IGCSE Music
Cambridge IGCSE Music develops listening, performing, and composing skills, studying music from Western, world, and popular traditions.
Difficulty
Moderate
Popularity
40%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May/June & October/November, annually
Listening exam + coursework
Grades A*–G (or 9–1 in some regions)
C / Grade 4 = standard pass | A*/9 = highest
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Component 1 — Listening | ~1 hour 15 minutes | Listening paper | 40% |
| Component 2 — Performing | Coursework | Solo + ensemble | 30% |
| Component 3 — Composing | Coursework | 2 compositions | 30% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Challenging
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
Study exemplar portfolios and high-scoring work to understand exactly what assessors look for.
- 2
Build strong technique fundamentals with regular deliberate practice, then take creative risks.
- 3
Learn formal analysis vocabulary (composition, form, tone, texture) and use it when discussing any work.
- 4
Work through Cambridge past papers and mark schemes — examiner wording is consistent year to year.
- 5
Read examiner reports: they tell you exactly which mistakes cost students marks last session.
Past Exam Questions
Define Listening & Appraising using appropriate critical vocabulary and give an example that illustrates it.
Analyse a work relating to Set Works, commenting on technique, composition, and cultural or historical context.
Develop and document your own creative response to Western Classical Music, explaining your intentions, process, and the decisions behind your final outcome.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Poor pacing on long-form coursework and portfolios.
- ✕
Leaving process documentation until the end instead of recording as you work.
- ✕
Playing it safe — assessors reward experimentation and risk-taking with media.
Official Resources
Free, official study material for IGCSE Music — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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