About the Course
GCSE Music will help you develop an understanding and appreciation of a range of different kinds of music, whilst extending your own interests and increasing your ability to make judgements about musical quality. You will develop broader life skills and attributes including critical and creative thinking, aesthetic sensitivity and emotional and cultural development, along with the skills of creativity, self-confidence, concentration, self-discipline and communication. Every GCSE Music student receives one free instrumental lesson funded by the academy to help develop their performance skills.
Exam Board
EDUQAS
Controlled Assessment - 30% Performing, 30% Composing
External Examination - 40% Listening and Appraising
Course Content
The GCSE Music course provides you with an opportunity to explore many styles and genres of music, technical elements of a performance, working with scores, composing music and embracing creativity. You will experience a wide range of music from Baroque to Pop. You will learn to develop an extensive technical music vocabulary and train your hearing through critical musical analysis. The course will provide you with the necessary skills to apply your creativity in both composition and performance. You will have the opportunity to be a part of the blossoming, wider extra-curricular activities that take place within the department.
Beyond the Classroom
If you wanted to continue with your studies you could study A level Music. Students who have Music, Drama, Dance or other Performing Arts qualifications have gone on to do community work, sports therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, deliver training for businesses primarily in communication, work in the Armed Forces, media and social work to name just a few. This is as well as the obvious careers in music and performing arts.
The careers this subject could lead you to is :
- Arranger
- Artist Manager
- Backing Singer
- Booking Agent
- Composer
- DJ
- Event Manager
- Instrument Technician
- Live Sound Engineer
- Musical Director
- Musician
- Music Journalism
- Music Teacher
- Music Therapist
- Music PR
- Radio Producer
- Session Musician
- Songwriter
- Sound Engineer
- Singer
- Tour Manager
Your Future
From a Student Perspective
Music is an extremely fun lesson and at the same time you’re always learning new things. I’ve really enjoyed using the specialist software and the fact that you have a lot of freedom when composing work. I have also appreciated the opportunity to come into the department and practice my instrument. - Year 11 Student
