GCSE MUSIC

Aims of the course In addition to helping you acquire subject knowledge, this course provides you with the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills that will support your studies in Music, other subjects and be of tremendous benefit in future employment. Units of work focus upon your ability to listen to music and make critical observations, perform and compose. However, through the ongoing development of these core foci you will also develop your independence, teamwork, analysis skills, literacy, evaluation skills, confidence and creativity. Why study GCSE Music? You will study the Edexcel GCSE Music course which will give you access to a wide range of musical opportunities including performances at and visits to concerts. You will study a wide range of musical styles including Blues, Popular Music, Hip Hop, Music from India, Music from Africa, Musical Theatre, 20th Century Music and Music from the Western Classical Tradition. As 30% of the course is dependent upon performance, we would expect students to be at a Grade 3 standard or equivalent on their given instrument or voice. If you have not taken any formal grades you should see a member of the Music Department staff in order to confirm whether you have the required technical ability on your instrument or voice. Course Breakdown Course Breakdown Unit 1 2 3 Title/Description Performing Music Composing Music Music Listening and Appraising How will it be assessed? Controlled Assessment Controlled Assessment Written Paper % towards final grade? 30% 30% 40%

KEY SUBJECT CONTACT

Mr B Shaller

The department also has a Digital Recording Studio which can be used for composition and produces high quality recordings of performances. Progression routes available after the course GCSE Music will enable you to go on to study Music and Music Technology at A Level and is accepted by universities for a wide variety of courses. Music qualifications are viewed very favourably by further education establishments and employers because of the wide varieties of skills required for the successful completion of the course. Career possibilities include: performance, composing, song writing, producing, production management, teaching, arts administration, broadcasting, sound engineering, music therapy and events management. However, it is not uncommon for students who have music qualifications to go on to become successful in other fields such as medicine, law and finance. Should you require any further guidance, please feel free to talk to any member of the Music Department staff. Web address/link to syllabus http://www.edexcel.com/migrationdocuments/GCSE%20New%20GCSE/GCSE_Music_Spec_2012.pdf

25 - St. Bedes Catholic School & Sixth Form College - GCSE Course Information - 2014