0410 0978 IGCSE Music - Areas of study (for examination from 2026)

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  Cambridge IGCSE™ / IGCSE (9-1) Music 0410 / 0978 (for examination from 2026)

  Areas of study - Paper 1
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    Introduction

    
    

    This handbook is a guide to the seven areas of study (for examination from 2026) for Cambridge IGCSE / IGCSE (9-1) Music.

    1. Baroque music
    2. Classical music
    3. Romantic music
    4. Music and words
    5. Music for dance
    6. Music for small ensemble
    7. Music for stage and screen

    Areas of study 1–3 cover repertoire of the western classical tradition and include ‘focus works’, enabling candidates to learn the skills of score reading and simple analysis. Candidates will apply their knowledge and understanding to extracts in the examination which will be related to the focus works in structure, genre or style.

    Areas of study 4–7 include a wide variety of music from different cultures and extend the range of repertoire from the early twentieth century to the present day. Candidates will learn how musical features are combined and used to create music for distinct purposes and in different contexts.

    Centres are encouraged to tailor their choice of listening to the school’s context and candidates’ interests.

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