Music
Why study Music?
GCSE Music is ideal for anyone who is looking to further their musical skills and knowledge, whilst providing a solid platform to progress onto study A Level Music or Btec Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music. Students will build on their KS3 study of music and develop their performance, compositional and appraisal skills. Students are able to choose which instrument they prefer to use for the compositional and performance tasks and will also get a chance to gain an insight into how the music business works and a host of varied careers and products that are contained within the industry. The course also delves into the world of digital recording and sound reproduction.
Main course content
Unit 1: Performing
Students rehearse and perform one solo and one ensemble performance on an instrument of their choice or using music technology.
Unit 2: Composing
Students compose two pieces of music, one in a style of their choice and another based on a given genre.
Unit 3: Listening and Appraising
Students study twelve pieces of music from four different periods in history.
Assessment Methods
Examination (40%)
This is a one hour and thirty minute listening and appraising exam at the end of course.
Controlled Assessment (60%)
Two performances and two compositions completed throughout the course conducted under controlled conditions.
Recommended Resources
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/music/
Additional Support
GCSE students have access to the Music room at break time, lunch time and at the end of the Academy day, where they can rehearse performances or discover areas of Music Theory.
Further Study/Career Pathways
A Level/ BTEC in Music or Music Technology
Employment opportunities include:
- Sound Engineering
- Live Performance
- Stage Crew
- Creating music for video games and television
- Song Writing
- Retail
- Music Journalism.
For more information please contact Mr Simpson at the Academy on 01384 253722