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Course details

GCSE Music

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Studying Music to GCSE level:

To achieve a GCSE in Music you will be required to:

  • Compose your own music
  • Perform music - either by singing or playing an instrument of your choice
  • Listen and appraise music from three strands. 

a) The Western Classical tradition

b) Pop music of the 20th and 21st Centuries

c) World Music

All of the elements - Composing, Performing and Listening will be explored through different units of practical work, but there are five areas of study which link all units together. These are:

  • Rhythm
  • Harmony and Tonality
  • Texture and Melody
  • Tone Colour and Dynamics
  • Musical Structure and Form


Personal Qualities required to study GCSE Music:

  • A strong interest in music
  • Listening skills
  • To be open-minded about styles of music that you don’t normally listen to
  • To be motivated and have self discipline to complete practical tasks
  • Have enough confidence to enable you to perform for a recording.

By achieving a GCSE in Music this could lead to:

  • A career as a performer (pop music, theatre, classical etc)
  • A career as a composer (television, film, pop, classical etc)
  • A career in nursery, primary, secondary or further education. Many nurseries and primary schools welcome someone with musical skills.
  • A career in music technology (recording studios)

Music can help to increase your confidence and self-esteem and this can help you to progress in any career.


More information
Any parents or students who would like more information about the course should contact Mr D Bugden who will be happy to answer any questions.


Remember: This course is worth 1 GCSE. You should choose this as ONE of your Option choices.