What is Music?
Learners will study Music for GCSE.The aim of the course is to give learners the opportunity to:
- Develop their understanding and appreciation of a range of different kinds of music
- Extend their own musical interests and develop their chosen instrument skills
- Develop a range of life-skills and personal attributes including critical thinking, team working and independent learning skills
Course Details
| Qualification | Exam Board | Specification |
| GCSE Music | WJEC Eduqas | C660QS |
Department Leader
Mr C. Smith
Department Leader for Music
Course Overview
The video below explains the different topics you will study on the Music course:
The qualification is divided into three sections as follows:
| GCSE Music | |
| Performance | Learners will perform one solo piece and one ensemble (group) piece during the course and can perform on any chosen instrument or voice. This unit is worth 30% of the overall marks.
All music learners will receive an additional 30 minutes of instrumental or vocal tuition per week |
| Composition | Learners will compose two pieces of music – one will be a response to a brief set by WJEC, the other will be free. These pieces can be in any style, but must each relate to a different area of study. This unit is worth 30% of the overall marks. |
| Listening, Appraising and Musical Knowledge | This unit is assessed via a listening exam with eight questions in total covering: Musical Forms and Devices, Music for Ensemble, Film Music & Popular Music.
Two of the questions are based on extracts set by WJEC – Africa by Toto and Badinerie by J.S. Bach. This unit is worth 40% of the overall marks. |
Suitability and Progression
| GCSE Music | |
| Suitability | This course is most suitable for students who already receive instrumental/vocal tuition and who are currently performing at a standard equivalent to grade 1 or 2. Any learners interested in expanding their understanding of music theory should consider GCSE Music. |
| Progression | GCSE Music provides learners with the skills and understanding required for all Level 3 Music courses, including A-Level Music. It also provides learners with a good grounding for any career in the performing arts industry – practical, managerial or administrative. |
The teaching and learning methods for the course are a mixture of teacher directed, independent learning and instrumental self-study.
Learners can attend after school support sessions, instrumental lessons and a wide range of musical activities to enhance their performance skills.
There are opportunities to take on a variety of roles in school concerts and productions throughout the year. Performances in these can be recorded and contribute to the qualifications where appropriate.
Career Opportunities in Music
Learners may progress into a range of careers both inside and outside of music.
Music students are extremely attractive to employers and can follow a career in almost any field thanks to the transferable skills they acquire during the course.
Examples of available careers include publishing, the media, education, arts administration, music therapy, banking, law, public services and the charity sector.
Got A Question?
If you have a question about Music you can use the form below to contact Mr Smith, Department Leader for Music.
