GCSE Music

Why choose this subject?

Choosing GCSE Music allows the learner to take a pathway that reaps many benefits. Setting you up for a career in the creative industry, which is responsible for £111.7 Billion pounds in the UK’s Economy. Music allows the learner to be expressive and to learn a skill-set that employers see as a unique asset. To be successful in the creative arts industry, the ability to develop communication skills, as well as strong subject knowledge within a chosen field are essential. GCSE Music allows you the opportunity to learn and foster this skill set to become successful in further education and life. 

Course content

In GCSE Music, learners experience three fundamental components of the industry - performance, composition and appraising - in tandem they allow for the learner to experience and learn a wide range of industry based skills: 

Component 1 - Performance 30% of GCSE - Broken down into a solo performance and an ensemble performance, learners are expected to perform music to the minimum standard of Grade 3 by Year 11. You can achieve this within the space of 2 to 3 years, through dedicated practice and tuition. 

Component 2 - Composing 30% of GCSE - Broken down into a free composition and a set brief composition, learners will be introduced to aspects of the creative industry through composition of music. 

Component 3 - Appraising (listening exam) 40% of GCSE students will learn 4 different areas of study that span a wide range of music history from the baroque period to the popular music of today. As part of the examination, learners will have to learn the analysis of both a classical and popular music set piece.

Possible careers

• Performance Career Based Avenues:  Session Musician | Cruise Musician | Music Director | Touring Musician | Musical Theatre Acting Roles | Accompanist
• Composer Career Based Avenues: Film & Television Composer | Media Composer | Lyricist | Song writer
• Appraisal Career Based Roles: Music Therapist | ‘’Roadie’’ | Record Store Manager | Music Store Owner | Popular Music Analyst | Music Teacher | Peripatetic Music Tutor | Sound Engineer | Music Journalist | Radio Music Director | Self-Employed Artist

If you have any questions about GCSE Music, please contact Mr Gillon, Teacher of Music.