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Music surrounds us. Nothing equals it in the way it enhances life: its scope is infinite. We hear it in concerts, festivals, theatre and film, in times of sorrow and moments of joy. It is a reflection of our life, our politics, our society: it is the narrative thread that binds us whether in unity, protest or rebellion. It suffuses intimacy and offers solace in solitude. Come and explore this incredible subject. Studying art forms is an essential part of education because they provide opportunities to empathise through mediums of expression. We believe music is irrefutably the most exciting art form and we invite students to join us in sharing our adoration of this great subject. Not only do we want students to share our passion for Music, but we also want students to be able to identify themselves as musicians.

We don’t want you studying Music because it looks good on your CV or supposedly makes you better at Maths, or opens neural pathways in your brain or because people who study music have greater than average intelligence. We want you to study music because you are passionate about the subject and you understand the value of studying something interesting just for the sake of it.

People who engage with music experience something that is beyond themselves: those who don’t must always regret an opportunity lost.

Sing an opera, learn the cello, shred a guitar solo, join a choir, spit bars over beats, sing in four-part harmony, play in an orchestra compose a symphony, learn some Mozart, analyse a film score, improvise a melody, groove in a jazz band, write a song, perform in a musical, scat a riff, marvel the beauty of late Beethoven string quartets - whatever it is, get involved, you won’t regret it. Above all this subject is endlessly enjoyable. Interesting people do interesting things. Everyone is welcome, everyone is included, and everyone is celebrated.

Music at Key Stage 4

OCR’s GCSE Music (9–1) — Learners will:

  • engage actively in the process of music study
  • develop performing skills individually and in groups to communicate musically
  • develop composing skills to create and communicate musical ideas
  • broaden musical experience and interests, develop imagination and foster creativity
  • develop knowledge, understanding and skills to communicate effectively as musicians

OCR Music is designed to appeal to, and cater for a wide range of interests, instruments, personalities and directions. Learners will have the opportunity to explore instruments and Areas of Study depending on their personal preference and ability.

The key features of OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Music are:

Component 1: Performance 30%

  • Integrated performance component with learner choice of instrument – non-examined assessment completed during the course - 15% solo performance, 15% group performance

Component 2: Composition 30%

  • a practical portfolio that includes the board set composition task and an open composition – non-examined assessment completed during the course - 15% composition to a brief, 15% free composition

Component 3: Appraising music (40%)

  • an examined listening and appraisal component sat at the end of the linear course
  • The performance and composition components will enable learners to pursue their individual preference with a broad range of Areas of Study.