Music
Key Stage 3
In Key Stage 3 Music, an enjoyment of and appreciation for music is cultivated. Students are introduced to a number of different performance instruments, primarily learning to play the keyboard in lessons, but also the opportunity to learn any instrument through the music enrichment and NYC music lessons programmes. Students learn new musical skills and knowledge through performing, composing (creating their own music), listening and appraising in a wide variety of engaging topics which link progressively through the years. The aim of KS3 is to build a love of music and equip students with the life-long skills to enjoy participating in musical opportunities.
Year 7 Topics:
A Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra (Performance and Listening)
Carnival of The Animals (Composition and Listening)
Don’t Stop Believin’
Year 8 Topics:
All that Jazz (Performance, Composition and Listening)
Musical Eras (Composition and Listening)
Caribbean Vibes (Performance and Listening)
Folk Music (Performance with voice and listening)
Year 9 Topics:
Action Film Music (Composition and Listening)
My GCSE Instrument (Performance)
Electronic Dance Music (Composition and Realisation)
World Fusion Music and Sport (Performance and Listening)
Enrichment
The Music Department offers a wide and varied enrichment programme, with ensembles and groups rehearsing 4 nights a week after school. These ensembles perform in the concerts held throughout the year. These include; Jazz Band, Voce (Choir), Stringendo String Group, School of Rock, WindStars (NUVO Clarinet and Flute) Music Technology Club, GCSE/BTEC Bands, bookable band space, recording studio.
Useful links:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zmsvr82
GCSE Music
Students study the Pearson Edexcel board for GCSE Music which builds on the skills learned at KS3, through enrichment ensembles and individual instrumental/vocal lessons. The course is broken into three units: Performing (30%) Composing (30%) and Appraising (40%). Students prepare performance work on their own instrument or voice for both a selection of solo, and ensemble pieces which are recorded and assessed in their best version in Year 11. Students also compose two longer pieces of music, one to a brief and one in a style of their choice, again for assessment at the end of Year 11 as coursework. In the Appraising unit, students’ study 8 pieces of music in in a variety of genres including music for ensembles, film music, popular music, musical forms and devices. This module is assessed by a listening exam in the summer of Year 11.
GCSE Music Specification
www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/music-gcse/#tab_keydocuments
Enrichment
The Music Department offers a wide and varied enrichment programme, with ensembles and groups rehearsing 4 nights a week after school. These ensembles perform in the concerts held throughout the year. These include; Jazz Band, Voce (Choir), Stringendo String Group, School of Rock, WindStars (NUVO Clarinet and Flute)Music Technology Club, GCSE/BTEC Bands, bookable band space, recording studio.
Useful Links
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zpf3cdm
A Level Music
Students learn how to analyse and interpret the elements at play within a diverse range of music pieces by honing their listening and identification skills. Students learn how to analyse by ear and from a score; dictate a section of music, and to write in depth about the musical elements and historical context in an extended essay. A level music involves written, analytical analysis, practical and creative skills and provides and abundance of essential key skills such as independence in learning, self-discipline in work and practise, working as a team/ensemble, performance skills, listening skills, self-confidence and creativity.
A solid foundation in music theory will also compliment the course and students are encouraged to study to ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory if they have not done this as part of their instrumental studies. The A level course consists of 3 components:
Component 1: Listening and Appraising
- Baroque Concerti (Vivaldi, Purcell, Bach)
- The Operas of Mozart (Le Nozze di Figaro)
- 19th Century Piano Works (Chopin, Brahms and Grieg)
- Music for Media (Zimmer, Newman, Uematsu, Giacchino, Herrmann)
- Popular Music (Muse, Stevie Wonder, Daft Punk, Beyonce, Labrinth, Joni Mitchell)
- 20th Century Art Music (Shostakovich, Messiaen, MacMillan, Reich)
Component 2: Performance
- Prepare a 10-minute recital on your own instrument/s with weekly instrumental or vocal teacher lessons.
Component 3: Composition
- 1 free composition
- 1 Bach chorale (pastiche composition)
A Level Music Specification:
www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/music/a-level/music-7272/changes-for-2022
Enrichment
The Music Department offers a wide and varied enrichment programme, with ensembles and groups rehearsing 4 nights a week after school. These ensembles perform in the concerts held throughout the year. These include; Jazz Band, Voce (Choir), Stringendo String Group, School of Rock, WindStars (NUVO Clarinet and Flute)Music Technology Club, GCSE/BTEC Bands, bookable band space, recording studio.
Useful Links
https://alevelmusic.com/resources/
