KS4 Subject: Music

What topics will you study in KS4 Music?

At KS4, we will be following the OCR syllabus at GCSE Level. The themes include:

  • Film and Video Game Music
  • Pop History
  • Rhythms of the World
  • Concerto Through Time

Performance: Students will perform a minimum of 2 pieces of music on their instrument; one of which must be a solo and one demonstrating ensemble skills.

Composition: Students will complete two assessed compositions:

  • Composition 1 is a free choice composition
  • Composition 2 is written to a brief provided by the exam board and must show development from a provided stimulus

Do you have a reading list for this subject?

  1. How Music Works by David Byrne: Byrne shows how music emerges from cultural circumstance as much as individual creativity. It is his magnum opus, and an impassioned argument about music's liberating, life-affirming power.
  2. Inner City Pressure: The Story of Grime by Dan Hancox: In the year 2000, amid Britain's millennium celebrations, a group of London teens, influenced by UK garage, hip-hop, and reggae, pioneers a dazzling new genre using stolen software and pirate radio.
  3. Music Legends by Herve Guilleminot: Top 40 Famous titles explore non-fiction subjects through notable individuals or groups, with lively illustrations, concise biographies, and informative pull-out boxes for accessibility.
  4. The Impact of Technology in Music by Matt Anniss: Delve into the symbiotic relationship between music and technology, tracing how advancements over the years have revolutionised music creation.
  5. The Classical Music Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained by DK: Part of the fascinating Big Ideas series, this book tackles tricky topics and themes in a simple and easy to follow format. Learn about Classic Music in this overview guide to the subject.
  6. BBC Bitesize GCSE Music Revision and Tests: www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/music/
  7. Music Theory Lessons and Exercises: www.musictheory.net/lessons

How will you be assessed during the course?

There are two components:

  • Component 1: 60% NEA (Non-Examination Assessment). This component involves performance and composition using either a musical instrument of your choice or your voice.
  • Component 2: 40% Listening examination. This component is a one hour paper based around some of the following musical genres: Film Music, Pop Music, Rhythms of the World and Concerto Through Time.

How can you help your child excel in this subject?

Attend concerts and further listening repertoire to all styles of music. As we are a singing school, please encourage your child to sing as much as possible and to practice the class songs for assembly performances.

Where appropriate, please support your child's instrumental practice by talking to them about what they are working on and ensuring that they have an achievable routine around practice.