Page 25 - Who Could YOU Become?

MUSIC

Examination Board: Edexcel

Will I enjoy the course?

Yes, if you enjoy the following:
• Performing music on your instrument or singing
• Composing music, either on your instrument or using ICT
• Listening to and appreciating different types of music

What if I already learn an instrument or have singing lesson.

That’s great! You may decide to use pieces that you have already prepared as
part of your controlled assessment work. As a rough guide, a piece of music
that is suitable for a Grade 3 and above instrumental/singing exam could get
you a GCSE Grade 7 or 8 in the performance element if you play it well.

What if I don’t play an instrument or have singing lessons?

Performance is a big part of this course. You must be able and prepared to
perform, but this can be on any instrument at all, including voice.
Although performance is only 30% of the overall mark directly, the more
advanced you are as a performer, the more accessible you are likely to find the
other elements of the course.

You will not be taught to play an instrument as part of GCSE music; rather it
is expected that you are learning one alongside it and be of at least grade
3 standard.

Course content

Component Overview Assessment
Overview
Component 1 2 performances Minimum total 2
Performing pieces
30% NEA Solo - minimum 1 piece, minimum 1 minute 30 marks each
Ensemble - minimum 1 piece, minimum
1 minute
Total of 60 marks
Together total of 4 minutes across the
solo and ensemble pieces
Component 2 2 compositions 2 pieces
Composing
30% NEA 1 to set brief - minimum 1 miute 30 marks each
1 free composition - minimum 1 minute Total of 60 marks
Together total minimum of 3 minutes

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