Music
EDEXCEL GCSE Specification
During the course
You will...
* Play music on your chosen instrument or sing.
* Create your own music – often using ICT equipment.
* Listen to many types of music and study them in detail.
* Do homework – in the form of research, composing or practice.
At the end of the course
You will...
* Hand in your original compositions as coursework.
* Perform on your chosen instrument or voice for your music teacher in an examination.
* Sit a written examination lasting 1 hour 30 minutes – listening and answering questions based upon four areas of study.
Course Outline
30% PERFORMING
30% COMPOSING
40% LISTENING/APPRAISING (4 Areas of study)
30% PERFORMING – solo and group performances throughout the course to improve your skills. Final examination takes place in school – one solo, one ensemble.
30% COMPOSING – Original music will be created based upon an Area of Study. Two detailed compositions required as coursework.
40% LISTENING/APPRAISING – studying music from each of the four areas outlined. Final examination in the form of a listening/written paper of 1 hour 30 minutes.
Areas Of Study
For the Listening /Appraising examination various styles/genres of music are studied. They are as follows……..
1. Structure in Western Classical Music 1600-1899 – Ground Bass & Variations, Ternary form, Rondo. (Yr.10)
2. New directions in Western Classical Music – 1900 to the present day – Expressionism & serialism, Minimalism, Experimental & electronic. (Yr.11)
3. Popular music in context – Dance music 1985-present day, Britpop & influences, Musicals. (Yr.10)
4. World music – Indian raga, African music, music drawing together two different cultures (Fusions). (Yr.11)
GCSE Music: Aims
* To develop your understanding and appreciation of a range of music.
* To extend your interests and increase your ability to make judgments about music.
* To develop life-skills including critical and creative thinking, aesthetic sensitivity and cultural development.
Knowledge, skills and understanding
Throughout the course you will acquire the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to…..
* make music, individually and in groups.
* develop a life long interest in music.
* progress to further study, e.g. AS/A level and/or to follow a music related career, where appropriate.
Specialist Schools & Academies Trust
Technology Colleges
Applied Learning