What does it lead to?

Music is seen by employers as a subject that fosters a number of valuable transferrable skills: teamwork, communication, responsibility, self-motivation, discipline, time management, using initiative and creative thinking to name but a few. Music GCSE is considered an interesting subject to see on a job application and could lead to a wide range of opportunities unrelated to music.

If you wish to specialise, the music business is one of the biggest in the UK with a wide variety of opportunities. You may wish to take the study of music further to A Level or beyond and music GCSE is excellent preparation. Specialist careers include music therapist, teacher, production promotor, recording engineer, composer, publisher, music manager and performer.

For more information click on our A Level Music Course.

For advice on apprenticeship courses, click here.

Career Options

Music can lead into careers in performance, education, creative media and computer games.

Music is seen by employers as a subject that fosters a number of valuable transferrable skills: teamwork, communication, responsibility, self-motivation, discipline, time management, using initiative and creative thinking to name but a few. Music GCSE is considered an interesting subject to see on a job application and could lead to a wide range of opportunities unrelated to music.

If you wish to specialise, the music business is one of the biggest in the UK with a wide variety of opportunities. You may wish to take the study of music further to A Level or beyond and music GCSE is excellent preparation. Specialist careers include music therapist, teacher, production promotor, recording engineer, composer, publisher, music manager and performer.

• BBC Bitesize website: videos of young people who are working in jobs that use Music
• Careers Pilot: example careers that this subject can lead to
• Creative Industries: explore a wide selection of creative careers
• Apprenticeship courses: Info on what an apprenticeship is and courses available

Norwich University of the Arts
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Requirements:

Q: Do I have to have any music qualifications to do the GCSE course (instruments or theory grades?)

A: No, in terms of theory your music teacher will teach you everything you need to know in your timetabled music lessons and build on your knowledge of music theory and elements of music from KS3. In terms of performance, you will need to play an instrument or sing and we advise you to have music lessons with a specialist teacher. Your music teacher will offer advice on the best pieces to play for your GCSE and how to improve on your performance skills and assessments. There are more details on music tuition in the performance section below.

Questions about the course:

Q: What do we do in GCSE music lessons?

A: GCSE music is largely practical subject divided into three disciplines: performing, composing and listening and appraising. The majority of lessons are practical based and you will spend a lot of time working with others as well as working on your own. You will study a wide range of pieces from different styles, periods of time and parts of the world through listening and performance and you will compose your own pieces of music.

Q: What’s the breakdown between theory and practical?

A: The course is 60% practical (30% performance and 30% composition) and 40% exam (listening and appraising).

 

Performance:

Q: Do I perform to an audience as a soloist or as part of a group?  

A: Performance is 30% of the course and you will have a performance assessment roughly once a term where you will play a piece to your music of your choice to your music teacher and sometimes to the rest of the class. We do this so that you get used to performing in front of others, starting with a small and supportive audience. At the end of the course you will submit one solo performance and one ensemble (group) performance to the exam board for this part of your GCSE. You will also be given plenty of performance opportunities through our extra-curricular provision and we encourage you to join one of our many groups in school.

Q: Can I have instrumental/vocal tuition in school

A: Yes, this can be arranged. We advise students to take up instrumental/vocal tuition if they are studying GCSE music and you would eligible for subsidised weekly instrumental lessons within school with a visiting specialist teacher. We also offer to cover the music tuition costs of students who receive pupil premium funding and Looked After Children. Please email Mrs Selwood for further information.  Alternatively, you may wish to arrange your own private music tuition outside of school.

Q: Can I teach myself an instrument for the performance side of the course?

A: Ideally you would have lessons, as specialist music teachers are able to guide you with specific techniques and prepare you for the practical demands of the course. However,  if you are already at a high standard and practise regularly it could be possible.

Q: Do I have to be at a specific standard in my instrument to take the GCSE?

A:  No – although grade 4 is considered to be the standard at which most GCSE music students should strive for by the time they reach the end of Year 11, it is not compulsory but think of this as a helpful benchmark.  Performance marks are scaled up if grade 5 + pieces are performed and scaled down if the standard is under grade 4.

 

Composition

Q: Can I work with others on composition projects?

A: Initially you will compose in groups/pairs and then move onto individual composition projects.  At the end of the course in Year 11, you will submit two compositions which have to be your own work.

 

Listening and appraising/theory:

Q: Does the course contain a lot of music theory and do I need to read music/notation?

A: The course is mainly practical, but you will need to know music theory for the listening and appraising part of the course and it will also support your composition work. As mentioned before, your music teacher will cover everything you need to know in lessons, but it would help if you were to build on your note reading skills and practised this in your spare time.

Q: Is it all about classical music?

A: No – the beauty of this course is its diversity.  You will learn about music from around the world, film music, musicals, pop music as well as a range of classical music.

Q: What is the music exam like?

A: The listening and appraising exam is as fun as exams can get.  You will listen to ten different pieces of music (at least 7 of which you would have studied throughout the GCSE course) and you will answer questions on what you can hear, e.g. the instruments and the elements of music.  It is similar to the listening work you do in your Year 9 music lessons.  You will also have a short essay to write, comparing a piece you have studied to an unfamiliar piece of music.

 

Finally:

Q: Why should I study Music GCSE ?

A: Read this excellent summary from the Norfolk Music hub

NMH_Why-GCSE_Download.pdf (norfolkmusichub.org.uk)

Any other questions:

Please email Mrs Selwood and she will be very happy to help.

If you would like your child to receive instrumental/vocal lessons in school, we offer lessons in the following instruments: Bass Guitar, Guitar, Singing, Drums, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Recorder, Oboe, Bassoon, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Trumpet, Trombone, Cornet, French Horn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, Piano and Jazz Piano. 

From September 2023, the school will offer subsidies for the following students/instruments: 

• Orchestral instruments (brass, woodwind, orchestral strings) 
• Students who are studying A Level or GCSE music 
• Students who are eligible for pupil premium/ free school meals 

All remaining students/ instruments will continue to be taught by a qualified, experienced teacher, but will receive no subsidy. 

Music lesson Fees from September 2024: 

• non-subsidised music lessons will be £143 a term for eleven 20-minute individual lessons (for piano, jazz piano, drums, guitar and singing).  
• Orchestral music lessons will be £100 a term for eleven 20-minute individual lessons 
• GCSE music students’ lessons will be £100 a term for eleven 20-minute individual lessons 
• A level music students’ lessons will be £100 a term for eleven 30-minute individual lessons 
• Music lessons will be fully funded for children eligible for pupil premium and Sixth Form Bursary students. 

For students eligible for a subsidy, please note the following stipulations: 

• Only one subsidy is available per student 
• Students receiving a subsidy will be expected to regularly attend one of the extra-curricular music clubs on offer in school as a condition of this. Non-attendance will result in a loss of subsidy and therefore lessons will be charged at full price.  

Once your child is allocated a place you will receive an invoice at the start of term. Lessons are delivered during term time on a rotational basis and take place during the hours of a normal school day. We require half a term’s notice for cancellation of lessons. 

Priority is given to students who are already taking lessons and wish to continue. After this, new applicants are allocated lessons on a first come first served basis. Any pupils who cannot be timetabled for lessons will immediately be placed on a waiting list. 

If you need to hire an instrument, Norfolk Music Service may be able to provide your child with one free of charge, subject to availability. You will however be responsible for the maintenance of the instrument. Please refer to the school's Peripatetic Music Instrument Policy. 

To apply for lessons please click and complete the online google form.  Please also refer to the school's Peripatetic Music Instrument Policy.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with Mrs Selwood, Head of Music kselwood@ndhs.org.uk