Subject Choices for GCSE
O P T I O N S / T WO
Music
Music
Music is a central part of life; all of us hear music and are impacted by music on a daily basis. Music is an academic subject of tremendous value in
end of the course. The examination paper is in two
later life. It is a practical subject – a specific skill – which
sections: Section A is based on 8 set works (from 4
enables young adults to stand out from the crowd.
Areas of Study), Aural Dictation and one unfamiliar
As well as developing the confidence to perform in
piece of music. Section B is a response in the form of
public, the ability to work independently on ideas is
an extended answer to one familiar and one unfamiliar
encouraged and developed. Such traits are central to
piece of music, creating a comparison essay. The set
success at university. An open mind, a desire to work
works for the qualification are listed below:
independently and a willingness to engage with wholeschool musical activities are essential traits for success
WHAT COULD I DO NEXT WITH MUSIC?
in this qualification.
Music is a specific skill that few people have truly mastered. As such, it adds diversity to your subject
THE COURSE IS DIVIDED INTO 3 UNITS:
list. Further, it is a skill which requires independent learning on open-ended tasks; these are essential skills
GCSE COURSE OUTLINE
that universities want to see. Musical study allows for a
Component 1: Performing Music
greater appreciation of historical events and the arts in
This is a coursework unit and accounts for 30% of the
general. Lastly, listening to music is an absolute joy;
total GCSE. Students perform a solo performance and
so is studying it!
an ensemble performance of around ABRSM Grade 5 standard. The pieces can be recorded at any point
ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS?
in the 2nd year of study and can be re-recorded, if
Please talk to Ms Robertshaw. If you have studied
required.
Music in Year 9 you are very well prepared for the
Component 2: Composing Music
GCSE course already.
This is a coursework unit and accounts for 30% of the total GCSE. Students must compose two compositions – one from a brief set by the exam board and one free choice composition. The pieces must total at least 3 minutes and may be written in any musical style. Component 3: Appraising Music This unit makes up the remaining 40% of the qualification and is a 105 minute written exam at the
AOS 1
AOS 2
AOS 3
AOS 4
Instrumental music
Vocal Music
Music for Stage
Fusions
J S Bach
H Purcell
Schwartz
Afro Celt Sound System
3rd Movement from
Music for a while
Defying Gravity
Release
L van Beethoven
Queen
J Williams
Esperanza Spalding
1st Movement
Killer Queen
Main title (from Star Wars
Samba Em Preludio
1700 - 1820 and Screen
Brandenburg Concerto 5
from Piano
Episode IV: A New Hope)
Sonata no. 8 in C minor
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