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Below is a basic description of what Rosemary Musker students will learn in Music over the course of their time here.

Year 7

Autumn
Spring
Summer
Ensemble awareness, performance and rehearsal skills.

Notation, musical elements and
harmony/chords.

Melodic composition.

GAMELAN
(Indonesian Music)
Basic Notation
Using chords
The Folk tradition:-
British Folk music,
modes, arrangements

Medieval Music:-
History, context, instruments,
accompaniments, religion.

Year 8

Autumn
Spring
Summer
Baroque Music, its styles,
conventions, history and musical techniques.

Structure, ensemble skills.

Composition technique.

Rondos (structure)
Compound time
Notation skills
6/8 & compound time— pulse, folk styles & modes,
notation

The music of Japan -
textures, timbres,
culture & tradition

Year 9

Autumn
Spring
Summer
Ground Bass techniques and
conventions history.

Individual and ensemble rehearsal and performance skills.

Composition techniques and
applications

SAMBA (Brazil)
Notation
Motifs
5 & 7 time

Motifs & minimalism -
Listening, performing,
composing

GCSE

Whether you are considering a career in music or maybe just want to pursue it as a hobby this course is an ideal grounding in the subject. You can improve your performance skills on your chosen instrument, discover the secrets of composition and learn about a wide variety of music from Handel to Roni Size and John Cage to Andrew Lloyd Webber. It is also an excellent opportunity to learn Music Technology skills.

There are three elements to the course: Performing (30%), Composition (30%) and Listening and Appraising (40%).

For the Performing paper you will be assessed on performances on your chosen instrument during the course as well as a solo piece which will be recorded near the end. Voice and Music Technology are acceptable along with most other musical instruments. While there is no requirement that students can play an instrument to
take the course, some previous playing experience is a distinct advantage. Part of the homework/coursework in GCSE Music is practising on your chosen instrument.

For the Composition paper you will be assessed on two contrasting compositions relating to the areas of study (outlined below). Compositions can be written as a score or recorded, the recording being accompanied by extensive notes. This part of the course makes a lot of use of music technology.

The Listening and Appraising paper is in the form of a written exam which tests student’s knowledge of the four areas of study with questions relating to recorded extracts.