

Students will perform one solo piece and one ensemble piece. Performances can be instrumental, vocal or using technology. The total performance must be over four minutes and can include several short pieces of music.

Component 3: Composing (30%) 

Students will compose two separate pieces. Composition 1 will be in response to a brief set by the exam board. Composition 2 is a free composition where students decide the focus of the work. The total time for the two compositions must exceed three minutes.


Further Education and Career Pathways

Music groups do well at Warden Park, often with the majority of students achieving Grades 5-9. Universities are very interested in candidates who have a good track record of participation in extra curricular activities and have proved they can express themselves creatively as well as verbally and in writing. Students will work as a team with others who share a passion for music to build the confidence necessary to present and perform to an audience. GCSE Music gives students who already have experience in music the opportunity to gain credit for the work they have already done. 

                                                                        

GCSE Music is really useful for those considering a career as a performer, producer, composer or teacher. It is also valuable for music journalism, musical theatre, arts administration and to access A-levels and Higher Education courses in music, music technology, theatre studies or performing arts.