For details of the course requirements contact EdExcel at http://www.edexcel.org.uk/
Course Description
GCSE music is about making and listening to music.
It covers performing, composing and listening in a wide variety of
musical styles – popular music, world music and classical music.
There are opportunities to use music technology such as sequencing and
recording.
Grades available:
Method of examination:
Types of activity during the course
As a part of your coursework you will perform (play, sing
or sequence) three pieces altogether. One will be a solo in any style and on any
instrument. The other two will be
performances with other players. These performances may take place in the
classroom, in school music groups or outside school. They will be recorded and marked by your teacher.
For composing coursework you will also compose two pieces
according to a brief written by the teacher and yourself. You can choose the
styles form a list which includes; the 12 bar blues, reggae, African drumming,
rondo, experimental music and club dance remix. If you like, you could write a
song for a musical.
Opportunities
GCSE music is a good preparation for further musical study
and a firm foundation for the AS/A Levels in
music and music technology. As well
as the BTEC national diplomas (in Music, Popular Music and Music Technology) and
the new Vocational A level in the performing Arts.
You may wish to take GCSE in Music for its own sake, perhaps to form the
basis of future interest.
Alternatively, you may wish to go on to a job where it is useful to have had experience of music or where you will need some of the skills developed during this course. These might include careers in the music industry, publishing, entertainment and teaching or any job, which involves communication or expressive skills.
For further information revision help and course content look at the other sections of this site including the links page