Music

The study of music is divided into several areas:

performing (developing practical skills on voice or an instrument, both individually and as part of an ensemble)
composing (creating their own music)
listening and appraising

A wide range of interests and abilities will be catered for through the study of various musical styles, including popular music, music technology, world music, and classical music.

Miss N Crowder
Curriculum Leader

As well as developing your subject knowledge, the study of music also encompasses various transferable skills needed in further education and employment, such as:

creative thinking skills
self-confidence
concentration
team-work
fine motor skills

Through the study of music, you will be displaying to prospective employers that you are hardworking, dedicated, and disciplined.

Music KS3

Main skills developed in Year 7:	Main skills developed in Year 8:
In all units, the main skills of performing, composing, and listening and appraising are developed through both the use of traditional instruments and voices, and also the use of technology: reading and writing of staff notation the ingredients of a piece of music and how these are used solo performance of short pieces on keyboards and guitars performing as part of an ensemble, being aware of the other parts, and fitting with them how to create musical ideas how to develop musical ideas knowledge of specific styles of music.	In all units, the main skills of performing, composing, and listening and appraising are developed through both the use of traditional instruments and voices, and also the use of technology: further development of performing skills on keyboards, guitars and also singing knowledge of specific styles of music creating musical ideas for a specific intended effect, thinking about the audience further development of music technology skills.
How parents can help to support their son's/daughter's learning in Year 7:	How parents can help to support their son's/daughter's learning in Year 8:
Ensure students are equipped for the lesson provide opportunity for research/discussion	Ensure students are equipped for the lesson provide opportunity for research/discussion

Music KS4

Exam Board:

AQA

Qualification:

GCSE Music

Assessment:

Composing and Performing Coursework 60%

Listening and Contextual Understanding examination 40%

Outline of course content:

You will develop your performing skills through our individual tuition with a specialist teacher on your chosen instrument or voice (free of charge) in both a solo and ensemble capacity.

Your composing skills will also be developed through a series of workshop sessions that will aim to provide you with the building blocks to create a successful composition, focused around the musical elements:

rhythm and metre
harmony and tonality
texture and melody
timbre and dynamics
structure and form

Outline of course structure:

Throughout the course you will develop the following skills:

performing
composing
listening and appraising
communication
information and communication technology
working with others
improving own learning and performance
problem-solving

Careers using Music

Want to be a performer?

For those who play to the highest standards, opportunities occur worldwide in classical orchestras. Opportunities also occur in popular music, theatres, and ‘session players’ at recording studios.

Teaching music also offers job possibilities, including school teaching, peripatetic work, and private tuition. Those with music ability and also other technical skills might consider sound engineering, recording, radio production, and broadcast work.

Working to promote events and music concerts may also appeal to those with a background in music.

Related jobs also include working in music shops, music journalism, and DJ’ing.

Music therapy is a small branch within the medical profession where music skills are occasionally used to help people address medical conditions.

Progression:

For those wanting to study further within education, lots of schools offer A-Level music. Some schools and colleges also offer a Level 2 and Level 3 (National Diploma) in both Music Technology and Music Practice.

Many Universities offer music degrees covering a wide range of skills and interests, e.g. popular music, sound production, studio production.

Specialist colleges, such as The Royal College of Music, The Royal Northern College of Music, and Guildhall offer specialist training for those more focussed on classical music and ‘voice’ who wish to pursue a career in this area.