Music

Head of Department: Mr S P Dearsley – spd@barneyschool.org.uk
Teacher of Music: Mr A M Mawhinney
Teacher of Music: Mrs M M Abela
Teacher of Music : Mr A R Owens

Introduction
The Music GCSE is an integrated, performance-based, practically-driven course which deals with three essential elements of music: performance, composition, and listening and critical analysis. Four areas of study create the driving force for performance, composition and listening: Musical Forms and Devices, Music for Ensemble, Film Music and Popular Music. 

Course/Exam board: WJEC Eduqas GCSE Music C66OQS

Unit 1 Performance: to perform with technical control, expression and interpretation
One solo performance approximately of grade 3 standard (although no examination needs to have been taken)
One ensemble performance with two or more players where the candidate takes a leading role, lasting about a minute.
Unit 2 Composing: to compose and develop musical ideas with technical control and coherence
Two compositions to be completed based on one of the areas of study, and one free composition.
Unit 3 Listening: to demonstrate musical knowledge and to use appraising skills to evaluate and make critical judgements about music.
A one hour and 15-minute written paper. All of the questions relate to the four areas of study: Musical Forms and Devices, Music for Ensemble, Film Music and Popular Music. 

Your route through the syllabus and assessment
Students who study Music GCSE will spend time performing, composing, and listening and evaluating music from all genres. They will be given opportunities to perform in the weekly lunchtime concerts in school and to hear their compositions played by their peers as well as, on occasion, by professional musicians. They will attend outside concerts and their learning will be largely project based where they develop skills which can be applied to all subjects they study.

What Music can do for you
Music is a subject which supports enjoyment and requires a sense of fun. A musician learns special skills including independent learning, self discipline and the ability to perform in public. The aim is to develop not just those who wish to pursue a career in music but to foster all talent and to guide students to beomce lifelong lovers of music, enjoying all styles and forums in which they can participate or simply enjoy the delight of listening.