Edexcel GCSE Music specification (1MU0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel 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 Edexcel 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 Edexcel GCSE Music (1MU0) 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 Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) in Music supports a broad, practical and creative exploration of musical understanding. It encourages students to engage critically with music, develop performance and compositional skills, and appraise music through listening and analysis across a range of styles and genres.
This qualification enables learners to: • perform confidently in solo and ensemble contexts • compose creatively in response to set briefs and independently • develop technical and expressive control • appraise music using informed musical language and aural perception • explore a wide range of music including classical, popular, theatrical and global traditions
Designed to be accessible and flexible, the course provides progression to further study, enhances transferable skills, and fosters musical enjoyment and cultural awareness:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Performing
- Solo and ensemble performance (minimum 4 minutes combined)
- One solo and one ensemble piece, each at least 1 minute
- Technical control, expression, and interpretation assessed
- Music may be performed using voice, instruments, or music technology
- Backing tracks acceptable if the assessed part is not audible in the track
- Required submission: unedited live recordings and appropriate scores or reference material
Component 2: Composing
- Two compositions (minimum 3 minutes combined)
- One to a Pearson-set brief (released annually, based on areas of study)
- One free composition
- Must include a written score or detailed commentary
- Assessed on development of ideas, technical control, and musical coherence
Component 3: Appraising
- Study through four compulsory areas of study:
- Instrumental Music 1700–1820: e.g. Bach and Beethoven
- Vocal Music: e.g. Purcell and Queen
- Music for Stage and Screen: e.g. Wicked and Star Wars
- Fusions: e.g. Afro Celt Sound System, Esperanza Spalding
- Musical elements: pitch, tonality, structure, texture, tempo, rhythm, sonority, dynamics
- Contexts: historical, cultural, social and technological
- Language: vocabulary, notation, stylistic conventions:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Component 1: Performing
- NEA (internally marked, externally moderated)
- 30% of GCSE, 60 marks
- Solo and ensemble, minimum 4 minutes combined
- Marked using technical, expressive, and interpretative criteria
Component 2: Composing
- NEA (internally marked, externally moderated)
- 30% of GCSE, 60 marks
- Two compositions (one set brief, one free), minimum 3 minutes total
- Marked on developing ideas, technical control, and coherence
Component 3: Appraising
- Written exam: 1h 45m
- 40% of GCSE, 80 marks
- Section A (68 marks):
- 6 questions on set works,
- 1 dictation,
- 1 question on unfamiliar piece
- Section B (12 marks):
- Extended response comparing a set work with an unfamiliar piece
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Perform with technical control – 30%
- AO2: Compose with technical control and coherence – 30%
- AO3: Demonstrate musical knowledge – 20%
- AO4: Evaluate and appraise music – 20%
Grading
- GCSE awarded on a 9–1 scale
- All components must be completed in the same series
- Resits permitted, all assessments taken at the end of the course:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel 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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