Music

What is Music?

We move to a greater focus on individual rather than group work in Year 9, allowing students to have a taste of what Years 10 and 11 will entail should they choose to continue to GCSE. The course encompasses a wide range of musical styles and is sufficiently flexible to cater for a variety of musical tastes. It is based around the core musical elements of performing, composing and appraising.

What skills are involved/developed through the courses?

Students should be learning an instrument and should be at a minimum standard of about Grade 2 or 3 at the start of the course. Both solo and ensemble performances will be undertaken.

Composing and Appraising

These two elements are closely linked. Students will study a series of topics: Minimalism, song writing, film music, gamelan, cover songs, music for their own instrument. In each case they will study examples of music from these topics and create short compositions based upon these styles. Students will have the opportunity to use the latest studio software such as Cubase and Dorico.

What sort of student do they suit and what will they get out of the courses?

Students need to have a good musical ear and the ability to play an instrument to at least Grade 2 or 3. They will develop an appreciation for many unfamiliar styles of music, further their composing and performing skills, and develop self-appraisal skills.