I already teach young students, including pupils studying music at school. As a GCSE music tutor I work from your child's own exam board specification, so every lesson moves their coursework forward as well as their playing.
How GCSE Music is marked, and where lessons help
Every GCSE Music course in England (AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas) is built the same way: performing 30%, composing 30%, and listening and appraising 40%.
- Performing (30%). Pupils record at least four minutes of performance in total, including at least one minute playing with others. I help choose pieces at the right level for their board's marking, rehearse them properly, and prepare the ensemble part as well as the solo, on guitar or bass.
- Technology-based performance. Boards allow music technology in different ways: Pearson Edexcel, for example, accepts electric guitar with live effects over a backing track, while AQA has separate rules for production using technology. I make sure any technology-based performance follows your child's board's rules, and can help record it well in Logic Pro.
- Composing (30%). Riffs, chord progressions and song structures on guitar become the starting point for a composition, which we then build and produce in Logic Pro.
- Listening and set works (40%). Playing parts of a set work is one of the best ways to understand it. Guitar-friendly set works include Queen (AQA and Edexcel) and Toto's Africa (Eduqas).
What grade do you need for GCSE Music?
There's no fixed entry grade, and each board marks difficulty differently. As a guide, AQA's top difficulty level is Grade 5 standard and above, while Eduqas treats roughly Grade 3 as its standard level. Lessons aim to get your child's pieces to the level that earns the most marks on their board.
Any exam board, and ready for change
AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR or Eduqas: I work from your child's specification so lessons match what their teacher is marking. The national curriculum for music is being rewritten, with a new curriculum taught from September 2028 and revised GCSEs being phased in from September 2029 (the start date for GCSE Music has not yet been confirmed). I keep up with those changes as they're published.
For parents
- I'm DBS checked, and happy to show you the original certificate.
- You're welcome to sit in on lessons.
- You'll get progress notes and clear practice after every lesson.
- I'm happy to work with your child's school music teacher if that helps.
Lessons are £55 for an hour and £30 for 30 minutes (45 minutes available, please ask). Lessons are at my home studio in Enfield Town, at your home in nearby areas (£10 extra), or online. No result is ever guaranteed, but steady, focused preparation gives pupils the best chance of doing themselves justice. When you enquire, tell me your child's year group and exam board if you know it.
GCSE music tuition: common questions
Can you help with GCSE Music performance coursework?
Yes. I help pupils choose suitable pieces for their board, prepare the solo and ensemble performances, and get them recorded well. The marking and the official recording are done by the school.
What grade do you need to be for GCSE Music?
There's no fixed entry grade. AQA's top difficulty level is Grade 5 standard and above, and Eduqas treats roughly Grade 3 as standard, so it's worth checking your child's board. Lessons aim for the level that earns the most marks.
Which exam boards do you support?
All of them: AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas, plus RSL and Trinity Rock & Pop graded guitar exams.
Do you teach bass guitar too?
Yes. I teach bass technique and styles as well as guitar, so pupils who perform on bass for GCSE get the same support.
Can you help with GCSE composing in Logic Pro?
Yes. We can start an idea on guitar, then build, arrange and produce it in Logic Pro.
My child already has guitar lessons at school. Is this still useful?
Often, yes. School lessons can be short or shared. One-to-one time lets us focus on your child's own coursework pieces and compositions.
Are you DBS checked?
Yes. I'm DBS checked, and happy to show parents the original certificate.
Studying music after GCSE? See A level Music and Music Technology tuition. Working towards a graded exam? See exam preparation.