GENERAL MUSIC RESOURCES
THEORY, LISTENING, COMPOSING & MUSICAL UNDERSTANDING
IMPACT
Explore the philosophy and educational thinking behind IMPACT. Discover how mixed-ability and mixed-instrument classrooms can become shared musical communities in which students with different starting points learn through participation, ensemble music-making, mentorship and individual musical development.
The Impract Approach in Music Education
A practical philosophy for inclusive music education, exploring shared musical learning, different starting points, individual progress, mentorship and the development of independent musicianship.
MUSIC THEORY
Build a strong foundation in the language and notation of music. Explore rhythm, notes, scales, keys, intervals, chords, dynamics and musical terminology, and develop the theoretical knowledge that supports performing, composing and listening.
Essential theory, notation, rhythm, scales, intervals, dynamics and musical terms.
MUSIC ANALYSIS
Develop the skills to understand how music is constructed and organised. Explore motifs, phrases, melody, harmony, cadences, texture and musical form, and learn how these elements work together to shape complete pieces of music.
Explore musical structure from motifs and phrases to cadences, larger forms and complete works.
MUSIC HISTORY
Explore the development of music across historical periods, composers, styles, forms and traditions. Discover how musical ideas, instruments and performance practices have changed over time, and how historical and cultural contexts have shaped the music we hear today.
Explore Western classical music through its periods, composers, styles, forms and instruments.
WORLD MUSIC
Explore music from different cultures and traditions around the world. Discover distinctive musical styles, instruments, rhythms, scales, notation systems and performance practices, and learn how music reflects the cultures and communities in which it is created.
Explore the rich diversity of African musical traditions through rhythm, polyrhythm, call and response, ostinato, melody, harmony, texture and ensemble performance. Learn how repetition, improvisation, movement and interlocking musical parts contribute to African music-making, and explore ensembles ranging from percussion and strings to wind instruments. Illustrated examples introduce instruments such as the kora, kalimba, balafon, djembe, talking drum, shakers and bells, with a listening review providing an opportunity to apply musical understanding.
Explore the distinctive musical language of Arabic music through its maqamat, microtonal tuning, accidentals, tetrachords, melody and rhythm. Learn how maqamat are constructed from smaller groups of notes and how melodic development, modulation and improvisation help shape Arabic musical expression. The resource also introduces characteristic rhythmic patterns and the traditional takht ensemble, including instruments such as the oud, qanun, nay, riqq and other string, wind and percussion instruments.
Explore the history, musical traditions and distinctive sound of Chinese music. Learn about pentatonic scales and modes, melody, rhythm, harmony, texture, timbre and jianpu notation, before exploring a wide range of traditional Chinese instruments. Illustrated examples introduce important woodwind, plucked and bowed string, hammered string and percussion instruments, their characteristic sounds, playing techniques and roles in Chinese music.
Explore the distinctive sound of Indonesian gamelan music from Java and Bali through its interlocking layers, cyclical structures, sléndro and pélog tuning systems, and traditional notation. Learn how the balungan provides the core melody and discover the roles of gongs, metallophones, drums and other instruments within the gamelan ensemble.
Explore the traditions of Indian classical music through raga, tala, improvisation, drone and sargam notation. Learn how melodic and rhythmic ideas develop through forms such as alap, jor, gat and jhalla, and explore characteristic techniques including tihai. The resource also introduces traditional instruments such as the sitar, tanpura, tabla, bansuri and harmonium, with practical material for performance and composition.
Explore the diversity of Latin American and Caribbean music through styles including salsa, samba, bossa nova, tango, mariachi, cumbia, mambo, reggae and Andean music. Discover characteristic rhythms, syncopation, clave patterns, ensembles and instruments such as congas, timbales, cajón, charango, panpipes and marimba, supported by musical examples and listening activities.
MUSIC LISTENING
Develop your aural awareness and listening skills through music from different styles, periods and cultures. Learn to recognise instruments, musical elements, structures and techniques, and develop the vocabulary and analytical skills needed to describe and understand what you hear.
Cambridge IGCSE Music
Official Cambridge audio resources for past-paper listening practice.
IMPACT — Philosophy & Framework