GCSE Music is a really diverse and engaging course where students explore music and develop their skills and understanding through performing and composing music and by studying set pieces by established composers and performers.
This course is ideal for:
• Students wishing to take GCSE Music but unable to do so at school
• Students wishing to take GCSE Music in addition to their school subjects
• Students wishing to take the GCSE examination in Music earlier than Year 11 or in sixth form
• Students requiring extra tuition to support work at school in these subjects
• Home educated students wishing to take GCSE Music
GCSE music at the Conservatoire is part of the Saturday Music School; the regular weekly timetable is currently 2.30-5.30pm. The weekly programme varies occasionally to accommodate other events such as concerts, recordings and workshops. For example, we have a composition class each term where professional players try out student ideas and then make a recording for the coursework portfolio. Over the past few years we have taken students on concert and student conference trips and also welcomed visiting specialists to lead world music workshops including Indian and African music.
In addition to the classes, students have the benefit of individual tuition when required by arrangement with the course leader.
The Conservatoire is an Edexcel approved centre so all classes and assessments take place here. Since 2007 every GCSE Music student here has gained a grade B or higher and in the past two years 86% of grades have been A* or A.
Our guideline minimum standard for entry to the course is Grade 3 in theory and Grade 3 practical on instrument or voice. However, on the GCSE Music course we have frequently catered for more experienced students up to and beyond Grade 6 level. We also often work with students who are not yet at Grade 3 level by providing some extra tuition to enable them to take the course – sometimes in the form of backup lessons during the course or as a pre-GCSE course of anything up to a year. For most students, however, this is a two year course but in a few exceptional cases we have had students complete the course in less time.
New students are welcome to join these courses at any point of the term by arrangement with the course leader. For more information or to arrange an interview with the course leader please contact the office.