GCSE Music is a diverse and exciting qualification, which is designed for students who wish to develop their ability to create, perform and understand different types of music. To be able to achieve well in this course you should be someone who is already committed to progressing as a performer with a specialist teacher, who is interesting in growing as composer of original music, and who is open-minded when listening to unfamiliar styles and genres of music.
There are three areas of learning in IGCSE Music. Firstly, you will study a wide range of music from different eras and countries. You will analyse and investigate music from the Western Classical Tradition from 1600 to the present day, as well as exploring the music of Latin America, the Caribbean, the Indian Subcontinent, the Far East, the Middle East, as well as Sub-Saharan African. As well as studying these different musical traditions through active learning in the classroom, Madrid’s rich cultural scene provides us with opportunities to enhance our learning through hosting visiting musicians, attending live performances and through participating in performance seminars using ethnic instruments.
You will develop your ability to create and develop original musical ideas, and how to use the elements to their potential to add excitement and interest to your compositions. You will also continue to focus on your main instrument of voice, performing solo and ensemble repertory of your choice that challenges you and demonstrates your talent.
Studying GCSE Music most directly prepares you for future study in Music, or in each of the three areas of the course. Apart from developing broadly as a musician, this qualification will promote and extend your skills of analysis, presentation, creativity, collaboration, and communication.