Music GCSE Level 1/2

Applications Open: 12th December 2025

Applications Close: 30th January 2026

Entry Requirements: Grade requirements: A minimum of 48 points from your best 8 GCSE grades with no less than a Grade 5 in all subjects taken. Certain subjects have additional specific entry requirements. Information on these can be found in the online prospectus.

How to apply: Applications should be made directly to the School via Applicaa which will be available from the Sixth Form area of the School's website.

https://twgsb.org.uk/sixth-form/sixth-form-admissions/applying-to-twgsb6

Please DO NOT apply via Kent Choices.

GCSE Music is a practical course in Performing, Composing, Listening and Appraising.

PERFORMING

The performing unit is worth 30% of the total mark for GCSE music. It has two equal parts:

Solo performing

Students will perform one solo performance of their own choice in
any style or genre, with or without accompaniment as appropriate to the
style of music. This may include:
• a solo performance on any instrument
• a solo improvisation on any instrument
• a sequenced performance on a midi keyboard using music software
• a realisation such as a performance with DJ decks/turntables or a live sound diffusion of electro-acoustic music.

Ensemble performing

The ensemble performance may be on a different instrument/voice or in a different discipline to that of the solo performance – any combination of the various solo and ensemble performance options is acceptable.
This may include:
• performing an undoubled part within an ensemble
• improvising as part of an ensemble
• rehearsing and directing an ensemble
• creating a multi-track recording using music software.

Any instrument is allowed, including voice, and can be in any style or tradition. It is helpful if you have been studying an instrument prior to the start of this course but it is not an essential requirement. Equally an interest or experience in music technology is a useful background to this course.

The two pieces may be performed and recorded at any stage during the course. Scores of your pieces or an original audio recording will be submitted with each performance


COMPOSING

The composing unit is worth 30% of the total mark for GCSE music. For this you will create two compositions (or arrangements), each based on a different Area of Study. You will be taught how to use Cubase and Sibelius Music Software to compose your pieces.

You can offer:
• Either two compositions or two arrangements, or a composition and an
arrangement
• Both pieces must be composed according to a brief which may be set by your teacher or chosen by you
• Your compositions must be for one or more instruments and/or voices and/or may involve music technology

Both compositions are allocated 15% each, making 30% in total for this component.



LISTENING AND APPRAISING

The listening unit is worth 40% of your GCSE . This unit comprises of the study of 12 set works from the following areas of study:

Area of Study 1 - Western classical music 1600 – 1899

1 The Baroque Era
Set work 1: G.F.Handel: Chorus: ‘And the Glory of the Lord’ from the oratorio Messiah.
2 The Classical Era
Set work 2: W.A.Mozart: Ist movement from Symphony No. 40 in G minor
3 The Romantic Era
Set Work 3: F.Chopin: Piano Prelude No. 15 in D flat major, Op.28

Area of Study 2 - Music in the 20th Century

4 Expressionism and Serialism
Set work 4 – ‘Peripetie’ from Five Orchestral Pieces by A. Schoenberg (1874-1951)
5 Musical Theatre
Set work 5 – ‘Something’s Coming’ from West Side Story by L. Bernstein (1918-1990)
6 Minimalism
Set work 6 – 3rd movement (Fast) from Electric Counterpoint by S. Reich (1936)

Area of Study 3 - Popular music in context

7 Jazz
Set work 7 – ‘All Blues’ from Kind of Blue by M. Davis (1926 -1991)
8 Rock
Set work 8 – ‘Grace’ from Grace by J. Buckley (1966-1997)
9 Club dance
Set work 9 – ‘Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?’ from Play by Moby(1965-)

Area of Study 4 - World music

10 Fusion
Set work 10 – Skye Waulking Song’ from Nadurra by Capercaillie
11 Indian Music
Set work 11 – Rag Desh’ by three different artists:
A. Shankar
C.L. Tanwar
B. Wertheimer and S. Gorn
12 African music
Set work 12 – ‘Yiri’ by Koko

There is a one hour and 30 minute listening exam in response to questions about the set works. The course in essence is 60% coursework and 40% written examination.

You could take this course to prepare for advanced level courses such as an A/AS Level in Music or Performing Arts or you may need to strengthen your grades by completing a foundation or intermediate vocational qualification. With further training, you could go into a job related to music and the performing arts such as a Teacher or Musician or you may wish to pursue a career in the production of music. You could also go straight into employment and do further training or part time study with the support of your employer.