2. Course Structure Unit 1: Listening to and Appraising Music Written Paper – 1 hours (20%) Unit 2: Composing and Appraising Music Externally Assessed (20%) Unit 3: Performing Music Controlled Assessment (40%) Unit 4: Composing Music Controlled Assessment (20%)

3. The course is split into 3 main areas: 1.Performing – unit 3 40% of your GCSE will be performance. You can play any instrument for this, or sing (you don’t have to play an instrument to take the course, although some knowledge of chords at a keyboard or guitar will be needed for composing). You need to practice your chosen instrument regularly to get a good GCSE grade. Around half of your homework will be practicing!

4. 2. Composing – units 2 and 4 40% of your GCSE will be composition. You will write 2 main compositions for the course. The first can be in any style you wish. You can either compose acoustically (no computers), or use the iMac’s and GarageBand. For the second composition, you will be given guidelines for your composition. You may be asked to use ‘pop’ music, ‘classical’ music or ‘world’ music as a source of inspiration. You will need to submit an appraisal of this composition (like a detailed self evaluation).

5. 3. Listening and Theory Exam – unit 1 20% of your GCSE will be the final exam. (The other 80% is coursework). This will be a 1-hour exam at the end of year 11. There is no requirement to read ‘classical notation’ for the course, as performance and composition modules do not require a classically notated score. This means that a high overall grade can be achieved whatever your musical background. However, knowledge of notation is essential if top marks are to be achieved in the listening test. You will learn the listening skills and theory required for the final exam throughout the course.

6. Course Structure The GCSE music course allows you to develop and explore as a musician in many ways, and should be great fun! However – it is not an ‘easy’ course. You will need to practice your instrument (or sing) regularly, and learning musical theory takes revision! If you are thinking of taking the course and are a singer only, it would help to practice the keyboard a little before the course start. This will help you greatly in the composing area of the course.