MUSIC

Our aim in the music department is to develop performance and composition skills, as well as developing listening skills and an all-round appreciation and love of music. Through performance and composition we aim for learners to build confidence and develop imagination.

We live in a society where music is everywhere. It is our role to develop a love of music as well as expanding learner’s horizons and introducing them to different styles and genres. Through our schemes of learning students study a wide variety of genres from classical to rock, African drumming to musical theatre. Learners will study how basic musical concepts have developed over time and responded to changes in society and the world, as well as learning to perform a wide variety of styles on a number of different instruments.

Head of Department:

Mrs K Southern 

 

Stationary and planners are required in all lessons. The majority of specialist equipment required in lesson is provided, although if learners wish to bring their own instruments with them to practice on, that is perfectly acceptable.

 

We have a choir and band that rehearse weekly and any learner is welcome to join. We have practice rooms available for learners to book at lunchtimes, if learners want to practice something for a lesson or have a go at forming a band with friends. We also host regular concerts for ensembles and soloists to perform at. In addition we have a number of specialist instrumental teachers that come in weekly to teach. If a learner is interested in learning an instrument they should ask their music teacher for a letter.

 

For this information please contact the Head of Department

 

  • Intro to music: An introduction to basic musical ideas, learning to use the keyboards and singing.
  • Musical Theatre. Learners study what musical theatre is and learn to perform songs from different musicals
  • BBC Ten Pieces. Learners study 10 pieces of classical music and learn about how music can tell a story. They will then compose their own piece of music.
  • African Drumming. Learners learn to read different forms of rhythm notation and compose and perform an African drumming piece in a group.
  • Class Concert. Learners all perform a piece of music to the class. This can be on keyboard or any other instrument they can play.

 

  • Blues. Learners study the key elements of Blues music and learn to play the 12 bar blues.
  • Jazz. Learners continue on from Blues music and learn to improvise over a chord pattern.
  • Rock ‘n’ Roll. In groups, learners put together a performance of Rock around the Clock and study musicians such as Elvis and Little Richard.
  • Film Music. Studying the works of John Williams, Hans Zimmer and other famous film composers. Learners also compose their own music to go with a film clip.
  • Dance E-jay. Learners use a computer program to create their own piece of dance music, along with studying key features of Dance music.

 

  • Musical Futures. Learners play drum kit, guitar, bass, keyboard and vocals and form a rock band.
  • Musical fusions and Arrangement. Learners study different world music and use this knowledge to create an arrangement of a famous pop song.
  • Song Writing. Learners study protest music and in groups compose their own protest song and then record it.

 

Edexcel GCSE Specification

  • Performance. Learners complete 2 performances, a solo and an ensemble, on any instrument of their choice.
  • Composition. Learners compose 2 pieces of Music. One is a free composition, where it is up to them what they compose and what instruments it is for. The second is to a brief set by the exam board.
  • Listening and Appraising. Learners study 8 pieces of music set by the exam board and complete a listening test at the end of the course

Click below for more information.

Edexcel GCSEs