Hello!

Head of Department: Mrs C Carrington

Lead Music teacher: Mr J Waring

Email: [email protected]

Examination Board: AQA

Music plays a huge part in everyday life. You will compose music and perform music to your highest standard. You will learn about music from other cultures and times as well as having a free choice to perform in your own style. You will be encouraged to express yourself through music composition and performance and prepare for the examination which embraces all styles of music.

Performing: Students are required to produce 2 pieces of Music performed on their chosen instruments, this includes DJing. They are pieces of the students’ choice. At least one piece must be performed as an ensemble i.e. with at least one other live musician. To achieve full marks the pieces must be of ABRSM Grade 5 standard or equivalent. However,high grades can still be achieved by performing pieces at lower levels. Both pieces must be recorded in the year of examination i.e. year 11. This Component accounts for 30% of the overall mark. The total time for the performance piece must be at least four minutes with at least one minute for the ensemble. It is permissible for lower grade students to perform a series of shorter pieces, eg. Grade One pieces in order to fulfil the four minute requirement.

Composing: Students are required two Compose 2 pieces of Music. One will be a free composition and the other will be composed to a brief set by AQA. This component accounts for 30% of the overall mark.

Listening/ Appraising: Students will be required to sit one paper lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes. Approximately 67% will be based on listening skills. This will require musical answers to given excerpts of music. The remainder will be contextual responding to set works which will include The Western Classical Tradition as a compulsory component. The whole paper accounts for 40% of the overall mark.

You must be motivated and able to meet deadlines, be able to work independently i.e. regular instrumental practice and someone who enjoys music! There is no requirement for students to be competent instrumentalists/vocalists at this stage but a commitment to be so is required. You will need to be committed to your music to gain the best from this course where you will be required to perform with your peers. The vast majority of Music students profess to find the course rewarding and enjoyable. You will be able to perform and compose in styles of your choice but you will be expected to link your compositions to elements of music from the specification. These are called Areas of Study and cover elements such as rhythm, metre, tonality, melody, harmony, structure, texture, timbre, dynamics and form. 

Music is an excellent GCSE to have on your CV as it shows you have important qualities that ALL employers and colleges are looking for such as creativity, self-discipline, organisational skills and the ability to work in a team.