Music

Why study Music?   

Studying GCSE Music is a transformative experience that goes far beyond learning notes and rhythms. It develops essential musical skills such as instrument proficiency, composition, and critical listening, while also enhancing cognitive abilities like memory and critical thinking. The emotional benefits are profound, fostering self-expression, teamwork, and cultural awareness through collaboration in groups like bands. Furthermore, the skills gained in music, such as discipline and creativity, are highly transferable to various careers, making it an asset in today’s job market. With evidence showing that music education can improve overall academic performance, along with building confidence and a lifelong appreciation for the arts, pursuing GCSE Music is not just an educational choice; it’s an investment in personal growth and future opportunities.

Students will be following the OCR GCSE Music Specification which is structured into two parts: 60% Coursework and 40% Written Exam.

What content is studied?     

60% Coursework:
Performance (60 Marks) Students will need to record a minimum of 4 minutes’ worth of music on their instrument or voice. This can be a mixture of songs and styles, which is decided by the student. The performances can be either a mixture of solo or band work, or just band projects. This again is decided by the student. 🎙️ Performances will be recorded in the studio and exported as MP3 files	Composition (60 Marks) Students will need to compose a minimum of 3 minutes’ worth of music using the Apple iMacs and industry standard software Logic Pro. This takes the form of two separate compositions. One composition to a set brief, and the second which is decided by the student. 🖥️ Compositions will be exported from Logic Pro as MP3 files
40% Written Exam:
Listening Paper (80 Marks) This is a written paper, with audio recording. Students will study four areas of Music including: 🎵 Conventions of Popular Music 🎵 Film Music 🎵 Rhythms of the World 🎵 The Concert Through Time 📝 The paper consists of 8 questions, two questions are taken from each area of study. The length of paper is determined by the audio with a maximum of 90 minutes.

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Registered Office: The Arthur Terry School, Kittoe Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B74 4RZ

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