Why consider GCSE Music

• Music is a sociable subject
• It is a practical subject with limited time sitting behind desks.  This can create a nice balance to your timetable and studies.
• Gives you the chance to be creative.
• Gives you the chance to be credited for existing performance skills you will have
• Music looks good to colleges, universities or employers.  It is a highly regarded academic subject.

Course Structure

COMPONENT 1 (PERFORMANCE) = 30% - Perform 1 solo and 1 ensemble performance totalling 4 minutes combined duration.

COMPONENT 2 (COMPOSING) = 30% - Compose 2 compositions totalling 3 minutes combined duration.  One to a choice of briefs set by Edexcel, one a free composition

COMPONENT 3 (APPRAISING) = 40% - 1hr 45 min exam. Study 8 set-works from 4 Areas of Study.  Exam is a mixture of listening questions, short written answer and 1 extended written answer

Component 3 Set-works

J.S. Bach – 3^rd movement from Brandenburg Concerto no.5 in D

L. Beethoven – 1^st mvt from Piano Sonata no.8 in Cm “Pathetique”

H. Purcell – Music for a While

Queen – Killer Queen

S. Schwartz – Defying Gravity

J. Williams – Main titles from Star Wars IV: A New Hope

Afro Celt Sound System – Release

Esperanza Spalding – Samba Em Preludio

Course Expectations

• You need to be able to sing and/or play an instrument to a reasonable standard
• You must be prepared to work on your ability to read music
• You must be involved in at least one of the extra-curricular clubs in the music department (minimum Senior Choir)
• You must be willing to open your mind to new styles of music and musical experiences
• You must meet deadlines