GCSE Music is an enjoyable and creative course for students with good vocal or instrumental ability. The course covers listening, performing and composing in a variety of musical styles e.g. Popular music, World music and Classical music.
There are the opportunities to use technology such as sequencing and recording. Students will also attend a variety of workshops and concerts.
The three aspects of musical knowledge (performing, composing and listening) are related to each other through the Areas of Study.
| Area of Study 1 | Area of Study 2 | Area of Study 3 | Area of Study 4 |
| Repetition and contrast in Western Classical Music 1600-1899 | New directions in Western Classical Music 1900 – present day | Popular music in context | Music from around the world |
| Through the study of: Ground bass Variations Ternary form Rondo | Through the study of: Serialism Minimalism Songs from musicals | Through the study of: 12 bar blues Rock music Club dance remix | Through the study of: British rock music Indian raga African drumming Music which draws together at least 2 different cultures |
A summary of specification content and scheme of assessment can be found below:
| Component | Requirement | Mode of assessment | Weighting |
| Paper One Solo Performing Performance during course | One solo piece Perform/direct two pieces (including comp 1) | 15% internally assessed/externally moderated 15% internally assessed/externally moderated | 30% |
| Paper Two Composition 1 Composition 2 | One composition, written to a brief, based on one Area of Study. One composition, written to a brief, based on a different Area of Study | 15% internally assessed/externally moderated 15% internally assessed/externally moderated | 30% |
| Paper Three Listening and appraising | Written Paper 1 hour 30 minutes Candidates to answer questions on all four Areas of Study | 40% externally assessed | 40% |
Career Possibilities
Performer, teacher, recording producer/engineer, conductor/musical director, composer, publisher, music, administrator/concert arranger, music therapist, instrument maker/dealer.
