What is GCSE Music all about?

GCSE Music is about making and listening to music. It covers performing, composing and listening in a wide variety of musical styles - popular music, world music, and classical music. There are opportunities to use music technology such as sequencing and recording.

Will I enjoy this course?

You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that:

• involves performing

• involves listening to all kinds of music

• involves composing or arranging music

• gives you the opportunity to play music with others in e.g., rock groups, bands, orchestras or local choirs

• gives you the opportunity to learn more about and use music technology

How does it follow on from what I have learned before?

You will improve your skills in performing and composing different types of music. You will listen to a wide variety of music and learn more about how and why it was written and/or performed.

What about exams?

There is one exam in the summer. You will listen to a CD and answer questions on the four Areas of Study which cover popular music, classical music and music from around the world.

Here at HMSG we study the GCSE board: WJEC GCSE in Music

This specification fosters candidates' musical sensitivity, creativity and aural perceptions through the acquisition of knowledge, skills and understanding and the exercise of the imagination. It promotes candidates' cultural development, involvement in and enjoyment of music as performers, composers and appraisers through the study of a wide range of music including the music of Wales.

Following a course in GCSE Music should encourage candidates to:

• Actively engage in the process of music study in order to develop as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds

• Develop their own musical interests and skills including the ability to make music individually and in groups

• Evaluate their own and others music

• Understand and appreciate a range of different kinds of music.

This specification gives candidates opportunities to develop broader life-skills and attributes including critical and creative thinking, aesthetic sensitivity and emotional and cultural development.

Rehearsing repertoire for Unit 1: Performing Music