The GCSE Music course is split into 4 Areas of Study. Students will focus on their instrument for AOS 1, and how instruments work together for AOS 2. AOS 3 examines dance music genres. AOS 4 covers descriptive music including film music. The course consists of a controlled assessment portfolio involving performances, compositions, and evaluations. Students also take a creative task exam and listening test in their final year. Regular instrumental lessons, choir attendance, and participation in ensembles are expected.

1. GCSE Music
The details

2.  GCSE Music is split into 4 Areas Of Study (AOS).
 AOS 1 – My Music (Focus on your instrument, or
voice)
• You will be required to focus your study on the
following details:
– Its range, characteristic timbre and
technical strengths and limitations.
– It’s use in different genres, its impact on
ensembles and natural techniques,
including the use of ICT.
– The contextual influences on the way it is
used, including the cultural environment.

3.  AOS 2 – Shared Music (relationships between
instruments, and their roles)
• You will study how musicians work together in
different styles and cultural contexts, by exploring
how a solo part is supported and enhanced by an
accompaniment in:
Voice with single instrumental
accompaniment.
Lead voice/instrument with ensemble. (e.g.
orchestra)

4.  AOS 3 – Dance Music
• Candidates should study the characteristic
features and rhythmic patterns of three types of
social dance drawn from contrasting
social/historical/geographical contexts:
– Paired dance: – Waltz, Latin Dance (Tango,
Salsa)
– Group/folk/synchronised dance: Line Dance
(American, Irish Jig and Reel) and Bhangra.
– Improvised dance: Disco, Club Dance.

5.  AOS 4 – Descriptive Music
• Candidates will study descriptive music from the 1800’s
to the present day. Music is a highly expressive
medium and candidates should explore how composers
have used music to convey stories, paint pictures and
set scenes through:
• Programme Music (Symphonic music from 1820
onwards)
• Film Music.

6. Breakdown of tasks:
Controlled Assessment (coursework)
Part A – Integrated Tasks 30% total
This covers AoS1, My Music. – You choose a piece of music to perform (15%);
assess your performance, and include a composition brief (5%); and then
complete a composition based on the piece (10%).
Part B – Practical Portfolio 30% total
You perform another piece - this time in a group. It’s linked to AoS 2 (15%);
You compose another piece linked to AoS 2,3 or 4 (10%): and keep a log
of your progress and add an evaluation at the end (5%)

7. Breakdown of tasks:
Exams – Both in Year 11
1. CREATIVE TASK
You have to compose a piece of music based on a stimulus set by the
examiners which links to AoS 1,2 and 4. (15%)
2. LISTENING TEST
You listen to music from AoS 2,3 and 4 and answer questions on it. (25%)

8. Expectations 
Making music is part of your course,
therefore you must:
3.Be having regular instrumental
lessons.
4.Attend choir
5.If an instrumentalist, attend at least
one instrumental group

9. Film Music - AoS 4
What purposes does music fulfil in a film?

10. Film Music - AoS 4
Homework
Bring in a clip from a film that you
particularly like the music to. YouTube is
probably the easiest way to do this.
Prepare a short talk for the class about:
How music is used in the clip…
The instrumentation, and why it is
appropriate…
A brief history of the composer…