GCSE Music |
This course aims to: |
- Improve your performing skills
- Give insight into professional composing and recording techniques
- Develop skills and knowledge of all kinds of musical styles
Why study GCSE Music? |
As well as being a particularly fun and varied subject to study, music gives you skills that you will need in all kinds of careers. Research shows that music students are better equipped to comprehend mathematical and scientific concepts. Listening skills will enhance the aural perception needed in learning new languages. Performing skills will give you confidence in public speaking – useful if you intend to pursue, for example, drama, politics or law.
What kind of student is suitable for this course? |
Students would ideally be grade 3 standard in an instrument or voice. However, if you enjoy composing and performing music, learning an instrument or singing, creating music on computers or in a recording studio, and learning about all types of music, then GCSE Music is the ideal subject for you. If you do not have grade 3 in instrument or voice please see Miss Ablett before making this choice.
What career options are opened up by the course? |
Music opens the door to all sorts of careers that are not necessarily directly linked to music. Here are just a few of the music specific careers that music students go into: Composer - music for film, TV programmes, advertising, internet, video games etc. Teacher - classroom music or instrumental lessons Music Producer - recording music and managing sound equipment in TV/Radio/Film studios Musician - playing for orchestras, pop groups. Music Therapist - using music to treat various health conditions.
Course Structure |
Content
Performing skills
Composing and Recording
Listening and analysing music
Learning about:
Strands of Learning: Instrumental Music 1700-1820, Vocal Music, Music for stage and screen, Fusions.
Assessment
Component 1: Performing – 30%
Solo performing
Ensemble performing
Approaches to performing
Component 2: Composing– 30%
Students compose two compositions, of at least three minutes combined duration.
One composition to a brief set by Pearson, of at least one minute in duration.
One free composition set by the student of at least one minute in duration.
Component 3: Appraising Music – 40%
Musical elements, contexts and language.
1 hour 45minute exam at the end of the course.
Study 8 set works under the headings of Instrumental music, vocal music, music for stage and screen and fusions. Answer listening and appraising questions on unfamiliar set works.
Key Contact |
Miss Ablett, Head of Music
Syllabus Website |
http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/music-2016.html