EXAM BOARD                                                AQA 

TEACHER I/C OF SUBJECT                      Mr G Guerrini

GCSE music is about the composing, listening and performing of music. The course expects pupils to be interested in all types of music from Beethoven to the Beatles and beyond. Pupils need to have studied an instrument (this includes voice) for at least two years prior to starting the course. This could be either with an instrumental teacher or during school music lessons,

provided a good standard of proficiency has been attained (Grade 3 standard or equivalent). All pupils should be able to read simple music notation.

The course covers performing, composing and listening and looks closely at the following areas:

Areas of study: And the following strands:

1.  Rhythm & Metre - the Western Classical Tradition

2.  Harmony & Tonality - Popular Music of the 20th & 21st centuries

3. Texture & Melody - World music

4. Timbre & Dynamics

5. Structure & Form

COURSE DESCRIPTION / CONTENT

Performing 40% - All pupils perform one solo piece and one ensemble piece at the end of the course.

Composing (1) 20% - Pupils compose music throughout the course in groups and individually. They are assessed on one composition which explores two or more of the five 'Areas of Study'.

Composing (2) 20% - This consists of one final composition that combines the five ‘Areas of Study’ and one of the three strands. This piece is set and completed during Year 11.

Listening 20%  - Pupils listen and respond to music from a wide variety of styles including popular and classical music. There is a single exam at the end of the course.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?

Develop skills, knowledge and understanding in performing, composing, listening and appraising.

Develop aural perception, musical sensitivity and imaginative response.

Develop social, personal and cultural development through creating and performing music with others.

WHAT COULD I DO NEXT WITH GCSE MUSIC?

GCSE Music is a good preparation for further musical study and a solid foundation for the AS / A levels in Music and Music Technology, as well as BTEC National Diplomas (in Music, Popular Music and Music Technology) and the Vocational A-Level in Performing Arts.

In most fields of employment the qualifications are non-specific, for example you could be expected to have a minimum of 5 GCSEs. In many cases this will not state which particular subjects beyond English and Mathematics (or Science in some cases) are required. So as well as jobs in the music industry, publishing, and the entertainment industry, Music is appropriate to any job which involves communication and expressive skills.