OCR GCSE Music

Students in Year 11 are currently following the OCR GCSE Music curriculum. They are able to develop their performance skills through solo and ensemble playing. They will also compose two pieces of music using music technology. Finally, students will explore different genres of music and be able to listen to music whilst recognising musical elements and devices.

Assessment:

Performance = 30% (15% solo, 15% ensemble)

Composition = 30% (15% free, 15% brief)

Listening exam = 40% (exam in Year 10 comprising 4

Areas of study 1.

 1. My Music: Students have complete choice over what they perform and the instrument they would like to specialise in. This can be any instrument, voice, DJing or sequencing. Additionally, they will create one free-choice composition. This unit is an excellent way for students to develop their performance and composition skills. Students are not required to perform in front of an audience for this component.

2. Concerto through time: 

The OCR course approaches Classical music in a manageable and enjoyable way that makes it accessible for all students. They will study the development of the following:

• the Baroque Solo Concerto
• the Baroque Concerto Grosso 
• the Classical Concerto
• the Romantic Concerto

3. Rhythms of the World

Students will explore the traditional rhythmic roots from four geographical regions of the world:

• Indian Classical Music and traditional Punjabi Bhangra
• Traditional Eastern Mediterranean and Arabic folk rhythms, with particular focus on traditional Greek, Palestinian and Israeli music 
• Traditional African drumming
•  Traditional Calypso and Samba

4. Film Music 

Students will study music that has been written specifically for film including:

• music from the Western Classical tradition that has been used within a film
• music that has been composed as a soundtrack for a video game

5. Conventions of Pop

Students will study a range of popular music from the 1950s to the present day including:

• Rock ‘n’ Roll of the 1950s and 1960s
• Rock Anthems of the 1970s and 1980s
• Pop Ballads of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s
• Solo Artists from 1990 to the present