Music

Music

Head of Music:  Mrs Bideau

Qualification Level and Examination Board: Level 1 and 2 OCR GCSE Music (J536)  

How is the course assessed?

There are three components:

• 30% Performing – internally assessed

• 30% Composing – internally and externally assessed.

• 40% Listening – 1 hour 30 minutes external examination taken at the end of Year 11. 

What is the content of the course?

Unit 1 ‘My Music’

Students explore the development, techniques and repertoire associated with their chosen instrument/voice and then produce:

A recording of 1 or more solo performance pieces.

An original composition in any style

Unit 2 

Students focus on how musicians interact with each other and produce: 

A recording of 1 or more group pieces

A composition based on a choice of starting points given by the exam board; eg. a storyline, image, chord sequence, rhythm, lyrics, or melody. Students have been given experience of all these starting points during Key Stage 3.

Unit 3 

This will test the students knowledge of the following topics which will be explored practically throughout the course:

• The Concerto through time

• Rhythms of the World

• Film and Video-game music

• Conventions of Pop

What could I study Post-16?

The qualification provides a strong foundation to study A Level Music. 

What possible careers could I have?

This is a valuable and fun course for anyone considering careers in the performing arts industry, teaching, arts administration, event organisation or simply because they love music! 

Additional information

This is an enjoyable course for students who love being creative through performing and composing in a range of musical styles. It is recommended that students receive some specialist instrumental/vocal tuition whilst studying this course. There are opportunities for students to start playing a musical instrument in preparation for this course- please see your music teacher for details. Compositions and performances can be realised through music technology as well as conventional instruments.