Mr. R. Gallo
Head of Department
If you truly enjoy music and like to sing, play a musical instrument, or make music using technology, Music GCSE might be the course for you!
In this course you will embark on a journey to develop your performance ability, learn to compose a piece of music, as well as improve your listening and thinking skills. This is a rewarding qualification which empowers you with a range of transferable skills such as ability to plan ahead, work as a team, think and understand patterns, manage time and handle several projects at once.
Why Choose Music?
Music is an academic subject in its own right and brings a wide range of transferable skills, which will better equip you for your future endeavors, independently from whatever career path you decide to choose.
Employers, colleges and universities see creative subjects as assets, and they look for young people with capabilities that music will help you develop, such as:
- creative thinking
- artistic expression
- communication
- tenacity and resilience
- self-confidence
- emotional intelligence
- adaptability
GCSE Music helps form a well–rounded and educated individual, and gives students a wonderful and healthy practical activity, which they might carry on for the rest of your life as a hobby.
But if you are more ambitious and would like to work in the music and performing arts industry, this course is the very first step you need to take to develop that career.
What do I have to do take the course?
Easy! While in year 9, start learning a musical instrument with a teacher or take on voice lessons. By the time you get to year 11 you should be playing or singing a piece of music equivalent to a grade 3 standard.
Alternatively, you can start exploring ways of making music with a computer or tablet. Try Soundtrap (www.soundtrap.com) or Bandlab (www.bandlab.com). They are internet based virtual studios, a fun way to make music using technology without playing a musical instrument.
A summary of Eduqas GCSE Music Qualification
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Component 1: Performing Total duration of performances: 4-6 minutes. Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated. |
30% of qualification |
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A minimum of two pieces, one of which must be an ensemble performance of at least one minute duration. The other piece(s) may be either solo and/or ensemble. One of the pieces performed must link to an area of study of the learner’s choice. Performance standard: Grade 3 |
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Component 2: Composing Total duration of compositions: 3-6 minutes. Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated. |
30% of qualification |
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Two compositions, one of which must be in response to a brief set by WJEC. Learners will choose one brief from a choice of four, each one linked to a different area of study. The briefs will be released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken. The second composition is a free composition for which learners set their own brief.
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Component 3: Appraising Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes (approximately). |
40% of qualification |
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This component is assessed via a listening examination. It is a paper with eight questions in total, two on each of the four areas of study: Area of study 1: Musical Forms and Devices Area of study 2: Music for Ensemble Area of study 3: Film Music Area of study 4: Popular Music Two of the eight questions are based on extracts set by WJEC The exam will focus on three main topics: Elements of Music – melody, harmony, tonality, form and structure, dynamics, sonority, texture, tempo, rhythm, metre. The context – the time, place and purpose of the music Musical Language – the list of musical terms, notes in the treble and bass clef and any specific vocabulary associated with the set works.
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Set works from WJEC |
Composer |
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Area of study 1: Badinerie – Suite N.2 in B minor BWV1067
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J. S. Bach (1685-1750) |
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Area of study 4: Africa
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Toto (Paich/Porcaro) |
- Performing Musician (orchestras, bands, solo performer, musical theatre companies)
- Recording Musician (session musician)
- Singer
- Military musician (career in the military as musician, director or teacher)
- Conductor
- Music Director
- Composer (for film, video-game and television)
- Songwriter
- Arranger and Orchestrator
- Sound Engineer (recordings, internet streaming and live concerts)
- Sound Designer (for film, games and websites)
- Audio Engineer (for sound treatment in buildings)
- Music Software Developer
- Disc Jockey (DJ)
- Roadie / Stage Hand
- Stage Manager
- Tour manager
- Technician (for instruments and sound equipment)
- Piano tuner
- Radio and TV Presenter Producer
- Producer in the record industry
- Music Publisher
- Music Agent
- Music Editor
- Retailer (sales, import/export)
- Music Teacher
- Music Therapist
- Music Critic