Music

Guitar Riffs and Elements

Theme tunes

Samba

Axis of Awesome Chords

Theme and Variation 

Cartoon Cliche

Indian and Chinese music

Musical Ensembles

Guitar Classics

Soundtracks

Film music

Dance

Advertising and music 

Understanding Music (40% of the GCSE, 90-minute exam)

• Study music from 2 ‘Areas of Study’ - Western Classical Music (Mozart ‘Clarinet
• Concerto in A Major’) and Traditional Music (Paul Simon ‘Graceland’).
• Learn to analyse / appraise different styles of music from classical to reggae to rock.
• Written exam at the end of Year 11 which uses a combination of multiple choice, short and long answers.

Performing Music (30% of the GCSE, coursework)

• Need to perform as both a soloist and as part of an ensemble for at least four minutes in total on your chosen instrument.
• Choose your own pieces, which could include pieces that you are learning in your instrumental lessons if you have them.
• Performances are recorded multiple times until you are happy with them.

Composing Music (30% of the GCSE, coursework)

• Compose two pieces of music that last at least three minutes in total.
• One composition is a free choice, the other is written to one of approximately five briefs. Both compositions can be in any style, for any combination of instruments.
• You will compose using your instrument and Garage Band/Sibelius software on the Macs/PCs.