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OCR GCSE Music
​The GCSE Music Listening exam will go ahead as normal, though with some reduction in topics tested within areas of study (see AoS Learning Focus list below).
Typically, the exam comprises eight sections, based on the following Areas of Study.
The information below is presented in area of study order and not in question order.
 
AoS 2:  The Concerto Through Time
AoS 3:  Rhythms of the World
AoS 4:  Film Music
AoS5:   Conventions of Pop 
​
See below for further detail of these areas of study:
Advance Information
www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/music-j536-from-2016/changes-for-2022/ 
J536/05 Listening and Appraising Exam 
​Exam Length: 1hr 30 minutes
​AoS 2: The Concerto Through Time
Learners should study and develop an understanding of what a concerto is and the way it has developed through time.
Learning Focus:
Learners should study the Concerto and its development from 1650 to 1910 through:
•   the Classical Concerto
•   the Romantic Concerto
Learners should be familiar with
  • the instruments that have been used for the solo part in the concerto and how they have developed through time
  • the growth and development of the orchestra through time
  • the role of the soloist(s)
  • the relationship between the soloist(s) and the orchestral accompaniment
  • how the concerto has developed through time in terms of length, complexity and virtuosity
  • the characteristics of Classical and Romantic music as reflected in the concerto as a musical genre 
  • learners should have some knowledge of the names and intentions of composers who wrote concertos in each period
  • the historical and social context of the concerto in each period
  • the need for a larger venue over time as the genre expanded and developed
  • the changing nature of commissioner and audience over time
​AoS 3: Rhythms of the World
Learners should study the traditional rhythmic roots from two geographical regions of the world
Learning Focus:
  • India and Punjab 
  • Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East 
 
Learners should be familiar with
  • Indian Classical Music and traditional Punjabi Bhangra
  • Traditional Eastern Mediterranean and Arabic folk rhythms, with particular focus on traditional Greek, Palestinian and Israeli music
Learners should study and develop an understanding of the following for each geographical region including:
  • characteristic rhythms and metres
  • the origins and cultural context of the traditional music
  • the musical characteristics of the folk music
  • the impact of modern technology on traditional music
  • the names of performers and groups
  • ways in which performers work together
 
Learners should have some knowledge of:
  • techniques of performing traditional drums
  • traditional rhythm patterns (including regular and irregular metres, syncopation and cross rhythms)
  • how texture builds with added parts
  • improvised melodic lines based on traditional scales (including modal and microtonal melodic ideas).
​AoS 4: Film Music
Learning Focus:
 • Music that has been composed specifically for a film (extended response) 
• Music that has been composed specifically for a film 
 
Learners should study how composers create music to support, express, complement and enhance moods or emotions being conveyed on the screen
  • a significant character(s) or place    
  • specific actions or dramatic effects 
 
Learners should study and understand
  • how composers use music dramatically and expressively through a variety of musical elements and compositional devices 
  • how music can develop and/or evolve during the course of a film
  • how resources that are used to create and perform film soundtracks, including the use of technology
AoS 5: The Conventions of Pop
Learners should study a range of popular music from the 1950s to the end of the C20th
Learning Focus:
• Rock ‘n’ Roll of the 1950s and 1960s 
• Pop Ballads of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s (part extended response)
 
Learners should study and demonstrate an understanding of:
  • vocal and instrumental techniques within popular music    
  • how voices and instruments interact within popular music     
  • the development of instruments in popular music over time    
  • the development and impact of technology over time     
  • the variety and development of styles within popular music over time
  • the origins and cultural context of the named genres of popular music
  • the typical musical characteristics, conventions and features of the specified genres
Learners should have some knowledge of the names of solo artists and groups who composed and/or performed in each genre, the changing nature of song structure and the historical and social context of the named genres of popular music. ​
​Easter Revision
The BBC BITESIZE link on the right gives access to all the areas of study specific to the OCR exam. Each includes study essentials, live music examples and a test at the end of each section.

See below for other useful links:
​GCSE Music - OCR - BBC Bitesize
Music Theory
The Concerto Through Time
Rhythms of the World
Film Music
The Conventions of Pop