Would you like to become:

• a really confident performer?
• an accomplished composer?
• a perceptive and knowledgeable listener?

GCSE music offers you the chance to develop your understanding of music at all levels.

This accessible yet challenging qualification allows students to develop their knowledge of musical language through the study, creation and performance of music from a wide range of styles and genres.

If you are a more experienced musician (someone who has studied an instrument or singing for a number of years) then this course will broaden and deepen your existing skills.

If you are a less experienced musician (someone who enjoys music and who has gained a good level of skills through your Key Stage 3 music lessons) then we can enhance your skills at a fast rate and enable you to become more competent and confident in your ability and understanding of music.

We study all kinds of music but focus on:

• Classical music – orchestral, solo, vocal
• Popular music – blues, rock and pop, music theatre and film
• World Music – Africa, India Latin America and the Caribbean

Performance will involve you in solo and group work. We can teach you performance skills and that will increase your sense of confidence. All students who choose this GCSE will be required to perform, either playing an instrument and/or singing.

In Composition you will learn to use melody, chords, structures and different styles to produce recordings and scores of your compositions. Students can use a number of computer programmes to compose including Sibelius and Reason.

Listening skills are developed in the broadest sense: as Composer and Performer you need to be able to listen in depth and in detail.

GCSE music is a challenging and exciting course for those who take their music seriously and who enjoy making good music with others. GCSE music gives all students the opportunity to develop a lifelong interest in music and is also essential for those students who may wish to specialise in the subject at post-16 levels.

The music department at King Edward’s enjoys a reputation for excellence in examination results and in concert performance. Mr Doubleday and Mr Davies are available to offer you advice about GCSE music should you have any further questions.

Click on the video below for more information.