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Year 9 Options - Music

WHY THIS SUBJECT IS IMPORTANT

First and foremost, Music is great fun to study because of the practical and active nature of the course.

It is important as a subject because it plays such an important part in everyone’s daily life.  It is used in a massive range of settings and by studying music to GCSE, a deeper understanding of its applications will develop.  It enables individuals to attain their full creative potential whilst teaching a wide spectrum of skills and knowledge which can be a basis for further study or use in leisure time.  Music is also an excellent way to begin to come to terms with both the understanding and expression of thoughts and feelings. This will help develop sensitivity towards music through personal experience and exercise of imagination.

 

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

  • Performance techniques: this covers performing both as an individual and within a group.  It is able to cater for a vast range of performance experience, from beginners to maestros!  You have the option to work on more than one instrument. The voice is also considered as an instrument, although it is not compulsory to sing at GCSE level!
  • Music composition: through both the study of how music is constructed and practical experience, students discover the art of composing in a variety of styles.
  • Listening to music: this not only deepens students’ awareness of music but also helps translate other areas of the course such as theory and history into the reality of sound.
  • 4 Areas of Study: Musical Forms and Devices, Music for Ensemble, Film Music and Popular Music.  These broad classifications of music are studied through listening, composing and performing work.
  • Theory of Music: this will continue with the theory that has been taught throughout Years 7-9 and will lead the students to an understanding of how music is actually put together.
  • Music Technology: this looks at the way that computer technology can be used to create musical interpretations of compositions.           

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

There are three areas of assessment to determine final grades:

  • Performing (30% of Final Grade – 1 solo and 1 group piece)
  • Composing (30% of Final Grade – 2 pieces of music)
  • Listening (40% of Final Grade).

60% is coursework (to be worked on throughout the 2 years and to be submitted at the end of the spring term in Year 11), 40% is the listening exam (to be taken in the summer of Year 11).

* It is recommended that a student can play a musical instrument and/or sing, or have plans to start, if they choose to embark on a GCSE in Music.