Music

Music at G.C.S.E.

Aims of the Course

GCSE Music is an excellent subject based on making and listening to music. It involves performing, composing and listening. There are also opportunities to use music technology within the course.

Suitability

This course is ideal if you…

  • play a musical instrument or sing
  • are interested in performing, composing and listening to music in a variety of styles
  • enjoy performing music with others e.g. rock bands, choirs, orchestras and other ensembles
  • want to learn more about how music works

The Edexcel syllabus is based on four areas of study:

1. Western Classical Music
2. Music in the 20th Century (Expressionism, Musicals, Minimalism)
3. Popular Music (Jazz, Folk Rock, Dance Music)
4. World Music (Celtic Folk, Indian, African)

Performing 30%

You will need to perform one solo and one ensemble piece. This can be sung or played on any instrument. It might involve a combination of playing and singing. You may choose any piece in any style to perform and these are recorded and marked by the teacher and then moderated by Edexcel.

Composing 30%

You will need to compose two pieces of music in different styles. These will relate to the four areas of study that lie at the heart of the course. You will learn how to use Sibelius notation software and Cubase sequencing software as an aid to writing down your music. You will submit recording and scores for both pieces. These are marked by the teacher and moderated by Edexcel.

Listening 40%

Listening is based on twelve set works studied throughout the course. The exam is taken in the summer of year 11 with questions and listening extracts taken from the set works.

Further Study Opportunities

GCSE Music provides an excellent foundation for AS/A Levels in Music and Music Technology as well as IB Music. You may wish to take a GCSE in Music for its own sake, perhaps to form the basis of a future interest.

Career opportunities

Musicians enjoy many careers paths from those directly linked to music (e.g. performer, songwriter, sound engineer, music therapist, teacher) to that are indirectly linked (e.g. event organisation, broadcasting, inventing). In addition, because musicians have good communication and expressive skills and are able to multi-task, they are often sought out for roles in business and management.

Music GCSE: Edexcel

AS/A2 level: Edexcel

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Sixth Form Choices

 
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