GCSE Music

Exam Board and Specification Code: AQA (8271)

The Course
The AQA GCSE Music course is a rich and rewarding programme that blends practical musicianship with
academic study. It is ideal for students who are passionate about music, enjoy performing and composing, and are keen to explore a wide variety of musical styles. The course is structured around three core components:

Component 1: Understanding Music (Written Exam – 40%)
Students will study music from four Areas of Study:

1. Western Classical Tradition 1650–1910 (compulsory)
2. Popular Music
3. Traditional Music

Western Classical Tradition since 1910
Students will develop the ability to listen attentively and analytically to both familiar and unfamiliar music. The exam assesses students’ understanding of musical elements, theory, and context through:

1. Section A: Listening questions based on unfamiliar music (68 marks)

2. Section B: Appraisal of set study pieces (28 marks)

The final written examination lasts for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Component 2: Performing Music (Non-Exam Assessment – 30%)
Students will perform (using their chosen instrument):

1. One solo piece
One ensemble piece (minimum 1 minute)

The total performance time must be at least 4 minutes. Performances are assessed on:
2. Technical accuracy (pitch, rhythm, fluency)

Expression and interpretation (phrasing, dynamics, style)
Performances are recorded, internally assessed by your teacher, and externally moderated by AQA.

Component 3: Composing Music (Non-Exam Assessment – 30%)
Students will compose two original pieces:

1. One to a set brief provided by AQA
One free composition in a style of your choice.

The combined length of both compositions must be a minimum of 3 minutes. Each composition must include:
2. A 150-word Programme Note explaining your creative intentions
3. A recording of your composition
Supporting documentation (e.g., score, lead sheet, or aural guide) Students’ compositions are internally
assessed and externally moderated.

What Skills Do I Need?

GCSE Music is a rigorous academic and practical course. It is NOT suitable for complete beginners. To succeed and enjoy this course, students must already have a strong musical foundation. Specifically, they should:

1. Have instrumental or vocal skills to at least Grade 5 standard (practical)
2. Possess a good understanding of music theory, ideally Grade 5 or above
3. Be able to read and write standard and basic notation fluently
4. Have the ability to perform with confidence, expression and accuracy
5. Be familiar with a wide range of music, from classical to contemporary.
6. Have strong time management and organisation skills; be ready to compose music using notation or technology (e.g., Sibelius, Logic Pro X, or Handwritten) on top of balancing other on-going academic subjects.
7. Be committed to regular practice and creative development internally and externally.  

Be capable of working independently and collaboratively. This course demands focus, discipline and passion. It is designed for students who are already musically literate and wish to take their skills to the next level.

How is the Course Assessed?

GCSE Music is assessed through a combination of written and practical components:

All coursework is internally marked by teachers and externally moderated by AQA. The final grade is based on your performance across all three components.

If you are considering GCSE Music, please ensure you already have the musical ability and commitment needed to thrive. This is a course for serious young musicians who want to develop their artistry and understanding in depth.

Reading

AQA GCSE Music: Study Guide (Rhinegold)

By Richard Knight, David Ventura & Paul Terry
This is the most comprehensive book written directly for the AQA spec and it is intensive.
It includes deep analysis of study pieces, full terminology glossaries, theory, and high-level sample answers.

Harmony in Practice

By Anna Butterworth (ABRSM)
This is a conservatoire-level harmony book often used for GCSE preparation with Grade 5+ theory: -it covers figured bass, chord progression, voice leading, and analytical harmony at a serious level.