AQA GCSE Music specification (8271)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA GCSE Music exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA GCSE Music specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA GCSE Music (8271) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
AQA GCSE Music offers a broad and flexible course that values all music styles, skills and instruments. It supports creativity and practical learning by enabling students to engage critically and reflectively with a wide range of musical genres, contexts and traditions.
This qualification enables learners to: • perform, compose and understand music across a wide variety of styles • develop their technical skills, creativity and expressive communication • analyse and evaluate music using appropriate terminology • explore personal and collective identities through musical engagement • prepare for further study or cultivate a lifelong interest in music
It is designed to accommodate students from diverse musical backgrounds and supports progression to A-level and other musical pathways:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
3.1 Understanding music
- Appraise and analyse music through four areas of study:
- Western classical tradition 1650–1910 (compulsory): Includes study of Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin and Romantic Requiem
- Popular music: Rock, pop, film, Broadway musicals, Queen
- Traditional music: Blues, Caribbean/African fusion, Latin, Folk
- Western classical tradition since 1910: Bartók, Kodály, Copland, Minimalism
- Develop listening skills, identify elements (melody, harmony, texture, etc.), analyse study pieces using musical language and contextual understanding
3.2 Performing music
- Two performances: one solo and one ensemble
- Minimum combined duration: 4 minutes (1 minute ensemble minimum)
- Assessed on technical accuracy, expression, fluency and interpretation
- Students may perform vocally, instrumentally, with DJ or technology-based methods
3.3 Composing music
- Two compositions: one to a set brief, one free
- Minimum combined duration: 3 minutes
- Must include at least four types of musical element (e.g. texture, melody, harmony, dynamics)
- Written programme note required for each composition detailing intention and techniques
- Scores, lead sheets or annotations must be submitted with recordings:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Component 1: Understanding Music
- Written exam: 1h 30m
- 96 marks, 40% of GCSE
- Section A: Listening questions on unfamiliar music (all four areas)
- Section B: Short and extended questions on two study pieces (Area 1 compulsory)
Component 2: Performing Music
- NEA (internally marked, externally moderated)
- 72 marks, 30% of GCSE
- One solo and one ensemble performance
- Minimum 4 minutes total duration
- Must include annotated scores or guides
Component 3: Composing Music
- NEA (internally marked, externally moderated)
- 72 marks, 30% of GCSE
- One composition to a brief, one free composition
- Minimum 3 minutes total duration
- Programme note required for each piece
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Perform with control, expression – 30%
- AO2: Compose with coherence – 30%
- AO3: Demonstrate musical knowledge – 20%
- AO4: Appraise and evaluate – 20%
Grading and Entries
- Graded 9–1
- All assessments taken at end of course
- Resits permitted; no prerequisites:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA GCSE Music isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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