Teacher of Music:	Mr H Soper
	soperh@christofidelis.org.uk
Course Studied:	AQA GCSE Music

 

Why study Music?

Music is constantly evolving, inspiring creativity and expression in a way that no other subject can. This is a relevant and contemporary GCSE qualification that offers our students the chance to study a wide range of musical genres such as: Western Classical Tradition (1650-1910), Popular Music, Traditional Music and Western Classical Music since 1910; with more opportunities for practical learning, bringing theory, listening and composition to life in new and engaging ways, and links to the world around us like never before.

Course Outline

The Subject content of the GCSE Music course is divided into three components:
a) Understanding music
b) Performing music
c) Composing music

How is the course assessed?

Component 1: Understanding Music
Written paper – 1 hour 30 mins – 40% of GCSE marks
(Candidates respond to questions on Listening and Contextual understanding)

Component 2: Performing Music
Internally marked and externally moderated by AQA – 30% of GCSE marks
One Solo performance and one Ensemble performance

Component 3: Composing Music
Internally marked and externally moderated by AQA – 30% of GCSE marks
Composition 1: Composition to a given brief
Composition 2: Free composition

What do the Music subject ambassadors think?

“Music is a great subject. It has really helped me develop my musical skills and given me a broad understanding of music from around the world. Composing your own piece of music is amazing and really exciting”

Where can this course lead?

The GCSE course is designed to produce musicians who are able to listen, perform and compose with confidence. Many of our students go on to study music at university and ultimately follow careers in the music industry. If you are considering this course it is essential that you play an instrument or sing to a very good performance level.

Career inspiration
From careers you know to opportunities you might never have imagined, discover where studying this subject could lead. Select the career to go to more information:

Career	What could you do?
Musician	Perform music professionally, individually or as part of a group.
Music Teacher	Help others develop their musical abilities.
Music Producer	Create, record and develop music for artists.
Sound Technician	Create sound effects and audio experiences for games, films and television.
Music Therapist	Use music to support people’s communication, wellbeing and development.
Film Composer	Create original music that brings films and television programmes to life.