Study & Revision Guides

For first examination in June 2011

This new edition of the GCSE guide for AQA is specifically tailored to the new GCSE Music specification starting in 2009.

For examination in 2011 onward

This book contains a series of questions that will help you to prepare fully for Unit 1 (Listening to and Appraising Music) of your GCSE Music exam. It has been carefully written by experienced teachers and examiners to match the requirements of the new AQA GCSE Music specification (for first teaching in 2009). It can be used for coursework or for revision and preparation in the final weeks before your exam.

Key features

* Listening questions which test your knowledge of the three Strands of music in the AQA specification: The Western Classical Tradition, Popular Music of the 20th and 21st Centuries, and World Music
* Analysis and sample questions covering the five Areas of Study: Rhythm & Metre, Harmony & Tonality, Texture & Melody, Timbre & Dynamics, and Structure & Form
* Composing and performing ideas based on the music that you hear
* Helpful hints and advice to enable you to do your best
* A comprehensive glossary that explains all of the terms you need to know.

Specifically tailored to the new AQA GCSE Music specification

This revision guide presents all of the key information that you will need to know for your written exam. Without going into unnecessary detail, it includes:

* A revision section on the elements of music
* The most important facts about all of the topics in each of the three strands
* Revision tips that will help you to prepare for the exam with confidence
* Test yourself questions that will allow you to check your knowledge
* Listening suggestions that will help you to remain focused on the importance of listening in the exam
* A comprehensive glossary that you can use to check you understand the key terms.

This revision guide has been written by an experienced teacher and examiner in a concise and friendly manner. It will help you to achieve the best results possible.

Alan Charlton is a freelance composer. He was awarded the first ever PhD in Composition from Bristol University in 1997 and was the first Eileen Norris Fellow in Composition at Bedford School (1999–2002). He was head of music technology at Bedford School from 2000–2009 and is also an examiner for Edexcel.

Tailored to the new Edexcel GCSE Music specification (first examination in 2011). This revision guide presents all of the key information that Edexcel students need to know for success in their written exam, without unnecessary detail and complications.

* Key facts about each of the 12 set works
* Revision tips that will help you to prepare for the exam with confidence
* A reminder of how to write about the elements of music
* Test yourself questions that allow you to check your knowledge as you progress
* A comprehensive glossary that enables you to check that you understand the key terms.

This revision guide has been written by an experienced teacher and examiner in a concise and friendly manner. It will help you to achieve the best results possible.

Alan Charlton is a freelance composer. He was awarded the first ever PhD in Composition from Bristol University in 1997 and was the first Eileen Norris Fellow in Composition at Bedford School (1999–2002). He was head of music technology at Bedford School from 2000–2009 and is also an examiner for Edexcel.

For examination in 2011 onward

This book contains a series of questions that will help you to prepare fully for Unit 3 (Listening and Appraising) of your GCSE exam. It has been carefully written by an experienced teacher and examiner to match the requirements of the new Edexcel GCSE Music specification (for first teaching in 2009). It can be used for coursework or for revision and preparation in the final weeks before your exam.


Key features

* Listening questions that test your knowledge on all of the set works in the four Areas of Study
* General questions to improve your listening skills
* Helpful hints and advice to enable you to do your best
* A comprehensive glossary that explains all of the terms you need to know.

This Teacher's Guide provides answers to all of the tests in Edexcel GCSE Music Listening Tests. A full track listing is also available.

The extracts for these tests can all be found on the CDs accompanying the Edexcel GCSE Anthology of Music.

For first examination in June 2011

This new edition of the best selling GCSE guide for Edexcel is specifically tailored to the new GCSE Music specification starting in 2009.

Each chapter will help you to focus on what is important in each of the three units that make up your course. Each section of the guide incorporates advice and information that will ensure you succeed in all aspects of your Music GCSE course and get a better grade.

The guide is written by an expert in a clear and approachable style. It contains practical help and advice about composing, performing, listening and appraising.

It contains detailed information on all of the set works in the four Areas of Study:

* Understand the context of each set work, with background information on the work and an introduction to the composer or performer.
* Learn how to follow and make sense of the score for each set work, and using a listening guide, learn about the key features of the music.
* Important vocabulary is explained, and related composing and listening ideas are also given.
* Use practice questions for each set work to ensure you thoroughly prepare for the exam paper you will sit as part of the Listening Test.

Advice is given on how to write answers to the extended questions in the exam paper.

In addition the guide contains a short section describing the basic elements of music that you will need to understand at GCSE, and a comprehensive glossary explaining the technical terms that you are likely to meet.

For examination in June 2009 and June 2010

This guide examines how to approach the study of music to the depth required for the WJEC GCSE music examination and discusses the type of responses the examiners will look for.

There is a comprehensive section on understanding music and chapters giving practical advice on composing and performing, written by experts in a clear and approachable style.

The main part of the book looks in detail at each of the Areas of Study and examines a number of works for each. The guide outlines the context of the works, explaining their key features and suggesting related composing opportunities. It also suggests additional listening for each of the five Areas of Study.

The text contains numerous music examples to illustrate the points being explained.

For first examination in June 2011

This new edition of the best selling GCSE guide for OCR is specifically tailored to the new GCSE Music specification starting in 2009.

The new edition has an exciting new layout, specifically designed to make the content more approachable and interesting.

Each chapter contains practical help and advice about composing, performing, listening and appraising. Individual sections give advice on these four activities, and there is a whole chapter dedicated to composing for the Creative Task. Composing, performing and listening ideas, suggestions and opportunities are also presented throughout the rest of the guide.

The book contains advice and information relating to the four Areas of Study: My Music, Shared Music, Dance Music and Descriptive Music. These sections examine a number of works including those suggested by the OCR specification, and explain all of the key features and vocabulary needed to excel in the exam.

Additional listening ideas and resources are also given for the Areas of Study, helping to make further study easier. There are regular questions to help you check that you have understood what you have read and to prepare for your exam. In addition a comprehensive glossary explains the technical terms that you are likely to meet.

Each section of the guide incorporates advice and information that will ensure you succeed in all aspects of your Music GCSE course and get a better grade.

For examinations from June 2009 to January 2012

This study guide will help students to:

* Gain an understanding of all aspects of the OCR AS course
* Learn from leading examiners and teachers on the best way to approach the exams
* Discover how to get the higher grades

For examination in June 2009 onwards.

OCR AS Music Listening Tests 2nd Edition is a thoroughly revised and expanded edition of the previous OCR Listening Tests for Students. Aside from a whole set of new and revised questions, this book also includes helpful advice for students and teachers on how to answer and mark the tests.

It has been carefully written to match the requirements of the listening and appraising elements in the new OCR AS specification for 2009. Each section contains advice to help you understand what the examiners are looking for and how to tackle the questions. Model answers are provided so that you can check your work and learn from your mistakes.

The new format includes a 40 page scores booklet and many new questions for the student. The question and answer sections have been expanded to include many more "grey comment boxes" to help and guide students through the exercises. There is also a Glossary of key terms.

The questions will test your knowledge and listening skills for the listening element in OCR AS Music Unit G353: Introduction to Historical Study in Music. It can be used for coursework or for revision to help you prepare in the final weeks before the exam.

The Section B "Prescribed Jazz Recordings" cover set works for June 2009-January 2011 and also June 2011-January 2013

Candidates are able to practice working with the musical language and applying their knowledge to music drawn from a range of periods in music history.

For examination in June 2009 onwards.

This study guide will help students to:

* gain an understanding of all aspects of the Edexcel AS course
* learn from leading examiners and teachers on the best way to approach the exams
* discover how to achieve higher grades

This best-selling study guide has been fully revised in line with the new AS Specification. Students are shown how to approach music to the depth required for AS, with practical help with study techniques, note taking, planning coursework and revision.

There are dedicated chapters which analyse each of the set works to the depth required by the examiner; ensuring students have the support to go into the exam with confidence.

The authors offer additional guidance relating to Sections B and C of the Developing Musical Understanding paper, help on the new requirements for composing, and practical advice on performing.

The expanded glossary relates technical terms to specific examples in the New Anthology of Music and numerous music examples aid the explanation of the concepts encountered in the music.

David Bowman was for 20 years director of music at Ampleforth College and a chief examiner for the University of London Schools Examination Board (now Edexcel) from 1982 to 1998. His publications include Sound Matters (co-authored with Bruce Cole, Schott, 1989), Aural Matters (co-authored with Paul Terry, Schott, 1993), Aural Matters in Practice (co-authored with Paul Terry, Schott, 1994), Analysis Matters (Rhinegold, Volume 1 1997, Volume 2 1998) and numerous articles for Music Teacher. He is a contributor to the Collins Classical Music Encyclopedia (2000) and author of the Rhinegold Dictionary of Music in Sound (2002).

This book contains a series of questions that will help you to prepare fully for Unit 6 (Further Musical Understanding) of your GCE exam. It has been carefully written to match the requirements of the new Edexcel A2 Music specification; the content relates to the set works that you will study for examination in 2010 or 2011. You can use this book for coursework or for revision and preparation in the final weeks before your exam.

It includes:

* Listening tests that help you to prepare for Section A of the written paper
* Practice questions for Sections B and C of the written paper
* Over 20 dictation exercises that are valuable practice for the Aural Awareness question
* Helpful hints and advice to enable you to do your best
* A comprehensive glossary that explains all of the terms you need to know.

Model answers to all of the questions and a full track listing can be found at the back of the book.

This book contains a series of practice tests and papers that will help you to prepare fully for Unit 3 (Developing Musical Understanding) of your AS-level exam. It has been carefully written by experienced teachers and examiners to match the requirements of the Edexcel AS Music specification; the content relates to the set works that you will study for examination in 2011, 2012 or 2013. You can use this book for coursework or revision and preparation in the final weeks before your exam. It includes:

* Listening tests and practice questions for all three sections of the written paper
* One full practice paper for each year, laid out as in the exam
* Expert advice on how to devise your own tests
* Helpful hints to enable you to get a better grade
* Model answers to all of the questions
* A comprehensive glossary that explains all of the terms you need to know [/BL]
* This book has been written for use with the CDs that accompany the Edexcel New Anthology of Music.

For examination in 2010 onward

The Rhinegold Edexcel A2 Music Revision Guide is a clear and concise guide to revising and preparing for your final A2 Music exams, written by an experienced teacher and examiner.

This revision guide provides a detailed breakdown of the A2 Music course, with plenty of tips, questions and advice, and is designed to help you to understand how the exam works, how questions are worded, and what the examiners are looking for.

Key features

* Short, snappy reminders of the key facts for each topic
* Listings of essential information in easy-to-remember tables and bullet points
* Test-yourself questions for all the works set for 2010 and 2011
* Practice exercises to help you check your harmony for basic errors

Following on from the previous successful edition, this thoroughly updated Revision Guide for Edexcel AS Music students is for exams in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Written by an experienced teacher and examiner to help you prepare for your AS Music exam.

Key features:

* Clear and concise, to help you prepare in the final weeks before the exam
* Key facts on each set work, for each exam year
* Example essay questions and answers
* Helpful tips on how to improve written answers for the exam
* Essential advice on what the examiners are looking for and how to tackle the questions
* Test-yourself questions to help you practise in the final weeks before the exam and develop your confidence
* Sample answers provided so that you can see how to improve your own work
* Explanation of the key technical musical terms you need to know
* Gives you the edge to help you achieve a better grade

This book will help any primary teacher deliver music in the classroom with confidence, however limited their previous experience.

It covers a wide range of issues including:

* Preparing your classroom and lessons
* Delivering the subject itself
* Raising the profile of music in your school and the wider community

Performing, listening, composing, assessment, using ICT, putting on concerts and planning the curriculum are just a few of the topics included.

While aimed at the practicing, non-specialist classroom teacher, there is also advice for music subject leaders, the head teacher and ultimately all of the staff in a school.

The author is a former secondary head of music in a performing arts college with considerable experience of working with his local primary schools to ease the transition from Key Stage 2 to the Key Stage 3 music curriculum.

Drama Schemes by Mark Wheeller is the first book to look at the teaching practices of this internationally-renowned playwright.

Features include:

* A scheme of work for each year of key stages 3-4, all of which have been conceived and developed through Mark’s own teaching experiences.
* Two schemes which focus on Mark’s use of drama across the curriculum, including his growing admiration for the Mantle of the Expert system of learning.
* An exploration into the crucial role of the much-maligned school production. Through this he illustrates his development of plays such as Too Much Punch for Judy and Hard To Swallow, which have become staple parts of the curriculum, both in the UK and overseas.

Mark also reflects on his ongoing career as a secondary school drama teacher after 30 years in the profession. He refers to his many influences: the famous (Dorothy Heathcote and Andy Kempe to name but two) and those not so well-known.

The book's fascinating biographical detail makes a valuable resource for both those already familiar with Mark Wheeller's output, and those discovering his work for the first time.

Basic Approach

Musicals in Focus is your essential guide to this exciting and popular genre. It investigates what is meant by 'a musical', looks at how they are constructed, their most common features and why they have become such a well-loved form of entertainment.

Key features

* NEW second edition
* Fully-revised
* Full-colour images throughout
* New entries on the latest musicals
* Brand new index and glossary.

Details

This book explores precursors to the musical, from The Beggar's Opera, through operetta to works such as No, No, Nanette. It then takes you through the development of the genre, looking at changes in style during its 80-year history, and shows why a series of significant works have become so influential.

This book offers a series of case studies, with examples drawn from the more popular and familiar works, including Show Boat, Anything Goes, Porgy and Bess, Oklahoma!, West Side Story, Cabaret and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Written to be of value during all Music and Performing Arts courses that include the study of musicals - as well as to the general reader - Musicals in Focus is an ideal introduction for those who want to learn more about musical theatre.

Film Music in Focus is a fascinating and varied journey through the world of film music. It not only explains the origins of composing for film and cinema, but covers many key film genres, including horror, sci-fi, romance, documentary and world film, and investigates the role of the composer in each.

* Fully-revised and updated second edition
* The latest significant releases and new insights are featured, including the film blockbuster Atonement
* A brand new chapter on world film
* Full-colour throughout, plus a revised glossary and a brand new index

As well as a guide for the general reader who has an interest in the genre, this book will be of great value to students on a number of arts and humanities courses, from music to media studies; A level to Diploma and even university.