Music

Music Edexcel 1MU0

The GCSE Music specification is firmly centred on a practical approach and pupils will need to have some ability on an instrument or voice at the start of the course and be able to read and write music.

Pupils should be enthusiastic and committed to playing their instrument or singing and will need to be supported by an appropriate peripatetic teacher. Work continues to be based on the Elements of Music:

• Organisation of Pitch • Tonality / Harmony • Structure

• Sonority / Timbre • Texture

• Tempo, Metre and Rhythm • Dynamics The syllabus is divided into three sections and each part complements the others throughout the course.

What will I study? Performing

By the end of Year 11, pupils must have performed solo and in an ensemble, any two pieces of their own choice, on any instrument or voice. The expected standard is that of Grade 4 ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool or equivalent exam board, but the assessment scheme caters for work at higher and lower levels. The overall minimum length of the performance submission is 4 minutes with 1 minute needed for each of the two performances. This allows pupils to spend more time performing their preferred music whether it be solo or ensemble performing. Individual lessons can be arranged in school and it is helpful to have the input and support of an instrumental teacher to ensure adequate preparation of performance coursework. Pupils are obliged to be a member of either Choir or Orchestra, and it is hoped that you would be invited to join one of the many other smaller ensembles on offer. For instrumentalists this means that the ensemble requirement may be easily fulfilled. For pianists, membership of the choir enhances and hones their listening skills and general musicianship and these pupils may also play percussion in the orchestra. Class recitals are held regularly throughout the course and pupils thus build up a repertoire of performances from which their coursework submissions can be selected.

Key Stage 4 Guide

Composing

Pupils have to submit two compositions at the end of the course. One of these will be in response to a brief set by Pearson Edexcel from the four Areas of Study and the other will be a free choice. Each composition must be at least a minute long with an overall minimum time of 3 minutes expected. They do not have to perform these Compositions but a recording does need to be generated. Within each of the areas of study there is a certain amount of choice to allow pupils to develop areas of music in which they are particularly interested. The course allows the use of music technology in the preparation and submission of pieces. Logic Pro, Sibelius 6, Prodikeys, itrack solo and Garage Band are all available to pupils as well as digital multi-track recorders, keyboards, and a range of acoustic and electric guitars.

Appraising

Through listening to a wide variety of musical examples, from c. 1700 to the present day, pupils learn to appreciate what they hear and to express themselves using appropriate musical terminology. Studies will encompass elements of form, texture, instrumentation, style, melody, harmony, rhythm, compositional devices and techniques. This part of the course is taught throughout and is examined by a listening and written paper. Two set works are studied in each of the following four Areas of Study: • Instrumental Music 1700-1820 [Bach & Beethoven]

• Vocal Music [Purcell & Queen] • Music for Stage and Screen [Wicked & Star Wars] • Fusions [Celtic, African and Latin American music]

How will I be assessed?

The Appraising paper is taken under formal examination conditions in the Summer Term.

Assessment of final compositions and performances take place at school, during the school day, and are administered by the Music Department. This course is designed to follow on from the foundations laid in Years 7-9 and is therefore suitable for all pupils who can already play a musical instrument. Pupils on this course are relied upon to play a major part in all musical activities and will be promoted as the more Senior Musicians in the school.

Instruments

To help as much as possible we can offer tuition in the following instruments: • Violin, viola, cello and double bass

• Clarinet, flute, recorder

• French horn, trumpet, cornet, euphonium and trombone

• Guitar, classical and electric and Bass Guitar

• Piano, electronic keyboard • Saxophones throughout the family i.e. Alto and

Tenor

• Voice

We can usually recommend teachers for other instruments on request. We strive to provide a stimulating and exciting course and you will be given as much assistance as possible yet should be motivated enough to work on your own compositions and to practise your instruments unprompted. The facilities of the Department are available for GCSE pupils at any time and you are positively encouraged to spend break and lunchtimes there.

The BSP is the centre for the ABRSM in France. The practical and theory examinations are offered two or three times a year, and results are excellent with many distinction and merit grades being obtained. Grades 6 and above attract UCAS points for UK university entry. Rockschool examinations are held at school in May/ June and these are becoming very popular with pupils who play keyboard, guitar, bass, drums or sing.