IGCSE Music

MUSIC CIE 0410

Studying music liberates the imagination and helps students develop into more innovative individuals. This course is equally useful for students who have a foundation in either Chinese or western musical instruments.

IGCSE Music is accepted by many colleges as a sound academic qualification. It is suitable for students intending to become professional performers or pursue a career in fields such as film scoring and music production, as well as interested students who simply wish to follow a broad curriculum regardless of their future plans.

Students choosing IGCSE Music are strongly recommended to have learned their instrument (or voice) up to at least ABRSM Grade 5 level (or its equivalent). They should be able to read standard Western notation and have rudimentary music theory skills. Students considering choosing music will undertake a short audition as part of their Dulwich entrance exam.
 

Course Aims and Content

Through participation in the course, students will:

• Become more confident individuals
• Learn to compose their own music
• Explore and enjoy music from different time periods and different parts of the world
• Develop their analytical skills through the critical study of music
• Communicate understanding and support individual judgment by argument based on evidence
• Study a prescribed text which consists of a section taken from a larger musical work 
• Develop their potential as solo and ensemble performers
   

External Assessment
IGCSE Music is assessed by a combination of coursework and a written exam during May/June of the second year.

The Dulwich Advantage
All lessons take place in small classes; this enables our specialist staff to guide students to become more confident, creative and communicative individuals. All Music students also have the chance to participate in the Music Mentoring Scheme through which older students serve as mentors to younger students.

The music suite is equipped with a drum set, electric guitars, acoustic piano, and keyboards. There are also four individual practice rooms, each with an acoustic piano. We have performance spaces for both formal and informal recitals.

Students have the opportunity to participate in events such as the annual International Schools Choral Music Society (ISCMS) music festival, where students from all over the world sing in a large chorus or play in a full-sized symphony orchestra, and learn from internationally renowned guest artists and practitioners.