Why Study GCSE Music?

Creativity is fast becoming one of the most important and in-demand skills at work (World Economic Forum.) When business leaders across the world were surveyed, they voted creativity as the most important workplace skill to help their businesses survive and grow. This means the study of creative subjects, like Music, is becoming even more important and relevant to young people in today’s workplace. A number of studies have shown how music benefits learning by activating all areas of the brain: auditory (sound processing); motor (rhythm processing); limbic (emotions). So by choosing music, you could actually be improving your chances of doing well in other subjects.

 

 

You Will Study

Students study the Eduqas Specification and will be required to perform at a minimum of a strong Grade 3 standard on their instrument or voice by the end of the course. 

Component 1: Performing

Total duration of performances: 4 to 6 minutes A minimum of two pieces, one of which must be an ensemble performance of at least one minute's 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.

Component 2: Composing

Total duration of compositions: 3 to 6 minutes 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.

Component 3: Appraising

Written examination: 1 hr 15 min, 40% of qualification

• 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 Eduqas

Where Could GCSE Music Lead?

You may choose to continue with music, by studying A-level Music, but equally, you might want to study other subjects. Professions such as medicine, law, and accountancy view Music as a highly regarded academic subject, so Music can complement your other studies at A Level. Either way, choosing music at GCSE will have benefited you because it provides many important transferable skills such as presentation skills, independent learning and teamwork.