OCR GCSE Music Past Papers & Mark Schemes

OCR GCSE Music (specification code J536) assesses students as performers, composers, and listeners. The qualification has three components, blending practical musicianship with written analysis. The approach is designed to be inclusive, allowing students to demonstrate skill on any instrument or voice, and to compose in any style or genre. Component 01 — Integrated Portfolio (30%) — is marked by the school and subject to OCR moderation. Students submit a portfolio of two pieces: one composition and one performance, linked to one of the five Areas of Study (My Music, the Concerto Through Time, Rhythms of the World, Film Music, and Conventions of Pop). This component encourages students to explore the connections between performing and composing within a chosen musical context. Component 02 — Practical Component (30%) — is also internally assessed. Students perform one piece of music and compose one piece. These may be in any style and are not linked to the Areas of Study. The performance must last at least one minute; the composition must demonstrate the ability to develop musical ideas. Component 03 — Listening and Appraising (40%) — is a 90-minute written paper. Students listen to musical extracts (both familiar set works and unfamiliar pieces) and answer questions testing their ability to identify musical elements, compare styles, and analyse how composers use the elements of music. A CD or audio file is played during the examination.