How hard is Music GCSE if grade 4 piano?

[Mabs49]

Just that really. DS can take German or Music at GCSE. He’s not sure which one to pick. I feel like Music may be easier as he can already read music. Is it a hard GCSE? What sort of things do you have to do?

Do you have to perform a piece?

Do aurals, like for ABRSM?

Thanks for any advice.

My DD1 was grade six and had grade 5 theory. Got a 7 at GCSE. It's not all about the performing, in fact she got really cross because she reckoned the singers could get away with getting top grades without really having studied how to sing at all (she's a violist).

What really makes the difference is how good the teaching is on the listening paper and composition from what I can see - and of course luck on the day. DD1 went through six music teachers (most not actually qualified in music) during the course, and when she tried to do her performance recording the battery ran out and they couldn't retake because the school didn't have a good enough pianist to accompany her - so they used an earlier take she wasn't happy with. So while 7 was OK (and was the highest her class achieved) I think it didn't reflect her ability.

So what I'm saying is, check how strong the dept is and how strong their commitment to music before you opt for it. Schools don't take it very seriously any more - and in fact my DD2's year didn't offer it as a core subject because after losing all the teachers, nobody picked it!

She's gone to music school, where the GCSE teaching is worlds away. But despite being post-grade 8 in two instruments, she'll only do a grade 5 piece for performance as you can't get any better grades for playing anything harder!

I think what I'm saying is GCSE music grades are about much more than what instrument grade you are, which barely matters. If you love it, and if it is taught well, you'll probably do well. If not. Not.

The easy/hard thing really is so much about what you enjoy, and your own skills. DS1 has just done four language GCSEs (two modern, two classical), and I think found them the easiest of any of his subjects - far easier to prepare for than sciences or history, for example. But that's because languages come fairly naturally. He did do oral practice for German and French (with me, at home), but it really wasn't too bad. And you can make it quite fun - and listen to fun things too. Incidentally, he's a good musician but had no interest in taking GCSE - he likes to perform but not study.

By contrast, my younger son has just chosen his options and is really excited about doing music. He's Grade 5/6 performance level, but hasn't done Grade 5 ABRSM theory - waiting to discuss with the teacher whether that's a good idea to add on. He's really interested in the theory and composition, so I think GCSE music will suit him well. But he couldn't wait to drop French!

It's horses for courses.