The GCSE Music course is suitable for any pupil who has an interest in the subject and who plays a musical instrument or sings. There are three main areas of study which each have different forms of assessment at the end of the course.
Performance - During the two years of GCSE study, each student will have individual lessons on their chosen instrument or in singing. As a final examination, the pupil is expected to give a short solo performance and to perform with a group of players or singers. (30% of the marks are awarded for this section)
Listening - Pupils study the history of music from the Renaissance period up to modern times. As well as learning about classical music, jazz and all styles of popular music are covered as well as music from other parts of the world. The final examination is a Listening Test where many recordings of music are played and questions are asked about them. (40% of the marks are awarded for this section)
Composition - Over the two year period, pupils try their hands at different types of composition. For the final assessment, pupils gather about four of their best pieces and these are submitted as coursework for marking. There is no set genre for the compositions and pupils can write pieces in any style they wish. (30% of the marks are awarded for this section).
GCSE Music is a wide-ranging and interesting course that introduces students to the fascinating variety of styles that exist around the world. AQA Syllabus 1392