• Developing performance skills with instruments and/or voice.
• Performing music - in groups and as a soloist.
• Composing music - using a mixture of instruments, voices and computer software.
• Listening to music and writing about it using the correct musical words.
  
  There is an opportunity for more able musicians to fast track this subject and to study for AS music in year 11.

Some things to remember about choosing music

• Music is an enjoyable subject for those who are willing to work hard and be positive at all times.
• Music is not an easy subject.
• It will require time out of lessons as well as in lessons!
• Music has a written element - it is not all practical.
• You must be well behaved and work co-operatively with your teacher.
• If you can't follow the rules of the Performing Arts Faculty then you should not choose music.
• You should expect to perform to audiences at certain points during the course.
  

What does the GCSE course consist of?

Coursework - 60% of total marks.

Part A: Integrated coursework

• Performing 1 ( 10% of total marks)
• Composition 1 ( 10% of total marks)
• Appraising (10% of total marks)

Part B: Further coursework

• Performing 2 ( 10% of total marks)
• Performing 3 ( 10% of total marks)
• Composition 2 ( 10% of total marks)

Terminal Task - 15% of total marks.

Candidates have 30 mins to compose a melody based on a given stimulus. The composition is either recorded or written down within the time.

Listening Exam - 25% of total marks.

A listening and written paper of 1 hour 30 mins.