GCSE MUSIC

You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that involves performing, listening to all kinds of music, composing and using music technology. You will need to be able to play an instrument or sing to be able to complete this course, although you can also perform as a DJ or as a rapper. 

The course applies the three interrelated skills of: composing, performing and listening and music analysis. 

There are five key areas: 

• Rhythm and Metre 
• Harmony and Tonality 
• Texture and Melody 
• Timbre and Dynamics 
• Structure and Form 

These given areas are studies of music in 4 different styles, with two set works in each: 

• Instrumental Music (1700 – 1820): studying works by J.S. Bach and L. Van Beethoven 
• Vocal Music: studying works by H. Purcell and Queen 
• Music for Stage and Screen: studying works by S. Schwartz and J. Williams 
• Fusions: studying works by Afro Celt Sound System and Esperanza Spalding 

Component 1

📋 60 marks – 30% of the total marks

Performing – Pupils must perform two pieces of music (one solo and one ensemble) under controlled assessment conditions. The minimum combined performance duration is at least four minutes. 

Component 2:

📋 60 marks – 30% of the total marks

Composition – Pupils must compose two compositions under controlled assessment conditions. One is written to a brief provided by the examination board and the other is a free composition set by the student.

Component 3:

📋 80 marks – 40% of the total marks

Appraising – An examination paper comprising of two sections. Section A contains six questions related to the set works, one short melody/rhythm completion exercise and one question on an unfamiliar work. Section B is a piece of extended writing requiring pupils to compare or evaluate one of the set works and an unfamiliar piece of music.