Key Stage 4 Options Booklet 2007/2008

Music Department

Music

Examination Board: Edexcel

Assessment arrangements:

60% coursework
40% written examination

Students can progress to further study of music including the AS/A2 course and BTEC music technology (acoustics) course or to follow a music–related career where appropriate.

Course description and organisation

The GCSE music course is based on developing three skill areas: performing, composing and listening and appraising.

Students should be prepared to sit three papers:

Paper one

Performing – a solo and ensemble performance

Paper two

Composition – two original compositions written and recorded by the student which must be based on two of the four areas of study covered in lessons.

Paper three

Listening and appraising Written exam paper of one hour 30 minutes based on a broad range of music set out in the four areas of study in the syllabus. The areas of study on this course which all students must study are:

Structure in Western European Classical Music from 1600–1899 (through the study of ground bass variations, ternary form and rondo form).
Changing Directions in Western Classical Music from 1900 (focusing on serialism, minimalism and experimental music).
Popular music in context (through the study of Britpop, dance music, and songs from musicals).
Indian raga, African music and fusions

Students are expected to continue with their instrumental lessons when opting for this course as a well developed instrumental skill is essential. Students are therefore expected to practice regularly on their instrument(s) outside of normal lesson time (as is normal practice when having instrumental lessons). This also counts as an ongoing part of homework and coursework as there is some cross–over between instrumental and GCSE music lessons. Students are expected to play their instrument with a good degree of technical and tonal control, expression and musicianship, style and interpretation. Students should be prepared to perform on their instrument in both solo and ensemble situations.

Brooke Weston