Music IGCSE – Cambridge International Examinations (CIE 0410)
IGCSE music is about acquiring, consolidating and developing your musical skills, knowledge and understanding through listening, performing and composing music. The course enables you to develop your perception and critical thinking about music, creative and interpretative skills and understanding of a variety of musical traditions in seven areas of study. 1.Baroque music 2.Classical music 3.Romantic music 4.Music and words 5.Music for dance 6.Music for small ensemble 7.Music for stage and screen Areas 1- 3 features focus works of composers from each musical period. Areas 4 – 7 features music from the early twentieth century to present day focusing on popular songs, songs from musicals and music technology including Electronic Dance Music. Other music traditions include world music such as music from Latin America, China, India and music from films, computer games and ballet. You will learn how
to improve your performing skills
music is constructed from initial ideas through to the finished product
to analyze music in a variety of styles and discover the social and historical context in which music has been composed
to develop your ability to be creative, be original and develop your confidence when working with others.
Throughout the course you will have many opportunities to enjoy making music. The IGCSE course encourages you to perform music of your own choice in any style, as a soloist and as a member in a group e.g. in a band, in a duet, or a small ensemble. To take this course, you must be able to sing and/or play a musical instrument. There is no requirement to play more than one instrument, and there is no requirement to have completed private music or theory examinations. It is helpful if you know how to read traditional western music notation but if you can’t or you are not fluent then this skill will be developed during the course.
What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course? Individual and group performance You have already gained many of the basic skills needed for this course in your music lessons over the last three years at West Island School. If you are new to the school, your previous musical experience should be enough or if you have been learning an instrument privately this should be sufficient. You should be able to play a musical instrument or sing fluently. At least three years of music performance experience is recommended.
Composing In your previous studies you may have also created music by improvising and composing. Learning to compose and notate your compositions is developed in the IGCSE course. You don’t need any formal composition experience prior to starting the course. By the end of the course, you are required to compose two pieces of music of your own choice. For example, a popular song and a dance piece of music, a classical piece or a piece of world music. There is a wide choice, and it can be tailored to your own musical interests and strengths. You should like listening to music. In the course, you will listen to a wide variety of musical styles and genres, and you will learn how to analyze and identify what you hear. You will study music from the western classical tradition, as well as popular and world music styles.
Is this the course for me? Yes, it is if you enjoy
performing music
composing music
learning an instrument or singing
improvising and making music with others
learning about all types of music, including classical, popular, jazz and world music
How will I be assessed?
Post 16 Pathways IGCSE music is good preparation for IB music and other arts related courses. You may wish to take an IGCSE in music because you like playing or singing music, or maybe it will form the basis of future study at a higher level. Alternatively, you may wish to develop a career where it is useful to have had experience of music or where you will need to use some of the skills developed during the course. These might include careers in the music industry, publishing, media entertainment and teaching or any job, which involves communication and expressive skills.
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions: FAQ
For Further Information: Please see Ms Leigh Dalgarno, Head of Creative Arts & Performance
