GCSE Music revision guide covering all elements of music. Explore the musical definitions of key terms, before applying them into exam style questions. Suitable for any exam board, however written with Eduqas in mind.
This resource is any music students’ perfect companion. Exam technique is half the battle when it comes to sitting a GCSE in music, so whether the students need to revise for mock exams or the real deal in Year 11, this revision guide will help solidify elements of music knowledge and secure understanding of how to apply key terms to exam scenarios.
It is especially valuable to students that may require additional intervention, as the guide takes things back to basics before increasing the difficulty. Set it as homework, hand it out at parents evenings, use it in intervention/catch-up sessions or even use it to complement initial elements lessons at the start of the course. The guide is so versatile and a must for GCSE exam success!
Please note: This resource requires YouTube access for listening questions. Simply search the title indicated by the question to access the appropriate audio
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GCSE MUSIC – KEY MUSICAL ELEMENTS
This 36-page PPT is a great way to kick off the GCSE course, providing an accessible introduction to (or refresher of!) key musical elements:
Pulse
Metre (including regular and irregular)
Rhythm (including syncopation, off-beat rhythms, dotted rhythms and triplets)
Chords (including triads and inversions)
Melody-writing
Basic arranging for ensemble
It is expected that most students will have encountered many of these at Key Stage 3, and so whilst this PPT can act as an introduction with clear explanations, it can also act as a useful refresher, with the exercises very much aimed at Key Stage 4.
Students will need access to keyboard or guitars, and notation software or manuscript paper.
Update (19.09.24): I have added answers to the PPT, so that it could be used by a non-specialist teacher, or even set as cover / homework.
Please have a look at my other GCSE Music resources.
Thank you!
This series of nine posters about the Elements of Music is based around the popular acronym DR SMITH. The posters can be used around your department or classroom and are designed to help embed GCSE and A Level tier musical language throughout the wider school. The posters are suitable for display in either Secondary or Primary schools. These could also be used as knowledge organizers or reference sheets for Key Stage 3 and GCSE courses.
DR SMITH stands for Dynamics, Rhythm, Structure, Melody (and Metre), Instrumentation, Texture (and Tonality, Timbre and Tempo) and Harmony. Other variations on the acronym have been used but I find these to cover the most important aspects of musical knowledge in the simplest way.
Each poster is colour-coded to fit with the acronym DR SMITH. This same colour scheme can be used further up the school in GCSE and A Level analysis.
29 pages of essential need to know basics of music theory for GCSE. Including worksheets on scales, chords, key signatures, and pages to practice melodic or rhythmic dictation. You tube links included.
Do you need a basic Music Theory course that is not babyish? Are you looking for a theory course which will teach or revise the basics in an engaging but age-appropriate way? THIS is why I created this course!
Full curriculum of 6 units now available - workbooks, slideshows and quizzes!
This is Book 1 in the series of 6. The workbook introduces the basics of music theory, which you might want to use as revision for your classes, or to start from the beginning with older learners with no prior music experience. Topics included in Book 1 are:
The Treble Clef
Treble Stave Notes
Practising Treble Stave Notes
Note Values
Rest Values
Dotted Notes
Stems and Tails
Ascending, Descending, Step and Leap
Leger Lines
Bars and Bar Lines
The workbook also contains space for students to make notes, and a self-reflection task for them to evaluate their progress. 2 versions of the booklet are included, one with USA terms (staff, whole note, measure etc) and one with UK terms (stave, semibreve, bar etc). See the product preview for more detail.
The printable workbook is in PDF format and is 14 pages long. There is one page for each of the ten topics, each with clear explanations and two written tasks for pupils. This booklet is versatile and can be used in class, as homework, with whole classes or even by individual piano teachers or instrumental teachers on a one-to-one basis. It is designed to be worked through in order, spending a little time each lesson on theory, over 10 weeks in total.
I have used this booklet for years with my own students, usually from age 8-12, but the clear layout makes it suitable for any age. I have also used it with adult beginner piano pupils, who did not want to work from materials aimed at children. Please let me know how you use it!
Stunning Value! A bumper pack of 14 worksheets (or funsheets) for useful coverwork, homework or revision suitable for KS3 (yrs 7-9), or for checking basic knowledge at the start of a GCSE music course, for those with less musical background.
What Does It Do?
This resource tests the basics in an informal way and extends and explores knowledge of each of the elements, giving opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in creative ways - great preparation for a variety of composing, performing or listening tasks. ALTERNATIVELY, use this resource with the associated set of Elements Of Music Factsheets to create a totally self-supporting set of 14/28 activities, where no prior knowledge is needed to complete each task (great for cover work where no specialist teacher is available).
What's In It?
2 worksheets on each of the Elements - pitch, tempo, timbre, duration, dynamics and texture, plus 2 bonus sheets on The Elements. 14 worksheets in all, as well as teacher notes and suggestions for use. Each worksheet ends with a more open-ended task which ensures that coverwork does not run out before the end of the lesson, but these tasks could also be set as a separate homework task - giving 28 short but meaningful KS3 homework tasks in total - enough for a whole academic year!
Double sided worksheet and teacher slides for a music cover lesson on film music. Suitable for both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.
The lesson includes six short activities: a starter, listening task, composition task (without instruments), a film technique question, reading activity and reflection. The lesson has been designed to be delivered without instruments or computers, though the lesson is easily adaptable to include a practical element should you wish. Prior teaching on the elements of music is recommended.
This is the perfect music lesson for a written music lesson or cover lesson with a non-specialist.
Please note: This resource includes both printable materials and audio files (MP3 format).
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Two great ‘Back to Basics’ resources to practice and reinforce the fundamental skills of the theory of music. Great for starters, plenaries and homework activities
Updated for 2022 these colourful posters explain the elements of music with key words and images to support understanding.
Each element is colour-coded and is represented in visual form by an icon. This support analysis of set works at key stage 4. Pupils are able to better differentiate between elements in discussion at key stage 3 when using this clear visual system.
This resource is a fully-stocked interactive PowerPoint that contains a complete analysis of Poulenc’s Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano, one of the set works for Eduqas A Level Music. This resource can be used to teach in the classroom or to use with students as part of their revision leading up to the exam.
Poulenc’s Trio for Oboe, Bassoon & Piano is one of the set works for AoS E: Into the Twentieth Century and students need to be able to discuss the musical elements in depth in order to pass the exam; this resource covers all aspects of this set work in detail, with breakdowns of more complex terms for maximum accessibility and understanding.
Included in this resource:
Fully animated 110-slide PowerPoint including a rolling score with analysis in the form of the musical elements (MAD TSHIRTS musical elements included at the top of each slide for referring to)
Detailed breakdowns of some of the more complex melodic/harmonic features (octatonic scale, neapolitan sixth chord/figured bass)
Figured Bass student help sheet
Rolling score with audio embedded and automatic transitions, useful for following along the score in class, or for listening and revision
Score of Trio for Oboe, Bassoon & Piano, ready to print off for note-taking
Please visit my TES shop for many more resources connected with AoS E: Into the Twentieth Century, and the Eduqas A Level course.
I have managed to recreate the popular card game with questions on the two set works (Badinerie - Blue and Africa- Red) alongside Elements of Music questions - Green and the other areas of study - Yellow. There are also the usual action cards from UNO like pick up 2, reverse play, miss a go, change the colour, pick up 4 and shuffle all cards!
Instructions are on a separate sheet for you to print out and give to the group of kids or for you to just have handy and supervise with the answers!
Hopefully a fun way to revise along with a bit of competition - which I find usually helps!
You will need to print the pages ON BOTH SIDES and make sure they are FLIPPED ON THE SHORT EDGE otherwise they might not line up properly with the back!
Can be used in the classroom or as homelearning. Applicable to all GCSE music exam boards.
Powerpoints with information of all key words on the following elements:
Dynamics
Harmony
Melody
Metre
Rhythm
Sonority/Timbre/Effects
Structure
Tempo
Texture
Tonality
A comprehensive word bank ,for describing key musical elements, including general terms for lower abilities alongside a bank of subject-specific keywords for higher ability students.
*Elements included: *
rhythm
texture
tempo
tonality
form
structure
dynamics
harmony
melody
production
This resource is designed to help students develop a more precise and detailed vocabulary for describing the key elements of music. By offering both advanced and basic terms, this resource is suitable for all levels of learners, from beginner to more advanced students.
These can be used as posters for classroom displays or as a learning aid for students. The resource provides a framework for students to build more accurate descriptions of music., Whether writing about music or discussing it with peers, this tool enhances students’ critical listening skills and their ability to articulate what they can hear.
An initial workbook I use for year 10 to introduce and reaffirm basic theoretical understanding that underpins the GCSE course.
Topics start from note values, rhythm, time signatures right through to, pitch, scales, intervals and chords.
Explanations, information and exercises are used along the way.
This worksheet, “Exploring the World of Film Music”, is a valuable resource for KS3 cover lessons, especially suitable for non-specialist or supply teachers. It provides an engaging educational experience with minimal preparation needed.
Here’s what this resource includes:
In-Depth Introduction: A thorough introduction to film music, explaining its role in storytelling and how different scores contribute to a film’s emotional impact.
Interactive Exploration Task: An activity where students analyze a film scene with various musical scores, offering a practical understanding of how music shapes a film’s mood and narrative.
Critical Thinking Questions: Designed to reinforce students’ understanding, these questions encourage reflection on the nuances of film music.
Extension Activity: For advanced learners, this task involves a deeper analysis of music’s influence on film perception, providing a more challenging exploration.
Homework Assignment: Extends learning outside the classroom, where students critique film music in a chosen movie, enhancing their analytical skills.
Key Features of the Worksheet:
Optimized for One-Hour Lessons: Tailored to fit a standard one-hour teaching slot.
Minimal Teacher Input Required: Ideal for cover lessons, requiring little preparation.
Aligned with the UK National Curriculum: Ensures relevance and educational value for KS3 students.
Self-Contained Learning Experience: Offers all necessary information and tasks for a complete lesson.
Exploring the World of Film Music" is designed to empower students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of film music, making it an excellent, user-friendly resource for cover lessons.
Do you need a long-term Music Theory curriculum to suit your middle school students? This bundle contains SIX music theory books designed to cover music theory week by week.
Full curriculum of 6 units now available - workbooks, slideshows and quizzes!
Do you need music workbooks that are not babyish? Are your older learners put off by cute clipart and exercises counting animals? Are you looking for a theory course which will teach or revise the basics in an engaging but age-appropriate way and then lead on to more complex work? THIS is why I created this course!
This bundle contains all the books (1-6) in the series. They introduce/revise the basics of music theory then lead on to more advanced topics. Topics included are:
The Treble Clef
Treble Staff Notes
Practicing Treble Staff Notes
Note Values
Rest Values
Dotted Notes
Stems and Tails
Ascending, Descending, Step and Leap
Leger Lines
Measures and Bar Lines
16th notes (semiquavers) and beaming
Simple Time Signatures
Ties
Tempo
Tempo Changes
Dynamics
Further Dynamics
Bass Staff
Further Bass Staff
Accidentals
Intervals
Steps and Half Steps
More Leger Lines
Compound Time
Major Key Signatures
Scales
Tonic Triads
Signs and Symbols
Sequences
Italian Terms
Simple Time Groupings
Further Key Signatures
Relative Minors
Chords I, IV and V
Triplets
Further Tempo
Enharmonic
Transpose an Octave
More Signs and Symbols
Further Compound Time
Compound Time Groupings
Arpeggios
Minor Scales
Chords in Major Keys
Chords in Minor Keys
Ornaments
Cadences
Transcribing Between Clefs
Pentatonic Scales
Other Time Signatures
More Key Signatures
Inversions
Further Italian Terms
More Cadences
Circle of Fifths
Transposing
Further Intervals
More Triads
More Chord Types
Each workbook also contains space for students to make notes, and a self-reflection task for them to evaluate their progress, ideal for your tracking and reporting each semester. 2 versions of each booklet are included, one with USA terms (staff, whole note, measure etc) and one with UK terms (stave, semibreve, bar etc).
The printable workbooks are in PDF format. Each is 14 pages long. Every topic has clear explanations and two written tasks for your students to complete. These booklets are versatile and can be used in class, as homework, with whole classes or even by individual piano teachers or instrumental teachers on a one-to-one basis. They designed to be worked through in order, spending a little time each lesson on theory over an extended period of time, supplementing your usual curriculum.
I have used this series for years with my own students, usually from age 8-16, but the clear layout makes it suitable for any age. I have also used it with adult beginner piano pupils, who did not want to work from materials aimed at children. Please let me know how you use it!
These theory workbooks are not affiliated with any particular curriculum or examination board, but are at roughly the following levels.
Books 1-3 cover approximately:
ABRSM grade 1 theory
Trinity grade 1 theory
LCM grade 1 theory
RCM Canada grade 1-2
AMEB Australia grade 1
Scottish SQA National 5
England/Wales pre-GCSE (year 8-9)
Books 4-6 cover approximately:
ABRSM grade 2 theory
Trinity grade 2 theory
LCM grade 2 theory
RCM Canada grade 3
AMEB Australia grade 2
Scottish SQA Higher and Advanced Higher
England/Wales GCSE
An information sheet for pupils to learn about the musical elements and understand their meanings.
Useful as a quick reference sheet or revision of terminology. Can be used for GCSE pupils that are struggling with terminology and remembering important vocabulary.
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