MUSIC What is the nature of Music at IGCSE level? A vibrant musical education fosters curiosity and openness to both familiar and unfamiliar musical worlds. Through learning and participating in the study of music we are able to explore the similarities, differences and links in music from within our own culture and that of others across time. At SJI International students’ learning and active musical engagement allows them to become informed, reflective and critical practitioners in music, to explore and value the diversity of the music across time, place and cultures and develop confidence and experience as a performer.
What is the approach to learning? IGCSE Music occurs twice a week and the lessons are divided into an Analysis & Context class and a Composition class. Students will learn how to identify all the musical elements of a piece of music by both listening to it as well as reading and analysing a score. The IGCSE course enables students to acquire and consolidate a range of basic musical skills, knowledge and understanding, through the activities of listening, performing and composing. It will: • Help candidates develop a perceptive, sensitive and critical response to the main historical periods and styles of Western music • Help candidates to recognise and understand the music of various non-Western traditions, and thus to form an appreciation of cultural similarities and differences •
Provide a foundation for the development of an informed appreciation of music
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Provide a foundation for further study in music at a higher level
Because the course is also performance based, students are expected to have a tutor for their chosen instrument (this can be either an instrumental teacher from the ITP program run at school, or a music teacher outside of school) and should practise on their instrument/voice independently and regularly outside of school.
What is the subject content? Students will follow the Cambridge IGCSE course, which is subdivided into the following three basic components: Listening, Performing, and Composing.
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