GCSE: Music Coursework

Why Study GCSE Music?

Music is an important part of modern life. Radio,Ipods, adverts, backing music on TV as well as live performances mean that we all hear a huge range of different types of music. GCSE Music gives you the ability to analyse what you hear as well as learning to produce your own music.

GCSE Music: What Will I Study?

GCSE Music consists of three themes listening, composing and performing.

Listening means you have to learn to identify and compare different types of music. You'll need to be able to write about them using the right musical words. This is often assessed by writing short essays in an exam. Topics you study could be popular music since 1960, music for dance, music for film, the orchestra or music for special events.

Composing is where you create pieces of music for a reason. One example could be recording a piece to accompany a film. You'll also have to decide how successful your composition was.

Performing is assessed by recording you singing and /or playing, both solo and in groups. You should be able to choose to sing or play any instrument you like.

Making music with computer technology is also recognised as acceptable by most exam boards.

GCSE Music... What Can I Study Next?

You could take A Level Music. A BTEC in music technology would be useful if you fancy a technical job like sound engineer or producer. If you're studying an instrument you'll probably know about the grading exams you can take - check out the ABRSM link below.

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