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Cambridge (CIE) · IGCSE

Music 0410

Develop listening, musical understanding and creative skills. Connect musical features to analysis, performance and composition activities.

18 lessons and reviews0 practice setsSyllabus 2026–2028; 2029–2031
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At a glance

What you'll cover

  • Musical elements and notation
  • Area of study 1 · Baroque music
  • Area of study 2 · Classical music
  • Area of study 3 · Romantic music
  • Area of study 4 · Music and words
  • Area of study 5 · Music for dance
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Published syllabus exam years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031. Confirm exam-series and centre availability with your school and Cambridge.

Syllabus 2026–2028; 2029–2031

Cambridge IGCSE Music 0410

2026–2028; 2029–2031

18 of 18 mapped learning areas have teaching and practice

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Study options and assessment

Eighteen syllabus learning areas are mapped to original explanations, worked examples and Guided, Independent and Transfer practice. The seven 2026–2031 listening areas and three assessment objectives are represented. Practice supports preparation but does not replace Cambridge audio, live performance, a composition portfolio, teacher marking or moderation. Listening and notation practice here uses original textual or score-described examples; it does not yet provide a full library of licensed audio extracts or automated aural recognition. Actual live solo/ensemble performance, composition portfolio marking, centre supervision and Cambridge moderation are teacher/centre responsibilities. A mapped lesson does not certify practical mastery or an official mark.

The 2026–2028 and 2029–2031 syllabuses retain the same seven areas of study and three assessment objectives; use the exact version for your exam year and ask your centre about entry availability.

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  • Exams in 2026–2028Paper 1 Listening · c. 1 h 15 min · 70 marks · 40%; Component 2 Performing · 50 marks · 30%; Component 3 Composing · 50 marks · 30%

    All three components are compulsory. The syllabus has seven listening areas; Component 2 includes solo and ensemble performances, and Component 3 requires two contrasting compositions. Check the 2026–2028 syllabus and update for the exact series.

  • Exams in 2029–2031Paper 1 Listening · c. 1 h 15 min · 70 marks · 40%; Component 2 Performing · 50 marks · 30%; Component 3 Composing · 50 marks · 30%

    The 2029–2031 syllabus reports no significant changes affecting teaching. It retains the seven areas and three objectives. Use the 2029–2031 syllabus for final component instructions and centre deadlines.

0410 is not available to private candidates. Confirm your centre's entry and the appropriate June or November examination series.

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All seven listening areas, core score-reading skills, and listening/performing/composing objectives link to original teaching and three practice modes. These are learning links, not official grading. Listening and notation practice here uses original textual or score-described examples; it does not yet provide a full library of licensed audio extracts or automated aural recognition. Actual live solo/ensemble performance, composition portfolio marking, centre supervision and Cambridge moderation are teacher/centre responsibilities. A mapped lesson does not certify practical mastery or an official mark.

Musical elements and notation

Area of study 1 · Baroque music

Area of study 2 · Classical music

Area of study 3 · Romantic music

Area of study 4 · Music and words

Area of study 5 · Music for dance

Area of study 6 · Music for small ensemble

Area of study 7 · Music for stage and screen

Paper 1 · Listening

Component 2 · Performing

Component 3 · Composing

Centre-led assessment

  • Live assessment and aural-resource limitationsASSESSMENT-LIMITS · Assessment limitation, not a syllabus section
    Teacher, centre, or specialist assessment required
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  1. 01

    Describe melody, pitch, scales and intervals

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  2. 02

    Hear and describe rhythm, metre and tempo

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  3. 03

    Explain tonality, harmony, chords and cadences

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  4. 04

    Trace texture, structure and musical devices

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  5. 05

    Describe timbre, dynamics, articulation and technique

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  6. 06

    Read and compare musical notation

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  7. 07

    Listen for Baroque concerto and continuo features

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  8. 08

    Follow Classical chamber music and sonata form

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  9. 09

    Hear programme, orchestra and national identity

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  10. 10

    Explain how music sets and shapes words

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  11. 11

    Compare tango, salsa and electronic dance music

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  12. 12

    Compare silk-and-bamboo, Hindustani and takht ensembles

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  13. 13

    Analyse music for ballet, film and video games

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  14. 14

    Build an evidence-led listening-paper response

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  15. 15

    Choose and prepare a solo performance

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  16. 16

    Rehearse with others and show ensemble awareness

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  17. 17

    Develop original musical ideas and clear intentions

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  18. 18

    Shape, notate and review a composition

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