GCSE MUSIC

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During this course you will have the opportunity to:
Advance your knowledge and understanding of music through the development of performing, composing, listening and appraising skills.

This is an integrated course and all Areas of Study include work in the four main areas of performing, composing, listening and appraising, as well as the opportunity to utilise Music ICT.

The content of the course is delivered within the following areas of study:

Area of Study 1 My Music: You will apply your understanding to the study of a piece, which is in a genre or style of your choice. This can be either a solo, or an ensemble piece in which your instrument plays a significant part.

Area of Study 2 Shared Music: You will study how musicians work together in different stylistic and cultural contexts

Area of Study 3 Dance Music: You will study the characteristic features and rhythmic patterns of social dances including Waltz, Latin, Bhangra, Disco and Club Dance.

Area of Study 4 Descriptive Music: You will study descriptive music from the Romantic period to the present day, including Programme Music from 1820 onwards and Film Music. You will develop an understanding of how composers use music to express a story, picture, scene, mood/emotion or drama/action.

During the course you will be assessed through work completed in the following assignments/examinations

Integrated Tasks (worth 30%)
• A performance, a composition and a commentary, all related to Area of Study 1.

Practical Portfolio (worth 30%)
• A second performance or realisation, a second composition and a log.

Creative Task (worth 15%)
• A practical examination drawing on understanding gained from all areas of study,
in which you will develop a short piece, based on a stimulus, and communicate it.

Listening Examination (worth 25%)
• A written paper, with CD, assessing knowledge and understanding of Areas of
Study 2, 3 and 4.

Students who should study this subject?

If you have a skill on an instrument/voice and/or music technology,/DJing, enjoy composing and want to learn more about different types of music.