WJEC GCSE Music specification (3660)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC 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 WJEC 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 WJEC GCSE Music (3660) 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 WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC GCSE in Music enables learners to explore music as performers, composers, and appraisers across four distinct areas of study. It aims to foster creativity, imagination, technical proficiency and an appreciation of musical diversity. This qualification integrates performing, composing, and listening into a cohesive course that connects learners’ own musical practice with wider contexts and styles.
This qualification enables learners to: • perform with fluency, control, expression, and accuracy in solo and ensemble settings • compose in response to personal or set briefs, using musical elements purposefully • appraise music using listening, analysis and evaluative skills • understand a wide range of musical genres and traditions • consider how music is shaped by purpose, context, audience, and culture
Through the four areas of study—Musical Forms and Devices, Music for Ensemble, Film Music, and Popular Music—learners engage with both Western classical and contemporary global traditions, including opportunities to study music from Wales:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Area of study 1: Musical Forms and Devices
- Based in the Western Classical Tradition (1650–1910)
- Focus on binary, ternary, minuet and trio, rondo, variation, strophic forms
- Key features: sequence, ostinato, syncopation, canon, imitation, cadences, modulation
- Set work: Anitra’s Dance from Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No.1
Area of study 2: Music for Ensemble
- Genres: chamber music, musical theatre, jazz/blues, Welsh folk
- Study of textures: monophonic, homophonic, polyphonic, canon, melody + accompaniment
- Groupings: string quartet, rhythm section, cerdd dant, vocal ensembles
Area of study 3: Film Music
- Role of music in storytelling, atmosphere and audience impact
- Techniques: leitmotif, thematic transformation, minimalism, sound design, technology
- Focus on tone colour, dynamics, characterisation and setting
Area of study 4: Popular Music
- Genres: pop, rock, soul, hip-hop, ballads, fusion
- Key forms: verse-chorus, 12-bar blues, 32-bar AABA
- Musical features: riffs, hooks, sampling, improvisation, loops, vocal techniques
Unit 1: Performing (35%)
- Two performances: one solo, one ensemble (min 4 minutes total)
- One piece must link to an area of study
- Programme note (500–1000 words) required for one piece
- Assessment criteria: accuracy, control, expression, ensemble rapport
Unit 2: Composing (35%)
- Two compositions: one free, one to WJEC-set brief (min 3 minutes total)
- Briefs linked to areas of study and include purpose/context
- Evaluation (500–1000 words) required for WJEC brief composition
- Assessed on creativity, control of elements, structure, coherence
Unit 3: Appraising (30%)
- Written exam (~1h): 8 questions based on Areas 1–4
- Includes two set works (Grieg and Manic Street Preachers)
- Aural skills, analysis of musical elements, context, terminology
Musical knowledge requirements
- Notation: treble/bass clef, simple/compound time, key signatures, chord symbols
- Vocabulary includes pitch, harmony, tonality, texture, dynamics, structure and more
Performance options
- Includes traditional instruments, voice, DJ-ing, MC-ing, beatboxing, sequencing
- Minimum grade 3 standard expected for full marks, with mark scaling below
Composing techniques
- Style-specific guidance for each area of study (e.g. minimalism, layering, use of riffs)
- Use of music technology is encouraged across both composing and performing
Welsh context
- Opportunities to study Welsh composers, genres, and musical traditions throughout:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Performing
- NEA, 35% of qualification (84 marks)
- At least two pieces: one solo, one ensemble (4–6 minutes total)
- One piece must link to an area of study
- Includes a programme note (5% of total)
Unit 2: Composing
- NEA, 35% of qualification (84 marks)
- Two compositions: one free, one WJEC-set brief (3–6 minutes total)
- Includes evaluation of the set brief composition (5% of total)
Unit 3: Appraising
- Written exam: approx. 1 hour
- 30% of qualification (72 marks)
- Eight listening questions, two per area of study
- Two questions based on set works: Grieg’s Anitra’s Dance and Everything Must Go
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Perform with control and expression – 30%
- AO2: Compose with technical control – 30%
- AO3: Demonstrate and apply knowledge – 20%
- AO4: Appraise and evaluate – 20%
Grading and Resits
- Graded A*–G
- All assessments taken at end of course (linear)
- NEA marks may be carried forward if resitting:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC 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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