GCSE Music

Course Overview

GCSE Music is an exciting and practical course that develops students’ skills in performing, composing and listening to music. The Eduqas specification offers students the opportunity to explore a wide range of musical styles, from classical and popular music to film music and music from different cultures.

Throughout the course, students develop their confidence as performers through regular individual and ensemble performance. They also learn how to compose and develop their own musical ideas, using a range of musical techniques and technologies.

Students study a variety of set works and musical areas, developing their ability to listen to and analyse music. They learn how musical elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, sonority and structure are used to create different effects and communicate meaning.

Course content

Students following the Eduqas GCSE Music course will develop their knowledge and understanding of music through three main areas: performing, composing and appraising.

Performing

Students develop their practical skills through:

• Solo and ensemble performance

• Performing music in a range of styles and genres

• Developing technical accuracy, expression and interpretation

• Preparing performances for assessment

Composing

Students learn how to:

• Create and develop original musical ideas

• Compose in different styles and genres

• Use melody, harmony, rhythm, texture and structure effectively

• Develop and refine compositions using feedback

• Use music technology where appropriate

Appraising

Students study a wide range of music and develop their ability to:

• Identify and describe musical elements and features

• Analyse how composers use musical devices

• Recognise different instruments, voices and ensembles

• Understand musical terminology and notation

• Compare music from different genres, periods and cultures

Areas of Study

The course explores music through a range of contrasting areas, including:

• Forms and Devices

• Music for Ensemble

• Film Music

• Popular Music

Students study a selection of set works alongside wider examples of music, developing an understanding of how music has changed across different periods, cultures and styles.

Exam 

 For Units 1 and 2 you will undertake projects (not exams) in response to briefs.  The project for each Unit will take 10 hours and be worth 30% of your qualification.  For each one you will be given a scenario and will need to undertake a number of tasks.

In Unit 3 you will undertake another project (no exam) in response to a brief, which will take 20 hours and be worth 40% of your qualification.  You will be given a scenario and will need to undertake a number of tasks.