Music

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”

– Plato

Music Development Plan Summary

Music Development Plan Summary 2024-25

Exam board

https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/music-gcse/#tab_overview

Key Stage 3 Overview

In Music you will study a wide variety of musical elements and styles. You will compose, perform and appraise a diverse range of musical genres.

You will also study notation and rhythmic and melodic dictation. This develops your appraising skills and sets you up for GCSE.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to work with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). You will use the technology to compose and appraise your own music. A DAW is a system designed to record, edit and mix digital audio.

Key Skills

Musical dictation, notation, composing and recording. You will learn how to use a DAW system. You will have the opportunity to play; keyboard, ukulele, guitar, drums, bass and percussion instruments.

KS3 Topics

• Year 7 – Rhythm & Pulse, Melody & Keyboard, The Orchestra, Programme Music
• Year 8 – 4 chord songs, Popular Music 1950s-1980s, Music Tech, World Music
• Year 9 – Blues & Jazz Music, Music Tech, Film Music, Popular Music 1980s+

Key Stage 4 Overview

We study Eduqas GCSE Music

30% Performance 

2 performances. At least 1 has to be an ensemble. ‘Standard difficulty’ for performance is Grade 3. This is not a limiting factor, but performances are adjusted accordingly. Recordings have to be completed in the year of examination. You will need to have some competency on an instrument to access this part of the course. 

30% Composition 

Using traditional composition methods or a DAW you will compose 2 pieces. One is a ‘free’ composition linked to an area of study and one is a composition to a brief released by the exam board in the year of examination. We will look at compositional techniques throughout the course and consider starting points for each brief composition.

40% Appraising exam (1hr 15mins)

This is a theoretical course studied practically to uncover a wide range of musical styles and topics. You study Musical Form and Devices, Music for Ensemble, Film Music and Popular Music. You also apply your theoretical knowledge to the analysis of 2 set works. This is currently Bach’s Badinerie and Toto’s Africa.