GCSE MUSIC Edexcel – 1MU0 Inspiring

What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course? You have already gained many of the basic skills needed for this course in your music lessons over the last three years at school. You have been introduced to creating music of your own in class and this is developed on the GCSE course as you choose two topics for composition. For example, this could be a popular song and a dance track, a classical piece or some world music. There is a wide choice and it can be tailored to your own musical interests and strengths. You have already listened to a variety of music in class and these skills are developed as you study some set pieces taken from the classical, 20th century, popular and world music Areas of Study. You enjoy making music, either as a soloist or in a group. The GCSE course encourages you to perform music of your own choosing and in any style, as a soloist and also in a group. To take this course, you must be able to offer at least one instrument/or voice.

What will I learn? You will learn how: to improve your performing skills music is constructed from initial ideas through to the finished product to analyse music in a variety of styles and discover the social and historical context in which music has been composed over the last 400 years or so.

Is this the right subject for me? If you enjoy: composing and performing music learning an instrument or singing creating music on computers or in a recording studio learning about all types of music, including classical, popular and world then GCSE Music is the ideal subject for you.

Past Results % Pass rate73% A* - C % Pass rate90% A* - C % Pass rate78% A* - C

Overview of the specification Component title Method of Assessment WeightingStructure of Assessment 1 Performing music Internally assessed/ externally moderated 30%Two performances 2 Composing music Internally assessed/ externally moderated 30%Two compositions 3 Music - Listening & appraising External40%Written Paper with CD

Component 1 Overview Performing music 1 solo and 1 ensemble performance – minimum 4 mins Any instrument/voice or music technology Free choice of performance pieces – any style of music

Component 2 Overview Composing music 2 compositions One ‘free’ composition and One to a ‘set brief’. The total duration of the Component 2 submission should be 2 – 3 mins (i.e. the combined length of both compositions)

Component 3 Overview Listening and Appraising 90 minute written Exam taken in Summer 2018 Section A – 8 Listening Questions based on Set Works Section B – Extended responses based on a familiar and unfamiliar piece of music

Area of Study 1 - Instrumental music 1700 – 1820 Set work 1: J.S. Bach: 3 rd Movement from Brandenburg Concerto no. 5 in D Major Set work 2: L. van Beethoven: 1 st movement from Piano Sonata no. 8 in C minor ‘Pathetique’

Area of Study 2 – Vocal Music Set work 3 – H. Purcell: Music for a While Set work 4 – Queen: Killer Queen (from the album ‘Sheer Heart Attack’)

Area of Study 3 – Music for Stage and Screen Set work 5 – S. Schwartz: Defying Gravity (from the album of the cast recording of ‘Wicked’) Set work 6 – J. Williams: Main title / rebel blockade runner (from the soundtrack ‘Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope)

Area of Study 4 - Fusions Set work 7 – Afro Celt Sound System: Release (from the album ‘Volume 2: Release’) Set work 8 – Esperanza Spalding: Samba Em Preludio (from the album ‘Esperanza’)

Any Questions?