Scheme of Work Cambridge Igcse Music - Compress
Scheme of Work Cambridge Igcse Music - Compress
Cambridge IGCSE®
Music
0410
Scheme of work – Cambridge IGCSE® Music (0410)
Contents
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Unit 1: General listening skills ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Unit 2: Music in the Classical period ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Unit 3: Music in the Romantic period .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Unit 4: Baroque music ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Unit 5: Twentieth-century music ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Unit 6: World music (general) ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Unit 7: World focus and Set Work.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Unit 8: Performing (ongoing) .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
Unit 9: Composing (ongoing) ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 29
Overview
This scheme of work provides ideas about how to construct and deliver a course for teaching Cambridge IGCSE Music (0410). The 2015 syllabus has been broken
down into nine units with suggested teaching activities and learning resources to use in the classroom. The three core musical skills (performing, composing and
listening) are, for pragmatic reasons, assessed as separate components in the IGCSE course, but their interdependence cannot be overemphasised: music is
composed so that others may perform it and audiences may listen to it. Composers in turn listen to other people’s music to inform their own creative decisions.
Performers must listen critically to themselves to improve their accuracy and style, and to others to improve their sense of ensemble. Listening to music is enhanced
by an understanding of its context and an awareness of how it has been composed and performed. Teachers should therefore seek to make links wherever possible
between the different components in the syllabus. In particular, there are a number of musical features which are found in music of all periods and from around the
world: these are addressed in Unit 1: General listening skills, but it is expected that they will be incorporated in all areas of the course.
Outline
In this scheme of work, the listening component is mainly divided into units based around repertoire from different musical periods or areas of the world. However,
there are certain musical features which are found in all music, and these are described in Unit 1, which should be seen as an ongoing (rather than self-contained)
unit. For the western music topics, three or four representative works have been suggested which between them cover all of the styles and genres listed in the
syllabus, but learners should be encouraged to listen to further examples of each. In a number of cases extra repertoire is suggested under the heading ‘comparing
different styles’; it is important that learners understand that concertos, for example, are found in all music periods, even if your teaching focuses in detail on a
concerto from the baroque era only. Teachers will note that the units are not strictly chronological; for many learners the classical and romantic styles may be the
most accessible at the beginning of the course, but teachers should feel free to teach the units in chronological order if they prefer. Units 8 and 9 are concerned with
the performing and composing components; these should be seen as ongoing skills which are developed throughout the course.
Differentiation
Opportunities for differentiation are indicated throughout the scheme of work where activities are labelled as basic or challenging. Timings for activities and
feedback are left to the judgement of the teacher, according to the level of the learners and size of the class. Length of time allocated to a task or activity is another
possible area for differentiation.
Formative assessment
Opportunities are indicated throughout the scheme of work.
Teacher support
Teacher Support is a secure online resource bank and community forum for Cambridge teachers. Go to http://teachers.cie.org.uk for access to specimen and past
question papers, mark schemes and other resources including examiner reports and a discussion forum for teachers of music. 0410 past question papers with
accompanying CDs are available from Cambridge Publications at www.cie.org.uk/profiles/teachers/orderpub (although please note that the structure of past papers
will be slightly different from the revised 2015 paper, although the style of questions will largely be similar). We also offer online and face-to-face training; details of
forthcoming training opportunities are posted online.
An editable version of this scheme of work is available on Teacher Support. Go to http://teachers.cie.org.uk. The scheme of work is in Word doc format and will open
in most word processors in most operating systems. If your word processor or operating system cannot open it, you can download Open Office for free at
www.openoffice.org
Resources
An up-to-date resource list for Cambridge IGCSE Music, syllabus 0410, can be found at www.cie.org.uk
Book:
Sharma, E Music Worldwide Cambridge University Press, UK ISBN: 9780521376228; Accompanying CD ISBN: 9780521374811
Recordings:
A recording of the following pieces will be needed; at the time of writing all could be found online free of charge, or individual tracks could be purchased from a
supplier such as iTunes. If using online recordings, please adhere to any copyright regulations applicable to your region.
Scores:
Please note: not all of the recordings listed above are available online because of copyright.
http://petrucci.mus.auth.gr/imglnks/usimg/6/6e/IMSLP00608-Beethoven_-_Symphony_No.3_Mov_2.pdf
http://petrucci.mus.auth.gr/imglnks/usimg/a/a2/IMSLP00307-Chopin_-_OP10_3.PDF
http://petrucci.mus.auth.gr/imglnks/usimg/4/40/IMSLP14736-Debussy_-_Pr__lude____l_apr__s-midi_d_un_faune__orch._score_.pdf
http://javanese.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/4/47/IMSLP11182-Handel_Messiah_No.8_Behold_No.9_O_Thou_That_Tellest.pdf
http://conquest.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/f/ff/IMSLP05805-Haydn_-_Op._50__No._1.pdf
http://petrucci.mus.auth.gr/imglnks/usimg/6/6f/IMSLP64335-PMLP22613-Strauss__Johann_-_Roses_in_the_South__Op._388__orch._score_.pdf
http://conquest.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/a/a6/IMSLP27213-PMLP60228-Mendelssohnop21fullscore.pdf
http://petrucci.mus.auth.gr/imglnks/usimg/a/a9/IMSLP56442-PMLP01855-Mozart_Werke_Breitkopf_Serie_20_KV545.pdf
http://petrucci.mus.auth.gr/imglnks/usimg/1/17/IMSLP36466-PMLP05472-Purcell-Z626vsNov.pdf
http://javanese.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/4/42/IMSLP11099-AutumnScore_Vivaldi.pdf
Impressionist painting:
www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/claude-oscar-monet-the-gare-st-lazare
Websites:
This scheme of work includes website links providing direct access to internet resources. Cambridge International Examinations is not responsible for the accuracy
or content of information contained in these sites. The inclusion of a link to an external website should not be understood to be an endorsement of that website or
the site's owners (or their products/services).
The particular website pages in the learning resource column of this scheme of work were selected when the scheme of work was produced. Other aspects of the
sites were not checked and only the particular resources are recommended.
www.bbc.co.uk/orchestras/learn/guidetotheorchestra/
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/music/music_20th_century/reich1.shtml
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/music/world_music/
www.classicsforkids.com/shows/genre_baroque.asp
www.classicsforkids.com/shows/genre_classical.asp
www.classicsforkids.com/shows/genre_impressionist.asp
www.classicsforkids.com/shows/genre_romantic.asp
www.wcsmusic.org.uk/modules.asp
www.wcsmusic.org.uk/modulegamelan.asp
Outline
This unit describes some teaching strategies for developing general listening skills throughout all areas of the Cambridge IGCSE Music course.
Content of Component 1 There are certain combinations of musical features that allow us to identify music as coming from Specimen paper 1 – available at
Rudiments different points in time or from different places in the world, and these are explored in Units 2–6. http://teachers.cie.org.uk
However, no matter where or when it comes from, virtually all music consists of melody, rhythm,
Melody and rhythm structure and texture and is performed by ensembles and instruments or voices. Much of the music Specimen paper 1 CD –
your learners will be listening to will also contain examples of the harmony, instrumental and/or vocal available from Cambridge
Harmony effects and compositional devices that are listed in the syllabus and learners should be given regular Publications at
practice throughout the course in identifying these in a range of music from different times and places. www.cie.org.uk/profiles/teacher
Ensembles and s/orderpub.
instruments/voices Developing these general listening skills could form an integral part of every listening lesson. For
example, you could start each lesson by focusing on the main melody of the music that you are going
Instrumental and/or vocal to be exploring. You could play this melody to the class, either in its original form from a recording, or Key Signature Chart:
effects just the melody line on its own played on an instrument. You could ask your learners to describe the http://musicmattersblog.com/wp
melodic shape and metre: -files/KeySignatureChart.pdf
Structure
Does it move mostly by step or leap?
Compositional devices Do the intervals ascend or descend?
How many beats are there in each bar/measure?
Texture
This could then lead into regular practice of melodic or rhythmic dictation (in preparation for Section C
of the examination). You could write out the main melody but leaving some notes out.
As a basic activity, just leave out one or two notes at a time in a passage which moves by
step or contains repeated notes.
As your learners become more proficient at this exercise, you can make the exercises more
challenging by leaving out more notes and including larger intervals. You can do the same
with rhythms. Look at the specimen paper for an example of the type of dictation question that
your learners should expect to encounter.
Compositional devices should be explained and then reinforced as and when examples of them occur
in the music you are listening to; the link with learners’ own compositions should be made explicit.
You could also make a link to performing by asking learners to bring in pieces they are learning,
listening to the music as a class and then identifying its compositional devices. Likewise, instrumental
and/or vocal effects, structure and texture could be discussed as they occur in the repertoire your
learners are listening to, performing or composing.
Knowledge of the rudiments of music may be tested in any section of the paper, and learners should
be given regular practice in identifying keys and cadences, suggesting tempo and expression
markings, and in recognising different types of articulation and ornaments. In Section C, they may be
required to name intervals. Again, all of these skills could be an integral part of every lesson – an
approach of ‘little and often’ to this type of work will usually lead to the best results. Look at Sections
A–C of the specimen question paper for examples of the types of question that your learners should
expect to encounter.
A link to a useful key signature chart is included in the Resources section of the overview for this
scheme of work and the learning resources column of this scheme of work.
Rudiments Play a recording of the Rondo from Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 4 – initially, just the opening rondo Recording:
theme. Mozart: Rondo from Horn
Melody and rhythm Concerto No. 4
As a basic listening activity, learners could be asked to identify some different features of the
Ensembles and instruments music: e.g. scale/key (major), main instrument (horn), accompaniment (small orchestra),
number of beats per bar/measure (2 or 4) etc.
Structure
More challenging listening activities could explore some of these areas further: e.g. there are
Texture 2 or 4 beats per bar/measure, but in compound time rather than simple time. The texture
(melody and accompaniment/homophonic) and the regular phrase lengths should be
Genre identified.
Now investigate the structure: explain to learners that labelling distinct sections as A, B etc. helps to
identify structure.
As a basic listening activity, play the rondo theme (A), first episode (B), and return of the
theme (A): this is an example of ternary structure. Having established this concept, play the
whole recording to identify the rondo structure.
A more challenging listening activity could ask the learners to identify these sections
themselves, recognising when themes return, and/or exploring contrasts between the
episodes and the rondo theme.
Link to performing: if any learners are learning a rondo, they could perform it to the whole class. The
class could be asked to identify the rondo theme and the episodes.
Content of Component 1 Haydn: Minuet and Trio from String Quartet in B flat, Op. 50, No. 1
Rudiments Play a recording of the Minuet and Trio (Poco allegretto) from Haydn’s String Quartet in B flat – Recording:
initially, just the Minuet. Haydn: Minuet and Trio (Poco
Melody and rhythm allegretto) from String Quartet in
As a basic listening activity, learners could be asked to identify some different features of the B flat, Op. 50, No. 1
Harmony music: e.g. scale/key (major), instruments (strings), number of beats per bar/measure (3).
Score:
Ensembles and instruments More challenging listening activities could explore the cadences found in the minuet, helping http://conquest.imslp.info/files/i
the learners to hear the differences between the imperfect and the perfect cadences. mglnks/usimg/f/ff/IMSLP05805-
Genre Haydn_-_Op._50__No._1.pdf
Now play the recording of the Trio as well.
As a basic listening activity, learners could be asked to describe some of the similarities and
differences between the minuet and the trio.
More challenging listening activities could explore the use of syncopation found in the
second half of the trio. Using a copy of the score, learners could be asked to identify some
features of the music in more detail: e.g. key (B flat major) and articulation markings etc.
Learners should be taught about the characteristic features of a minuet and trio and a string quartet.
Link to performing: create an arrangement of a minuet and trio that can be played by your learners.
Write out parts in appropriate keys for the different instruments that your learners play. Performing a
minuet and trio will help to internalise its characteristics.
Rudiments Play a recording of the Allegro from Mozart’s Piano Sonata in C – initially just the exposition Recording:
(bars/measures 1–28). Mozart: Allegro from Piano
Finally, play the recapitulation (bar/measure 42 to end), asking learners to observe similarities and
differences with the exposition, and noting the overall ternary structure.
Link to performing: if any learners are learning a sonata they could perform it to the whole class. The
class could be asked to compare similarities and differences between the pieces.
Formative assessment
To check learners’ understanding of this unit, they could be asked (individually or in groups) to give a
presentation on the characteristics of classical music. The presentation should include a variety of
music examples chosen from beyond those studied in the class lessons.
Rudiments Play a recording of Beethoven’s Marcia Funebre (Funeral March) from Symphony No. 3, Eroica. Recording:
Beethoven: Funeral March from
Melody and rhythm As a basic listening activity, learners could be asked to identify some different features of the Symphony No. 3, Eroica
music: e.g. scale/key (minor), instruments (symphony orchestra), texture (melody and
Harmony accompaniment/ homophonic), number of beats per bar/measure (2 or 4) etc. The very Score:
distinctive character of this music could be discussed. http://petrucci.mus.auth.gr/imgln
Ensembles and instruments ks/usimg/6/6e/IMSLP00608-
More challenging listening activities could ask learners to identify the individual instruments Beethoven_-
Texture which are heard at different points in the movement (e.g. the oboe solo in bar/measure 9 _Symphony_No.3_Mov_2.pdf
onwards). Using the score, learners could identify the key, cadences and modulations.
Genre
Learners should be taught about the characteristic features of a march and a symphony.
Link to performing: create an arrangement of a march that can be played by your learners. Write out
parts in appropriate keys for the different instruments that your learners play. Performing a march will
help to internalise its characteristics.
In groups, learners could investigate the instruments of the symphony orchestra, perhaps by taking A guide to the orchestra:
one instrument or instrumental family per group. They could give a presentation with music examples www.bbc.co.uk/orchestras/learn
about their instrument or instrumental family, looking at its history and development, and use as a solo /guidetotheorchestra/
instrument as well as in the orchestra. The link to the BBC orchestra’s website may provide a good
starting point. This will help them to identify instruments more accurately in listening questions.
Genre As a more challenging listening activity, some of the chromatic harmony of this piece could
be explored. Learners could also be asked to describe how the dynamic markings contribute
to the character of this music.
Rudiments Play a recording of Johann Strauss’s waltz Rosen aus dem Süden (Roses from the South) starting at Recording:
the Tempo di valse (page 7 of the score) – initially to the end of the first waltz on page 14. Johann Strauss: Roses from the
Melody and rhythm South
As a basic listening activity, learners could be asked to identify some different features of the
Harmony music: e.g. scale/key (major), instruments (orchestra), texture (melody and Score:
accompaniment/homophonic), number of beats per bar/measure (3–depending on the http://petrucci.mus.auth.gr/imgln
Ensembles and instruments recording chosen, this may also seem like one beat per bar, and could be discussed) etc. ks/usimg/6/6f/IMSLP64335-
Next, learners could be asked to describe the nature of the accompaniment, to discover the PMLP22613-
Instrumental effects characteristic ‘oom-cha-cha’ pattern. Examples of pizzicato playing can be found in the cello Strauss__Johann_-
part. _Roses_in_the_South__Op._38
Texture 8__orch._score_.pdf
Now play the second waltz, starting on page 15. Learners could be asked to compare the similarities
Genre and differences between this section and the first.
More challenging listening activities could use the score to help identify the key, cadences
and modulations.
Link to performing: create an arrangement of a waltz that can be played by your learners. Write out
parts in appropriate keys for the different instruments that your learners play. Performing a waltz will
help to internalise its characteristics.
Formative assessment
To check learners’ understanding of this unit, they could be asked (individually or in groups) to give a
presentation on the characteristics of romantic music. The presentation should include a variety of
music examples chosen from beyond those studied in the class lessons.
The Classics for Kids website contains further listening examples and a narrated description of the Classics for kids – romantic
characteristics of the romantic style. music:
www.classicsforkids.com/shows
/genre_romantic.asp
Rudiments Play a recording of Ah, Belinda from Dido and Aeneas. Recording:
Purcell: Ah, Belinda from Dido
Melody and rhythm As a basic listening activity, learners could be asked to identify some different features of the and Aeneas
music: e.g. scale/key (minor), type of voice (soprano), accompaniment (harpsichord and
Ensembles and cello), number of beats per bar/measure (3) etc. Score:
instruments/voices http://petrucci.mus.auth.gr/imgln
Ah, Belinda is structured over a ground bass. Explain the concept of ground bass, and then play the ks/usimg/1/17/IMSLP36466-
Vocal effects recording again. PMLP05472-Purcell-
Z626vsNov.pdf
Structure As a basic listening activity, learners could be asked to identify how many times the ground (pages 5–7)
bass is heard.
Genre
A more challenging activity could focus on the different phrase lengths in the vocal part and
the extent to which they do or do not coincide with the ground bass repetitions. This piece
provides a good example of melisma (on the word ‘languish’) and the use of bass continuo.
Learners should be taught about the characteristic features of opera.
Link to composing: learners could compose (or be given) a short ground bass and then create some
melodic phrases to be performed against the repeating bass line. Composing a ground bass will help
to internalise its characteristics.
Play a recording of the final movement of Autumn from The Four Seasons. Recording:
Melody and rhythm Vivaldi: Autumn from The Four
As a basic listening activity, learners could be asked to identify some different features of the Seasons
Harmony music: e.g. scale/key (major), solo instrument (violin), accompaniment (strings and
harpsichord), number of beats per bar/measure (3) etc. This piece provides good examples of Score:
Ensembles and instruments double-stopping and repetition. Explain to learners that this movement is an example of http://javanese.imslp.info/files/i
ritornello structure (similar to rondo, but the theme is often modified and can return in keys mglnks/usimg/4/42/IMSLP1109
Instrumental effects other than the tonic) and teach them to recognise the return of the ritornello theme. 9-AutumnScore_Vivaldi.pdf
(pages 13–23)
Structure As a more challenging listening activity, learners could be taught to recognise the modulation
to the dominant key in the middle section of the movement. They could also be asked to Poem:
Compositional devices compare the similarities and differences between the different episodes and/or the ritornello http://inkpot.com/classical/vi4so
theme. nnets.html
Genre
Vivaldi’s music is based on a poem about the four seasons. As a group activity, learners could
explore how Vivaldi portrays the different aspects of the poem in his music. They could use the score
to help them – Vivaldi indicates which aspect of the poem he is ‘setting’ at different sections in the
movement.
Rudiments Play a recording of the recitative Behold, a virgin shall conceive. Teach your learners to recognise the Recording:
characteristics of recitative. Handel: Messiah
Melody and rhythm
Next, play a recording of the aria O Thou that tellest good tidings to Zion – initially just the alto solo, Score:
Harmony stopping the recording before the chorus entry. As a basic listening activity, learners could be asked http://javanese.imslp.info/files/i
to identify some different features of the music: e.g. scale/key (major), solo voice (alto), mglnks/usimg/4/47/IMSLP1118
Ensembles and accompaniment (strings and harpsichord/organ – this will depend on the recording chosen), number 2-
instruments/voices of beats per bar/measure (depending on the recording, some learners may hear this as three fast Handel_Messiah_No.8_Behold
beats, or two slower beats – this can lead into a useful discussion on compound time) etc. Note that _No.9_O_Thou_That_Tellest.pd
Vocal effects there is an extended example of melisma after rehearsal letter F. More challenging listening activities f
could use the score to help identify the key, cadences and modulations.
Texture
Now play the chorus section which follows the solo. Listening activities could focus on the texture,
Genre which is initially polyphonic before becoming homophonic. Learners should be taught about the
characteristic features of an oratorio.
Formative assessment
To check learners’ understanding of this unit, they could be asked (individually or in groups) to give a
presentation on the characteristics of baroque music. The presentation should include a variety of
music examples chosen from beyond those studied in the class lessons.
The Classics for Kids website contains further listening examples and a narrated description of the Classics for kids – baroque
characteristics of the baroque style. music:
www.classicsforkids.com/shows
/genre_baroque.asp
Melody and rhythm Play a recording of Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune – initially from the beginning to Recording:
rehearsal figure 3 (on page 8). Debussy: Prélude à l’après-midi
Ensembles and instruments d’un faune
As a basic listening activity, learners could be asked to identify some different features of the
Instrumental effects music: e.g. the first solo instrument heard (flute) and the accompanying instruments Score:
(orchestra). They should be asked to try and describe the character of the music. http://petrucci.mus.auth.gr/imgln
Texture ks/usimg/4/40/IMSLP14736-
As a more challenging listening activity they could compare the different textures found in Debussy_-
the opening section each time the opening flute solo returns. The very beginning is a good _Pr__lude____l_apr__s-
example of monophonic texture; instrumental effects found in this section include tremolo midi_d_un_faune__orch._score
(strings) and glissando (harp). _.pdf
Next, play the whole of the recording, listening out for features such as the use of the chromatic scale, Painting:
and muted horns and pizzicato basses at the very end. The concept of impressionism could be www.nationalgallery.org.uk/pain
discussed by showing paintings such as Monet’s Gare St Lazare. tings/claude-oscar-monet-the-
gare-st-lazare
Learners should be taught about the characteristic features of impressionist music.
Link to composing: the whole tone scale is found frequently in Debussy’s music (e.g. the first
bar/measure of page 9). Learners could explore some of the different textures and effects that can be
created using just the notes of the whole-tone scale.
Melody and rhythm Play a recording of the first movement (Allegro) of Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1. Recording:
Prokofiev: Allegro from
Ensembles and instruments As a basic listening activity, learners could be asked to identify some different features of the Symphony No. 1, Classical
music: e.g. scale/key (major), instruments (orchestra), number of beats per bar/measure (2) (The score is still copyright in
Texture etc. most countries.)
Genre As a more challenging listening activity they could be asked to describe in detail the texture
of the music in different passages.
Next, play a recording of a symphony by Haydn. Learners could compare the two performances
listening for similarities as well as differences. Use their observations as the basis of an explanation of
the characteristic features of neo-classical music.
Melody and rhythm Play a recording of a vocal version of Gershwin’s I got rhythm from the musical Girl Crazy – initially Recording:
the chorus only (I got rhythm). Gershwin: I got rhythm
Ensembles and (The sheet music is still
instruments/voices As a basic listening activity, learners could be asked to identify some different features of the copyright in most countries, but
music: e.g. scale/key (major), voice and instruments (these will vary according to the chosen is easily found in song
Texture recording), texture (melody and accompaniment), number of beats per bar/measure (2) etc. collections.)
Next, focus on the syncopated rhythm – you could ask some of the class to clap the strong
Genre beats of the basic pulse, while others clap the rhythm of the melody – they should soon notice
the effect of syncopation.
As a more challenging listening activity, play one or two more different performances of the
same piece. Learners could be asked to compare the different ways the song is performed.
Learners should be taught about the characteristic features of jazz and musicals.
Link to performing: if any learners are learning a song or instrumental piece in a jazz style, they could
perform it to the whole class. The class could be asked to identify the jazz elements that they hear in
the music.
Link to composing: composing in a minimalist style is harder than it might first appear, but learners
could explore some of the textures and effects that can be created using short, repeating melodic
patterns in different layers.
Formative assessment
To check learners’ understanding of this unit, they could be asked (individually or in groups) to give a
presentation on the different styles of twentieth century music they have studied. The presentation
should include a variety of music examples chosen from beyond those studied in the class lessons.
Melody and rhythm Work through pages 5–15 and 30–33 of Music Worldwide, completing the assignments as Book and CD:
appropriate. Learners should be taught to recognise the sound of the following specific instruments: Sharma, E: Music Worldwide
Ensembles and instruments
Rabāb Virtual West African Drumming:
Compositional devices Kora www.wcsmusic.org.uk/modules.
Xylophone asp
Texture ‘Ūd.
Playing videos (easily found on websites such as YouTube) is a very good way for learners to
become familiar with these instruments.
They should also be familiar with the following general characteristics of music from this part of the
world:
Syncopation
Polyrhythm
Ostinato.
In addition to listening activities, an engaging way to teach aspects of African music is through African
drumming; using a range of drums, teach your class to perform some African polyrhythms. More able
learners can be given more complex rhythms to play. You could also sing some African songs to
become familiar with the characteristics of the homophonic vocal style and call and response singing.
Learners could also explore the virtual African drumming activities on the suggested website.
Melody and rhythm Note that Music Worldwide does not contain a chapter on Latin American Music. As a guide, exploring
Tango (Argentina), music for pan pipes (Andes) and Mariachi music (Mexico) will give learners a good
Ensembles and instruments introduction to many of the characteristic features of Latin American in general – they do not need to
be able to identify music from specific Latin American countries.
Texture
Learners should be taught to recognise the sound of the following specific instruments:
Bandoneon
Pan-pipes
Charango
Guitar.
Playing videos (easily found on websites such as YouTube) is a very good way for learners to
become familiar with these instruments.
They should also be familiar with the following general characteristics of music from this part of the
world:
Syncopation
Homophonic texture
In addition to listening activities, learners could play class arrangements of some Latin American
music, e.g. Tangos. Some learners may be learning Latin American pieces individually; they could
perform these, and the class could identify the Latin American features in the music.
Melody and rhythm Work through pages 57–64 of Music Worldwide, completing the assignments as appropriate. Learners Book and CD:
should be taught to recognise the sound of the following specific instruments: Sharma, E: Music Worldwide
Ensembles and instruments
Playing videos (easily found on websites such as YouTube) is a very good way for learners to
become familiar with these instruments.
They should also be familiar with the following general characteristics of music from this part of the
world:
Pentatonic scale
Pitch bending
Ornaments.
In addition to listening activities, learners could be taught how basic Chinese musical notation works,
and could be asked to compose short melodies which they notate using Chinese notation.
Melody and rhythm Work through pages 34–46 of Music Worldwide, completing the assignments as appropriate. Learners Book and CD:
should be taught to recognise the sound of the following specific instruments: Sharma, E: Music Worldwide
Ensembles and instruments
Bansuri
Instrumental effects Sitar
Sārangī
Texture Tablā.
Playing videos (easily found on websites such as YouTube) is a very good way for learners to
become familiar with these instruments.
They should also be familiar with the following general characteristics of music from this part of the
world:
In addition to listening activities, learners could compose some short melodies based on one of the
ragas in Music Worldwide.
Learners could explore the section on Indian music from the BBC GCSE Bitesize website, which World music:
includes a test. www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebit
esize/music/world_music/
Ensembles and instruments Work through pages 47–56 of Music Worldwide, completing the assignments as appropriate. Learners Book and CD:
should be taught to recognise the sound of the general ensemble: Sharma, E: Music Worldwide
Texture
Gamelan The Virtual Javanese Gamelan:
www.wcsmusic.org.uk/moduleg
Playing videos (easily found on websites such as YouTube) is a very good way for learners to amelan.asp
become familiar with these instruments.
They should also be familiar with the following general characteristic of music from this part of the
world:
Heterophonic texture
In addition to listening activities, learners could explore the virtual Javanese Gamelan on the
suggested website.
Learners could explore the section on Gamelan from the BBC GCSE Bitesize website, which includes World music:
a test. www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebit
esize/music/world_music/
Ensembles and instruments Work through pages 65–69 of Music Worldwide, completing the assignments as appropriate. Learners Book and CD:
should be taught to recognise the sound of the following specific instruments: Sharma, E: Music Worldwide
Texture
Shakuhachi
Koto
Shō
Playing videos (easily found on websites such as YouTube) is a very good way for learners to
become familiar with these instruments.
They should also be familiar with the following general characteristics of music from this part of the
world:
Heterophonic texture
Formative assessment
To check learners’ understanding of this unit, they could be asked (individually or in groups) to give a
presentation about the different areas of world music they have studied. The presentation should
include a variety of music examples chosen from beyond those studied in the class lessons.
Context
Learners must study the prescribed world focus, and one of the two prescribed Set Works. Teachers should consult the syllabus carefully to check which world focus
and Set Works are prescribed for the relevant year of examination.
Outline
This unit will help learners to develop a deeper understanding of music from one area of world music, and a detailed knowledge of the compositional processes and
structure etc. of their chosen Set Work.
Learners should study the section on Arab music and the music of Africa in Unit 6 in close detail. The syllabus specifies Book and CD:
the exact knowledge which is required; all information can be found in the specified pages of Music Worldwide. Sharma, E: Music Worldwide
Section B of the specimen paper indicates the style of questions that may be asked for the world music focus. Specimen paper available at
http://teachers.cie.org.uk
Effective teaching and learning strategies could include use of videos (easily found on YouTube) and learner projects/
presentations about Arab music and the music of Africa. Specimen CD – available for loan from
Cambridge Publications at
www.cie.org.uk/profiles/teachers/orderpub
The Cambridge website contains very detailed notes for guidance on teaching the Set Works at http://teachers.cie.org.uk. Recording:
These notes explain the range of knowledge expected in this section; the teaching strategies described in units 1–5 Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night’s
should be used as appropriate when teaching the Set Work. Dream, Overture
Section D of the specimen paper indicates the style of questions that may be asked for the western Set Work. Score:
http://conquest.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usi
mg/a/a6/IMSLP27213-PMLP60228-
Mendelssohnop21fullscore.pdf
Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez (Movements 1 and 2) (for examination in 2015 and 2016)
Recording:
The Cambridge website contains very detailed notes for guidance on teaching the Set Works at http://teachers.cie.org.uk Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez
These notes explain the range of knowledge expected in this section; the teaching strategies described in units 1–5
should be used as appropriate when teaching the Set Work. The score is copyright and will need to be
purchased from a sheet music supplier
Section D of the specimen paper indicates the style of questions that may be asked for the western Set Work.
Teachers’ Guide to Prescribed/Set Works:
www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/mi
ddlesec/igcse/subject?assdef_id=875
Context
Learners must record one solo and one ensemble performance.
Outline
This unit suggests some ways in which performing activities can be integrated into class lessons.
By the end of the course, learners should have recorded a solo and an ensemble performance, of between four and ten minutes’ duration in total (see syllabus). In most
cases, the teaching of instruments and/or singing is likely to take place outside of the classroom; however, from a learner’s perspective, playing their instrument or
singing is perhaps the thing they enjoy they most about music and may well be the reason they chose to study Cambridge IGCSE Music in the first place. Teachers
should therefore seek opportunities wherever possible to integrate performing into their lessons. There are many ways to do this:
Ask learners to play examples of music in the style that you are studying.
Demonstrate rudiments (e.g. articulation or ornamentation) or different instrumental effects (e.g. arco or pizzicato) by asking the learners to play them on their
instruments.
Find compositional devices in music from any style that your learners are playing.
Learners perform their own and each other’s compositions
The responsibility for arranging an ensemble is most likely to lie with the school music teacher. Bear in mind the following points when doing this:
Not everyone in an ensemble has to be a candidate for the examination, or even a learner at the school. Teachers may be members of ensembles.
It is important that the ensemble music is the right level for the learner – this can be harder to achieve than for solo repertoire, but must not be neglected if the
learner is to demonstrate their best skills.
Existing ensemble music may be appropriate, but teachers may need to arrange and adapt music to fit their circumstances.
See the syllabus and examiner reports for detailed guidance on acceptable ensemble submissions and for information on assessing and submitting the performances at
http://teachers.cie.org.uk
Outline
This unit suggests some ways in which composing skills can be developed.
By the end of the course, learners should have completed two contrasting compositions, which must be notated and recorded (see syllabus). The skills of composition
are learned and developed over time, and it is recommended that composition is taught throughout the course, rather than as a self-contained unit.
As a basic introduction to composing, learners could be taught how to handle simple chord sequences and cadences, and introduced to the principles of
melody writing and word setting. They could learn how to create accompanying patterns for different instruments.
More challenging work will include learning about modulation, and using compositional devices to extend and develop compositions (there is a clear link to the
listening units here). They may notate their compositions using music software, but should also be given the chance to hear their ideas played by real
instruments whenever possible.
There is no restriction on the style of music that can be submitted, or the instruments or voices for which it can be written. Some suitable projects may include:
Song writing
Theme and variations
Pieces with a ternary or rondo structure.
This list is not exhaustive, and learners may submit pieces in any style, structure or genre of their choice.
See the syllabus and examiner reports for information on assessing and submitting the performances at http://teachers.cie.org.uk .