Music gcse

GCSE Music

Music is an enriching experience and plays an important part in most people’s lives. Concerts, Eisteddfodau, musical productions etc. are an important part of school life and all students are encouraged to join the various vocal and instrumental groups available. Music helps develop key skills and qualities which are needed for adult life and the world of work.

Course Overview

What are the benefits of GCSE Music?

Music is an academic subject in its own right, but it actually benefits other subjects too.

A recent study in the UK found that playing a musical instrument appears to enhance general performance in other subjects at GCSE. Other studies have shown that music benefits learning by activating all areas of the brain: auditory (sound processing); motor (rhythm processing); and limbic (emotions). So by choosing music, your child could actually be improving their chances of doing well in their other subjects.

It will provide transferable skills

GCSE music involves written, analytical, practical and social/personal skills such as:

• independent learning: having to be disciplined about practising on their instrument or voice

• team working: particularly if they’re involved in weekly groups or ensembles, concerts and performances

• performance and presentation skills which are useful for any job/career

• listening: this is highly developed in musicians and it is an important part of the course

• analytical and essay-writing skills

• confidence and self-esteem: which has a knock-on effect in all areas of life and learning

• creativity and self-expression: helping young people to think differently and harness the power of their imagination

Making music can help a young person maintain good mental health during a time of high pressure.

Research has shown that music can improve mood and prompt creative flow, which helps with anxiety and self doubt. It can also help young people to regulate their emotions.

Both employers and universities see creative subjects as assets.

Increasingly, employers and universities are looking for young people who have skills that are learned through creative subjects: creative thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptability, communication and tenacity to name just a few. And universities are keen to attract students who have a well-rounded education and achieve good results, no matter what the subject.

There is usually only one exam – the rest is course work.

This takes the pressure off revision during those critical weeks where they will have many other exams. Finally, and perhaps most importantly: students are more likely to succeed and achieve a higher grade if they study something they are good at, and enjoy.

Careers

Where could GCSE Music lead?

If they continue with their studies, they could choose from a range of different subjects. They may choose to continue with music, by studying A-level. But equally, they might want to study other subjects. Either way, choosing music at GCSE will have benefited them because it provides transferable skills.

If they don’t want to study music beyond GCSE, it is still a smart choice.

It can open doors to a range of education and employment pathways in:

Music

Being a musician isn’t the only career in music – other options include being a sound technician, community musician, music therapist, teacher, or private tutor, or a range of careers in the music industry, in a concert hall or music venue.

The arts/creative industries

This might include work in film, TV, theatre, radio, arts administration, or creative education.

Professions such as medicine, law, accountancy

Music is highly regarded as an academic subject and so could complement your other studies in leading to a professional career.

Any other pathway a young person might choose

GCSE Music provides a range of transferable skills that will provide a good foundation, whatever pathway your child chooses. Students at Caerleon have gone on to many and varied pathways following GCSE music.