GCSE Music Thursday 24 th January 2019 Miss L Gillot Head of Music lgillot@sjl.herts.sch.uk Mrs E Hastings-Clarke Mr J Walton
Why take Music GCSE? A subject that Allows you to perform and create music Encourages you to learn in a variety of different ways compared to some of your other subjects Challenges you to excel across a variety of disciplines. Is highly respected by colleges and universities as both an academic and creative subject. Offers excellent support from your teachers with additional specialist input and one-to-one help. Promotes collaborative learning yet also develops your skills as an independent learner, taking responsibility in what you do. Teaches you transferable skills, such as problem solving and analysis. Develops confidence through musical performances. Develops your creativity!
Components of the Course Performance (30%) Composition (30%) Appraising (40%)
OCR examining board Controlled Assessment (60%) Performance (30%) Composition (30%) Exam at end of Year 11 (40%) Appraising (40%)
Performance Solo Performance of one solo performance piece. 15% Ensemble Perform one ensemble piece 15% 30% Minimum total performance time is 4 minutes
Composition Composition 1 In response to a brief set by OCR based on one of the Areas of Study 15% 30% Composition 2 Free composition set by the student. 15% Minimum total of composition time is 3 minutes
Composition Briefs Area of Study 2: The Concerto Through Time Choose one of the given stimuli and create an instrumental piece for one solo instrument and accompaniment. The accompaniment should be for either a minimum of two orchestral instruments or a keyboard. The composition should be suitable for a performance at a lunch time concert in a church. Area of Study 3: Rhythms of the World Choose one of the given stimuli and create a composition based on one of the genres from this area of study. Your piece should be suitable to be performed as part of a celebration or a special occasion.
Composition Briefs Area of Study 4: Film Music Create a descriptive composition that would be suitable for performance at a reception following the premiere of a new film. Area of Study 5: Conventions of Pop Using either the Set of Words, or one of the Rhythmic Phrases, or the Chord Sequence, create a song in any style that would be suitable for performance in a school assembly.
Composition Stimuli Rhythmic pattern Melodic phrase Chord pattern Set of lyrics An image A story
Controlled Assessments All controlled assessments will be completed in Year 11 of the course Creative planning can be done outside lessons
Appraising Exam at end of Year 11 One hour 30 minutes Based on music from within Areas of Study 2, 3, 4 & 5. 40%
Areas of Study Area of Study 1 My Music Area of Study 2 The Concerto through time Area of Study 3 Rhythms of the World Area of Study 4 Film Music Area of Study 5 Conventions of Pop
My Music Learners should study their instrument, which can be any of the following: any instrument voice this can include styles such as rapping or beatboxing DJ-ing sequencing realisation on using ICT.
The Concerto through Time Learners will study the Concerto and its development from 1650 to 1910 through: The Baroque Solo Concerto The Baroque Concerto Grosso The Classical Concerto The Romantic Concerto
Rhythms of the World Learners should study the traditional rhythmic roots from four geographical regions of the world: India and Punjab Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Africa Central and South America.
Film Music Music that has been composed specially for a film Music from the Western Classical tradition that has been used within a film Music that has been composed as a soundtrack for a video game.
Conventions of Pop Rock n Roll of the 1950s and 1960s Rock Anthems of the 1970s and 1980s Pop Ballads of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s Solo Artists from 1990 to the present day.
Preparing for GCSE Music What can you do? Do regular practice on your instrument/voice Discuss what you are performing with your family and what you are practicing to improve Try out improvising and composing at home as part of your regular practice Perform to your family at home.
Preparing for GCSE Music What can you do? (cont). If you re not already involved in any music ensemble - get involved! Listen to as much different music as possible take opportunities to see live music where you can Listen to radio stations such as Classic FM, Radio 3 on in the car/at home etc/via internet/digital radio or through live streaming sites Talk about what you hear and discuss with the music with your friends and family
Making Progress Pupils are set homework once a week, in addition to regular practice on instrument Specific listening homeworks, use Youtube/ live streaming sites etc End of topic tests Half termly performances and assessment Mini composition exercises Attending extra-curricular activities
Useful websites Use www.bbc.co.uk/orchestras/guide to practice identifying instruments www.philharmonia.co.uk/thesoundexchange/ is also useful for instruments and general context www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/music/ www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/ www.classicfm.co.uk/ www.jazzfm.com/
Results Strong tradition of excellent results: 2018 best results yet! 70% Grades 9-7, 27% Grade 9s Unit 1 Performing 52% of students got 100% Unit 2 Composing, 60% of students got 90% or above. 2017: 91% A* - C (100% A* - C in coursework) 2016: 100% A* - C 2015: 100% A* - C
Frequently Asked Questions Do I have to play a musical instrument to do GCSE Music? Will I have to take part in extra-curricular ensembles? I struggle with music theory and reading music, can I still do GCSE Music?
Why Sir John Lawes for Music? The Sir John Lawes Music Faculty A strong tradition of Music. It is a highly regarded subject in the school. Music has an excellent reputation in the local community. Currently have 19 extra-curricular music ensembles to cater for all abilities and musical styles. Regular performance opportunities in school, around the community and abroad. European Tours to Spain (2019), Switzerland (2018), Slovenie (2017), Budapest (2016), Prague (2015). Open to all students who participate in a music ensemble. This year we have 118 students going!