Course overview (typical GCSE)
● Performing (solo + ensemble)
● Composing (2 compositions)
● Appraising/listening exam (set works + unfamiliar)
Elements of music (learn these)
● Melody: conjunct/disjunct, sequence, ornamentation
● Harmony: chords, cadences, consonance/dissonance
● Tonality: major/minor, modulation, chromaticism
● Texture: monophonic, homophonic, polyphonic, melody and accompaniment
● Timbre: instrument/voice tone colour, articulation
● Tempo/metre: bpm, time signatures, changes (rit./accel.)
● Rhythm: syncopation, dotted rhythms, triplets
● Dynamics: pp–ff, cresc./dim.
● Structure/form: binary, ternary, rondo, verse-chorus, sonata form
Key vocabulary (use in essays)
● Articulation: legato, staccato, accents
● Devices: ostinato, pedal note, drone, imitation, canon
● Performance directions: adagio, allegro, andante, moderato, rubato
● Cadences:
○ Perfect (V–I)
○ Imperfect (I–V)
○ Plagal (IV–I)
○ Interrupted/deceptive (V–vi)
Listening exam: how to answer 8/8 questions
● Identify the feature (what) + give evidence (where) + explain effect (so what)
● Use bar numbers/timestamps if provided
● Mention instruments AND musical features (not just one)
Dictation (if on your exam board)
● Clap the pulse first
● Listen for rhythm patterns (syncopation, triplets)
● Work out key/tonic and use scale degrees
Performance
Solo performance checklist
● Performing (solo + ensemble)
● Composing (2 compositions)
● Appraising/listening exam (set works + unfamiliar)
Elements of music (learn these)
● Melody: conjunct/disjunct, sequence, ornamentation
● Harmony: chords, cadences, consonance/dissonance
● Tonality: major/minor, modulation, chromaticism
● Texture: monophonic, homophonic, polyphonic, melody and accompaniment
● Timbre: instrument/voice tone colour, articulation
● Tempo/metre: bpm, time signatures, changes (rit./accel.)
● Rhythm: syncopation, dotted rhythms, triplets
● Dynamics: pp–ff, cresc./dim.
● Structure/form: binary, ternary, rondo, verse-chorus, sonata form
Key vocabulary (use in essays)
● Articulation: legato, staccato, accents
● Devices: ostinato, pedal note, drone, imitation, canon
● Performance directions: adagio, allegro, andante, moderato, rubato
● Cadences:
○ Perfect (V–I)
○ Imperfect (I–V)
○ Plagal (IV–I)
○ Interrupted/deceptive (V–vi)
Listening exam: how to answer 8/8 questions
● Identify the feature (what) + give evidence (where) + explain effect (so what)
● Use bar numbers/timestamps if provided
● Mention instruments AND musical features (not just one)
Dictation (if on your exam board)
● Clap the pulse first
● Listen for rhythm patterns (syncopation, triplets)
● Work out key/tonic and use scale degrees
Performance
Solo performance checklist
