Music

Applications Open: 27/11/25

Applications Close: 31/01/26

Entry Requirements: 4 GCSE passes at grade 6 or above including grade 5s in Maths and either English Literature or Language.

How to Apply: Online application using Applicca - https://rochestergrammarschool.applicaa.com/applicaa.com/Year12

Performing and Composing - 60%

You take either Option A or Option B:

Option A

Performing 35%: Total duration 10-12 minutes. Minimum of 3 pieces one of which must be a solo. Two pieces need to relate to two different areas of study.

Composition 25%: Two compositions. One is a set brief based on the Western Classical Tradition; the other is free choice.

Option B

Performing 25%: Total duration of 6-8 minutes. Minimum of two pieces. One piece must reflect one area of study.

Composing 35%: Three compositions. One is a set brief based on the Western Classical Tradition. One should be related to another area of study, and one is free choice.

Areas of Study for performance and composition:

• The Western Classical Tradition (Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras)

• Rock and Pop

• Musical Theatre

• Jazz

• Into the Twentieth Century

• Into the Twenty First Century

Regardless of option chosen please note that students will be expected to perform at 4 live events across the two years to help prepare for the final assessment.

Appraising 40%

3 areas of study:

1. The Western Classical Tradition, with a focus on Symphony No. 104 in D major, ‘London’ Haydn

2. Musical Theatre

3. Into the Twentieth Century, with a focus on Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano, Movement II: Poulenc.

Performance: Visiting examiner between March – May in Year 13

Composition: Externally marked

Appraising: Written Examination of approximately 2 hours 15 minutes

Grade 6 or higher in GCSE Music

Fluency reading treble and bass clef and navigating scores is essential.

Grade 5 or higher performance in voice or instrument, if not achieved, then performance to be assessed by the Director of Music