IGCSE MUSIC

 
Key Stage 4 Music Curriculum
 

AIMS

 

To involve students of various musical interests in practical music-making and understanding of music.  The course covers not only “classical” music but “world” music, plus some elements of jazz, folk and pop.

 

Students should be prepared to develop their music reading ability and are advised to have tuition inside or outside school on their main instrument.  Voice counts as a main instrument and beginners are welcome if they are prepared to work hard.

 

 

CONTENTS

 

1.      Composing

 

Starting with group compositions, students develop individual work, either written or recorded on tape.  Compositions do not have to be long and can be in any style, e.g. a pop song, a hymn, a piano piece. Students are encouraged to write pieces which they, and others in school, might perform.

 

2.      Performing

 

Besides taking instrumental or voice tuition, students should take part in a school music activity, e.g. choir, band, rock group, brass ensemble.  Regular practice on a first instrument is important.

 

3.      Listening

 

Students learn to identify elements of music by listening to music of different styles, and learn musical vocabulary to describe it.  It is important that students are keen and enthusiastic listeners.  Students will gain extension through concert-going and listening to music at home.  Content includes Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Twentieth Century music, as well as music from Latin America, Africa, India and the Far East. Careful and discerning listening are more vital than pure music theory skills in this course.

 

ASSESSMENT

 

1.      Composing (30%)

 

Each candidate submits their three best pieces, written or recorded, by the end of Year 11.

 

2.      Performing (30%)

 

·        Solo - one piece

·        Ensemble - one piece

 
The performing pieces can be recorded in school and re-recorded if they are not right the first time, i.e. it is not under examination conditions.

 
“Ensemble” means playing or singing in a group or ensemble composed of friends or even adults inside or outside the school.  If a “2nd instrument” is preferred, this can be at a lower standard than the main instrument and could be voice.

 

3.      Listening (40%)

 
This involves two written papers totalling 1 hour 40 minutes which are taken in June of Year 11.  Candidates listen to a compact disc of musical extracts and answer questions on them.

In the “unprepared” 1 hour section of the exam, questions will be on both “classical” and “world” music examples.

In the “prepared” 40 minute section of the exam, questions must be answered on one set Western work and one area of world music, chosen from the following      list:
                                                                                           

·        2005 Examination
Symphony #40        Mozart

 

·        2006 Examination

Either “Autumn” and “Winter” from Vivaldi’s four seasons or concert de   

Aranjuez by Rodrigo

Also candidates must answer questions on one prescribed World Music focus, chosen from the following list
 

·        2005 Examination

Chinese Music

Indian Music

 

·        2006 Examination

Japanese music

Indian music