YR9 Options Booklet 2022

Subject: GCSE Music
Option
Why study this subject?
The GCSE Music Course is an enjoyable and exciting way
to further your musical studies. Research shows the
academic and social benefits of playing an instrument
and studying Music can be substantial: studying Music
develops discipline as you need to work hard and
practice regularly to make progress on your instrument.
Reports show learning to read music, with its concepts
of time, rhythm and pitch, has a direct positive impact
on mathematical ability, making it more likely that you will progress faster in
Mathematics than other students. Playing a musical instrument helps develop
creative thinking and practical and listening skills.
What qualifications will I get at the end of the course?
A GCSE in Music.
What can this qualification lead to afterwards?
A/AS Level Music, Music Technology and Performing Arts; a degree in Music
(BA or BMUS). The skills you will gain by studying Music are well-respected by
colleges and universities and highly sought after in a wide range of jobs.
What topics will I study on this course?
There are three parts to the course:
1. Performing (30%)
Students are required to perform on an instrument or as a
singer. This can be on any instrument, and the two
performances can be on different instruments if the student
wishes. The performance can be any style of music.
Students are required to provide at least four minutes of performances. This
must be a mixture of solo and ensemble performing (performing with other
people). The ensemble can be anything from a piano duet or a string quartet
to a pop/rap band! There must be at least one minute of solo performance,
and at least one minute of ensemble performance. So, for example, it might
44