Music – Mr P Stephenson (Director of Music)

Music involves performing, composing and listening activities that everyone can enjoy. Whilst activities have been based around these skills GCSE Music is a very different subject from the one you have studied in Years 7—9. Music GCSE is ideal preparation for AS/A2 Music and AS/A2 Music Technology. It also gives you a very well-rounded academic arts education that both employers and Sixth Form Colleges value.

Unit 1: PERFORMING MUSIC – 30%

GCSE Music caters for all levels of performance on ANY instrument (including your voice). 30% of the whole examination is you performing on your chosen instrument so if you already have instrumental lessons and enjoy them then this subject would be ideal for you. The GCSE Music Students present their own concert in the July of Year 10. As a GCSE Music Student you will be expected to participate in at least one of the many extra-curricular groups on offer. These will help you to develop your listening and performing skills as well as helping to develop your music theory knowledge. All GCSE students are expected to be a member of the Senior Vocal Group (rehearsals: Friday, 2nd Break).

Unit 2: COMPOSING MUSIC – 30% coursework

Initially, you will work in pairs and then increasingly on your own, composing music in a variety of styles. Much of your composition coursework will be completed using a variety of Music Technology including Sibelius and Logic Software, making use of the brand new MacSuite and recording studio. In fact, a large proportion of your lesson time will be spent using this software in the Music IT Suite so you will need to have plenty of self motivation to be able to work on your own, both during and outside of the curriculum time. Much of the composition element is taught through tutorials and you will be expected to continue with your work whilst your teacher is dealing with other students.

Unit 3: MUSIC - LISTENING AND APPRAISING – 40% examination

Listening to music and responding to it is an integral part of music lessons. You will study twelve set works arranged into four ‘Areas of Study’. These are listed below. During the 90 minute examination you will be played excerpts from these twelve set works and will have to answer questions. You will also have to give a longer, essay-based answer to a question about one of the set works.

SKILLS

• Practical – learning to play an instrument or sing, building confidence as a performer
• Social – learning to perform and work with others in a team
• Creative – learning to develop ideas and put these into practice through composition and performance task