Music GCSE (Edexcel Syllabus 1MU0)

The study of Music brings together a wide range of skills in a unique way, demonstrating your physical and technical control, logical and analytical ability, programming and sequencing skills (ICT), historical and cultural understanding, as well as creativity, communication and expression. A good mark in GCSE Music offers a chance to show you have well-rounded education, an exciting range of talents, and deeper cultural awareness. Students who do well in GCSE Music are committed to practicing on their instrument/voice regularly, and will be continually engaged with musical activities throughout Year 10-11.

There are 3 units which make up this GCSE:

Unit 1: Performing (coursework, 30% of total)

Unit 2: Composing (coursework, 30% of total)

Unit 3: Listening/appraising (exam, 40% of total)

In Unit 1 you will prepare at least 2 performances on your chosen instrument/voice, at the highest level of your ability. These can be in any style, and are assessed based on accuracy, technique, expression and level of difficulty. These recordings are submitted at the end of Yr 11.

In Unit 2 you will create 2 pieces of original music/songs. One composition must follow certain guidelines, and the other is totally up to you in terms of style. You will submit a recording of the piece, as well as a written score of the music. They are assessed based on your control and understanding of a variety of musical ideas, such as development and contrast, consistency of style and use of instruments. This coursework is submitted at the end of Yr 11.

Unit 3 is a written/listening exam at the end of Yr 11. You will be tested on your understanding of 8 pieces of music, which you will study in depth throughout Year 10-11. These 8 Set Works offer a diverse range of styles, from Rock to Baroque, Jazz to Classical, Folk to Electronic etc. Most of the questions in the exam are based on short extracts from any of the 8 pieces, plus a longer essay question. The key to success in Unit 3 is confidence using and applying musical vocabulary, and the ability to pick out small, specific details when listening to music.

Students who do well in GCSE music are not just those who already learn an instrument with a private teacher, though this is definitely an advantage. All that is required is a commitment to practice regularly on an instrument/ voice from week to week, to engage with music in your spare time/extra-curricular activities, and to be open to learning about different forms of music as part of a broader musical education