Music

Course summary

Music permeates our everyday lives. From concert halls to the cinema, Spotify to social media, podcasts to live performances, music is more diverse and readily available than ever before. Through the interrelated disciplines of analysis, composition, and performance, we encourage pupils to appreciate, understand, and think critically about the music around them. Our overriding aim is to allow pupils to develop to a point that they can leave the department at the end of year 13 with the skills and knowledge which will allow them to work in the industry (as a professional or amateur), or to continue their study of music further. Musicians working in the current industry should be able to call on an arsenal of proficiencies which include diverse, cross-genre performance; composition and arranging for multiple settings; and a deep understanding of Music. Aside from the musical benefits – Music will allow pupils to genuinely develop their transferable skills in independent learning, teamwork, listening, analysis, confidence, and creativity to name a few. Features of the Course Pupils regularly perform on their instrument and compose both in and out of lessons, but also study music from a range of sources academically. Areas of study include Music for Film, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Popular Music and Jazz, Fusions and New Directions – each of these areas spans a wide chronological period, as well providing a breath of genres, artists, and composers. Compositional skills are developed through a combination of writing to a brief and free composition - and students’ performance can be on any instrument or voice. Students work with a team of instrumental tutors in school alongside the FSD music team to develop a repertoire for final submission. Although the final performance can be in any genre, you will be stretched to develop your stylistic playing across most areas. Key topics studied Performance: on a chosen instrument. Composition: to brief and self-directed Appraising.