Year 7
Overview / Introduction
In Year 7 Music, pupils embark on an exciting journey through a range of musical styles, instruments, and performance experiences. They begin by exploring rhythm and dynamics through African Drumming, developing ensemble skills and understanding musical elements. Building on this, pupils learn about pitch and duration through keyboard and vocal work in Songs of Celebration.
As the year progresses, students become Ukulele Ninjas, gaining skills to perform and compose using chords, melodies, and TAB notation. Creativity and teamwork are at the heart of Battle of the Bands, where pupils form groups to rehearse, refine, and perform their own arrangements. They then deepen their understanding of melody and harmony through a study of The Classics, developing listening and analytical skills.
The year culminates in the Live Lounge project, inspired by BBC Radio 1’s sessions, where pupils perform and record contemporary songs, showcasing the performance and musicianship skills they’ve developed throughout the year.
Half-Term 1 – Exploring Rhythm
Summary
Introduction to Rhythm: African Drumming:
Pupils will develop an understanding of composing rhythms and performing in unison or as soloists, using authentic African Drumming techniques such as cross rhythms, polyrhythms and developing their own patterns using the elements of music.
Key Vocabulary
Pitch
How high or low a sound is.
Duration / Rhythm
How long sounds last and how they are arranged in time (the beat and patterns of sound).
Dynamics
How loud or soft the music is.
Harmony
Different notes played or sung together to support the main tune.
Texture
How many layers of sound there are and how they interact (for example, one melody or many parts at once).
Timbre (Sonority)
The unique quality or “tone color” of a sound that makes one instrument or voice sound different from another.
Structure / Form
How the music is organized into sections (such as verses, choruses, or movements).
Articulation
How notes are played or sung (smooth, short, accented, etc.).
Drums and Percussion
Instruments that are struck, shaken, or scraped to make sound, often used to keep rhythm.Reading Music / Notation
Understanding written music symbols that show pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and how the music should be played.
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Half-Term 2 – Exploring Pitch and Duration
Summary
Introduction to Pitch and Duration: Songs of Celebration:
Pupils will continue their journey of developing coordination, dexterity and sight reading to play a song on the piano that is made popular when associated with Christmas or other religious events. This is accompanied with helping identifying pitch through voice and performing as an ensemble in a vocal group
Key Vocabulary
Pitch
How high or low a sound is.
Duration / Rhythm
How long sounds last and how they fit into a beat.
Dynamics
How loud or soft the music is.
Harmony
Notes played together to support the melody.
Texture
How many layers of sound are heard at once.
Timbre (Sonority)
The sound quality that makes one instrument different from another.
Structure / Form
How music is organized into sections.
Articulation
How notes are played (smooth, short, or accented).
Piano & Keyboard
Instruments played using keys to produce musical notes.
Reading Music / Notation
Understanding written music symbols for pitch, rhythm, and expression.
Incidental Notes (Sharps and Flats)
Symbols that raise or lower a note.
Step and Leap Melodies
Melodies that move by small steps or jump by larger intervals.
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Ultimate Guitar – App or website you can use to find various music sheets and tabs for many genres of music. Free or Paid subscription.
Musescore – App or website you can use to find various music sheets for piano and some drum pieces. Free or paid subscription.
Half-Term 3 – Exploring Timbre
Summary
Introduction to Timbre: Ukulele Ninjas:
Pupils will be introduced to the Ukulele, a gateway instrument for guitars and bass. They will be taught how to read new methods of music, away from more classical to more modern, using chord boxes and TAB to access several pop-based songs which increases in difficulty. Can you get a black belt?
Key Vocabulary
Pitch
How high or low a sound is.
Duration / Rhythm
How long sounds last and how they are patterned in time.
Dynamics
How loud or soft the music is.
Harmony
Different notes played together to support the melody.
Texture
How many layers of sound there are and how they fit together.
Timbre (Sonority)
The tone color of a sound — what makes instruments sound different even when playing the same note.
Structure / Form
How the music is organized into sections (like verse and chorus).
Articulation
How notes are played or sung (smooth, short, accented, etc.).
Guitar and Ukulele
String instruments that are played by strumming or plucking.
Tab
A simple way of writing music that shows which strings and frets to play.
Chord boxes
Diagrams that show where to place your fingers to play a chord.
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Ultimate Guitar – App or website you can use to find various music sheets and tabs for many genres of music. Free or Paid subscription.
Half-Term 4 – Exploring Performance Skills
Summary
Introduction to Performance: Battle of the Bands:
Pupils will be given the opportunity toshowcase a range of skills they havedeveloped over the course of the year, byworking collaboratively with each other toproduce a performance using the range ofsongs they have learned in or outside the classroom.
The aim of this project is to strengthen arange of soft skills, such as independent earning, resilience, problem solving, teamwork and reflecting on progress to enable pupils (with some support) to set themselves targets that they can work towards creating a product. Pupils will use a range in this process, including:- Piano, Ukulele, Guitar, Drums, Voice, Orchestral instruments or any other instruments that they specialise in.
Key Vocabulary
Pitch
How high or low a sound is.
Duration / Rhythm
How long sounds last and how they fit into the beat.
Dynamics
How loud or soft the music is.
Harmony
Notes played together with the melody.
Texture
How many sounds or parts are heard at the same time.
Timbre (Sonority)
What makes one sound different from another.
Structure / Form
How the music is organised into sections.
Articulation
How notes are played or sung (smooth, short, etc.).
Performance
How music is played or sung for an audience.
Piano & Keyboard
Instruments played by pressing keys.
Guitar / Ukulele / Bass
String instruments that are strummed or plucked.
Drums and Percussion
Instruments that are hit or shaken to make rhythm.
Reading Music / Notation
Understanding written music symbols.
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Ultimate Guitar – App or website you can use to find various music sheets and tabs for many genres of music. Free or Paid subscription.
Musescore – App or website you can use to find various music sheets for piano and some drum pieces. Free or paid subscription.
Youtube – A good, free resource for backing tracks for tutorials in all instruments and has links to tutors who may also supply sheet music.
Half-Term 5 – Exploring Melody and Harmony
Summary
Introduction to Melody and Harmony:
The Classics: Continuing our development of instrumental practice and music theory, pupils will learn a shortened version of “Fur Elise” where we will explore the relationship between melody and harmony and how to use these to create a solo performance using the piano. We will explore building chords, phrasing and arpeggiation within the piece.
Key Vocabulary
Pitch
How high or low a sound is.
Duration / Rhythm
How long sounds last and how they fit into the beat.
Dynamics
How loud or soft the music is.
Harmony
Notes played together with the melody.
Texture
How many sounds or parts are heard at the same time.
Timbre (Sonority)
What makes one sound different from another.
Structure / Form
How the music is organised into sections.
Articulation
How notes are played or sung (smooth, short, etc.).
Performance
How music is played or sung for an audience.
Piano & Keyboard
Instruments played by pressing keys.
Reading Music / Notation
Understanding written music symbols.
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Musescore – App or website you can use to find various music sheets for piano and some drum pieces. Free or paid subscription.
YouTube – A good, free resource for backing tracks for tutorials in all instruments and has links to tutors who may also supply sheet music.
Half-Term 6 – Exploring Music Skills
Summary
Live Lounge – Performance Skills 2:
In the tradition of the BBC Radio 1 show, pupils will be given a selection of songs to choose from, picking one song to perform using their instrument of choice. All the skills pupils have developed throughout the year will be needed to create their own version of that song, the emphasis being on being creative and collaborating with others to create something they are proud of!
Key Vocabulary
Pitch
How high or low a sound is.
Duration / Rhythm
How long sounds last and how they follow a beat.
Dynamics
How loud or soft the music is.
Harmony
Notes played together to support the melody.
Texture
How many musical parts are heard at the same time.
Timbre (Sonority)
The sound quality that makes one instrument or voice different from another.
Structure / Form
How music is organised into sections.
Articulation
How notes are played or sung (smooth, short, accented).
Performance Skills
The techniques used to play or sing music accurately and confidently.
Instrumentation
The instruments or voices used in a piece of music.
Reading Music / Notation
Understanding written music symbols that show how music should be played.
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Ultimate Guitar – App or website you can use to find various music sheets and tabs for many genres of music. Free or Paid subscription.
Musescore – App or website you can use to find various music sheets for piano and some drum pieces. Free or paid subscription.
Youtube – A good, free resource for backing tracks for tutorials in all instruments and has links to tutors who may also supply sheet music.
Year 8
Overview / Introduction
This course takes pupils on a creative journey through six key components designed to build their confidence, skills, and understanding of music. Pupils begin by revisiting rhythm and structure through African drumming, developing ensemble skills and rhythmic awareness which in turn move onto composing their own pieces and adding melodic instrumentation. They then move on to pitch and melody through songs of celebration, enhancing coordination and musicality.
Next, pupils study timbre and performance by analyzing programme music and learning how different instruments create mood and character. The live lounge component encourages pupils to showcase their performance skills, prepare and present pieces with a focus on collaboration and stage presence.
In music for film, pupils explore how melody and harmony evoke emotion and enhance storytelling, before finishing with vocal skills in a band setting—developing ensemble singing, leadership, and creativity.
By the end of the course, pupils will have gained a broad foundation in performance, composition, and listening skills, empowering them to express themselves musically with confidence and flair.
Half-Term 1
Summary
Pupils will develop an understanding of composing rhythms and performing in unison or as soloists, using authentic African Drumming techniques such as cross rhythms, polyrhythms and developing their own patterns using the elements of music.
Key Vocabulary
Pitch
How high or low a sound is.
Duration / Rhythm
How long sounds last and how they are arranged in time (the beat and patterns of sound).
Dynamics
How loud or soft the music is.
Harmony
Different notes played or sung together to support the main tune.
Texture
How many layers of sound there are and how they interact (for example, one melody or many parts at once).
Timbre (Sonority)
The unique quality or “tone color” of a sound that makes one instrument or voice sound different from another.
Structure / Form
How the music is organized into sections (such as verses, choruses, or movements).
Articulation
How notes are played or sung (smooth, short, accented, etc.).
Drums and Percussion
Instruments that are struck, shaken, or scraped to make sound, often used to keep rhythm.
Reading Music / Notation
Understanding written music symbols that show pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and how the music should be played.
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Half-Term 2
Summary
Pupils will continue their journey of developing coordination, dexterity and sightreading to play a song on the piano that is made popular when associated with Christmas or other religious events. We will continue to skill in identifying pitch and duration of notes when looking at sheet music, being able to identify and play both melody and harmony at the same time.
Key Vocabulary
Pitch
How high or low a sound is.
Duration / Rhythm
How long sounds last and how they fit into a beat.
Dynamics
How loud or soft the music is.
Harmony
Notes played together to support the melody.
Texture
How many layers of sound are heard at once.
Timbre (Sonority)
The sound quality that makes one instrument different from another.
Structure / Form
How music is organized into sections.
Articulation
How notes are played (smooth, short, or accented).
Piano & Keyboard
Instruments played using keys to produce musical notes.
Reading Music / Notation
Understanding written music symbols for pitch, rhythm, and expression.
Incidental Notes (Sharps and Flats)
Symbols that raise or lower a note.
Step and Leap Melodies
Melodies that move by small steps or jump by larger intervals.
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Ultimate Guitar – App or website you can use to find various music sheets and tabs for many genres of music. Free or Paid subscription.
Musescore – App or website you can use to find various music sheets for piano and some drum pieces. Free or paid subscription.
Half-Term 3
Summary
Pupils will engage with a range of instruments that have distinctive sounds, using Grieg’s “In the hall of the hall of the Mountain King”. Their task is to create a performance which will use a specific or a range of instruments if working in small groups.
Key Vocabulary
Pitch
How high or low a sound is.
Duration / Rhythm
How long sounds last and how they fit into a beat.
Dynamics
How loud or soft the music is.
Harmony
Notes played together to support the melody.
Texture
How many layers of sound are heard at once.
Timbre (Sonority)
The sound quality that makes one instrument different from another.
Structure / Form
How music is organized into sections.
Articulation
How notes are played (smooth, short, or accented).
Piano & Keyboard
Instruments played using keys to produce musical notes.
Reading Music / Notation
Understanding written music symbols for pitch, rhythm, and expression.
Incidental Notes (Sharps and Flats)
Symbols that raise or lower a note.
Step and Leap Melodies
Melodies that move by small steps or jump by larger intervals.
Guitar and Ukulele
String instruments that are played by strumming or plucking.
Tab
A simple way of writing music that shows which strings and frets to play.
Chord boxes
Diagrams that show where to place your fingers to play a chord.
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Ultimate Guitar – App or website you can use to find various music sheets and tabs for many genres of music. Free or Paid subscription.
Musescore – App or website you can use to find various music sheets for piano and some drum pieces. Free or paid subscription.
Half-Term 3
Summary
Pupils will engage with a range of instruments that have distinctive sounds, using Grieg’s “In the hall of the hall of the Mountain King”. Their task is to create a performance which will use a specific or a range of instruments if working in small groups.
Key Vocabulary
Pitch
How high or low a sound is.
Duration / Rhythm
How long sounds last and how they fit into a beat.
Dynamics
How loud or soft the music is.
Harmony
Notes played together to support the melody.
Texture
How many layers of sound are heard at once.
Timbre (Sonority)
The sound quality that makes one instrument different from another.
Structure / Form
How music is organized into sections.
Articulation
How notes are played (smooth, short, or accented).
Piano & Keyboard
Instruments played using keys to produce musical notes.
Reading Music / Notation
Understanding written music symbols for pitch, rhythm, and expression.
Incidental Notes (Sharps and Flats)
Symbols that raise or lower a note.
Step and Leap Melodies
Melodies that move by small steps or jump by larger intervals.
Guitar and Ukulele
String instruments that are played by strumming or plucking.
Tab
A simple way of writing music that shows which strings and frets to play.
Chord boxes
Diagrams that show where to place your fingers to play a chord.
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Ultimate Guitar – App or website you can use to find various music sheets and tabs for many genres of music. Free or Paid subscription.
Musescore – App or website you can use to find various music sheets for piano and some drum pieces. Free or paid subscription.
Half-Term 4
Summary
Developing and showcasing the rehearsal and performance skills we have learned so far, by allowing pupils to work solo or in groups to perform a song from our Dinnington Music set list. More accomplished musicians in the cohort will be able to prepare a piece of their own choice.
Key Vocabulary
Pitch
How high or low a sound is.
Duration / Rhythm
How long sounds last and how they fit into a beat.
Dynamics
How loud or soft the music is.
Harmony
Notes played together to support the melody.
Texture
How many layers of sound are heard at once.
Timbre (Sonority)
The sound quality that makes one instrument different from another.
Structure / Form
How music is organized into sections.
Articulation
How notes are played (smooth, short, or accented).
Piano & Keyboard
Instruments played using keys to produce musical notes.
Reading Music / Notation
Understanding written music symbols for pitch, rhythm, and expression.
Incidental Notes (Sharps and Flats)
Symbols that raise or lower a note.
Step and Leap Melodies
Melodies that move by small steps or jump by larger intervals.
Guitar and Ukulele
String instruments that are played by strumming or plucking.
Tab
A simple way of writing music that shows which strings and frets to play.
Chord boxes
Diagrams that show where to place your fingers to play a chord.
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Ultimate Guitar – App or website you can use to find various music sheets and tabs for many genres of music. Free or Paid subscription.
Musescore – App or website you can use to find various music sheets for piano and some drum pieces. Free or paid subscription.
Half-Term 5
Summary
Pupils will examine the relationship between music and the action that is happening on the screen through a range of famous pieces from notable composers, how it can be used in a way to capture an emotion and communicate with an audience on a deeper level, whether it be to make us laugh, cry, create suspense and tension or even jump out of our seats.
Key Vocabulary
Pitch
How high or low a sound is.
Duration / Rhythm
How long sounds last and how they fit into a beat.
Dynamics
How loud or soft the music is.
Harmony
Notes played together to support the melody.
Texture
How many layers of sound are heard at once.
Timbre (Sonority)
The sound quality that makes one instrument different from another.
Structure / Form
How music is organized into sections.
Articulation
How notes are played (smooth, short, or accented).
Piano & Keyboard
Instruments played using keys to produce musical notes.
Reading Music / Notation
Understanding written music symbols for pitch, rhythm, and expression.
Incidental Notes (Sharps and Flats)
Symbols that raise or lower a note.
Step and Leap Melodies
Melodies that move by small steps or jump by larger intervals.
Guitar and Ukulele
String instruments that are played by strumming or plucking.
Tab
A simple way of writing music that shows which strings and frets to play.
Chord boxes
Diagrams that show where to place your fingers to play a chord.
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Ultimate Guitar – App or website you can use to find various music sheets and tabs for many genres of music. Free or Paid subscription.
Musescore – App or website you can use to find various music sheets for piano and some drum pieces. Free or paid subscription.
Half-Term 6
Summary
Pupils will once again be given the opportunity to showcase a range of skills they have developed over the course of the year by either: Creating a band where they can compose original material or select a song from the Dinnington Music setlist Perform a solo or duets using a song they have studied throughout the year. Use a range of instrumentation to achieve this, including – Piano, Ukulele, Guitar, Drums, Voice, Orchestral instruments or any other instrument that they specialise in.
Key Vocabulary
Pitch
How high or low a sound is.
Duration / Rhythm
How long sounds last and how they fit into a beat.
Dynamics
How loud or soft the music is.
Harmony
Notes played together to support the melody.
Texture
How many layers of sound are heard at once.
Timbre (Sonority)
The sound quality that makes one instrument different from another.
Structure / Form
How music is organized into sections.
Articulation
How notes are played (smooth, short, or accented).
Piano & Keyboard
Instruments played using keys to produce musical notes.
Reading Music / Notation
Understanding written music symbols for pitch, rhythm, and expression.
Incidental Notes (Sharps and Flats)
Symbols that raise or lower a note.
Step and Leap Melodies
Melodies that move by small steps or jump by larger intervals.
Guitar and Ukulele
String instruments that are played by strumming or plucking.
Tab
A simple way of writing music that shows which strings and frets to play.
Chord boxes
Diagrams that show where to place your fingers to play a chord.
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Ultimate Guitar – App or website you can use to find various music sheets and tabs for many genres of music. Free or Paid subscription.
Musescore – App or website you can use to find various music sheets for piano and some drum pieces. Free or paid subscription.
Year 9
Overview / Introduction
The Year 9 Music curriculum provides pupils with a broad and structured exploration of key genres and developments in popular music. The course begins with Blues, examining its origins, characteristics, and lasting influence on Western popular music. Pupils then study Rock and Roll, focusing on the social and musical impact of the 1950s and the emergence of iconic artists who shaped modern popular styles.
Through Music for Media, students develop compositional skills for film, television, and gaming, learning how music can create atmosphere and support narrative. The British Invasion component explores the rise of British bands in the 1960s and their influence on the global music industry.
In Minimalism to Electronica, pupils investigate modern compositional techniques and the development of electronic music, with opportunities to create and remix their own pieces. The course concludes with Pop Music, where students analyse contemporary trends and apply their knowledge through performance and composition.
This curriculum equips pupils with a deeper understanding of musical evolution, stylistic features, and creative processes across a range of genres. It also serves as a strong foundation for progression to Key Stage 4 courses, such as BTEC Music Performance, where students can further develop their practical, compositional, and analytical skills.
Half-Term 1 – The Delta Blues
Summary
Comp 1 – Blues
Pupils will begin by exploring the music that is the backbone of all Western Popular Music, exploring the precursors of gospel, work song, folk and rhythmic chanting, that lead to the genre taking America and then the world, by storm. Pupils will be creating their own 12 bar blues, drawing on key features that make an authentic Blues song.
Key Vocabulary
12-Bar Blues Structure
A repeating chord pattern based on the I–IV–V chords, forming the foundation of many Delta blues songs.
Strophic Form
The same music repeats for each verse, with changing lyrics telling a story.
Call and Response
A musical dialogue between the vocal line and the guitar, often alternating phrases.
Improvised Elements
Performers often vary melodies, rhythms, or guitar parts each time they play.
Flexible Rhythm
Can be loose and expressive, sometimes speeding up or slowing down for emotional effect.
Personal, Narrative Lyrics
Songs often tell stories about hardship, travel, love, and daily life.
Solo Performance
Usually performed by a single singer accompanying themselves on guitar.
Acoustic Guitar
Steel-string acoustic guitars are the main instrument.
Slide Guitar
A glass or metal slide is used to create smooth, expressive pitch bends.
Open Tunings
Guitars are often tuned to open chords to allow strong drones and resonant sounds.
Rough, Raw Vocal Tone
Vocals are emotionally intense and unpolished, emphasizing feeling over technical perfection.
Limited Recording Technology
Early recordings are lo-fi, with narrow frequency range and background noise.
Expressive Techniques
Use of bends, vibrato, and slides to mimic the human voice.
Strong Sense of Place
Music reflects life in the Mississippi Delta and the surrounding rural environment.
Influence on Later Genres
Delta blues heavily influenced Chicago blues, rock and roll, and modern blues.
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Ultimate Guitar – App or website you can use to find various music sheets and tabs for many genres of music. Free or Paid subscription.
Musescore – App or website you can use to find various music sheets for piano and some drum pieces. Free or paid subscription.
Blues and Jazz origins – BBC Bitesize resource that gives a brief overview of the birth of the genre and other genres associated with it
Half-Term 2 – The Golden Age of Rock and Roll (1951 – 1959)
Summary
Comp 2 – Rock and Roll (The Golden Age)
Pupils will look in detail at 1950s America where changes in culture and society would cause an uprising in youth, influencing new creative outlets and artistic blossoming. Artists like Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Buddy Holly who are considered the key musicians of the ‘golden age’ of Rock and Roll. Pupils will select a song and create a performance around one of them, as a solo or in a group.
Key Vocabulary
12-Bar Blues Structure
A repeating chord pattern (I–IV–V) that forms the basis of many rock and roll songs.
Simple Song Structures
Songs usually follow clear forms such as verse–chorus or AABA, making them easy to follow and remember.
Catchy Melodies
Short, memorable vocal lines designed to be instantly appealing.
Repetition
Musical ideas (lyrics, riffs, chord patterns) are repeated to reinforce hooks and audience engagement.
Strong Backbeat
Emphasis on beats 2 and 4 of the bar, driving the rhythm and encouraging dancing.
Call and Response
A musical conversation between singer and instruments or backing vocals, influenced by blues and gospel.
Electric Guitar Focus
The electric guitar is the main instrument, often playing riffs or short solos.
Clean or Mildly Distorted Guitar Tone
Early amplification produced a warm, slightly gritty sound rather than heavy distortion.
Walking Bass Lines
Bass parts move stepwise, outlining the harmony and maintaining momentum.
Simple Drum Patterns
Straightforward rock beats with a strong snare backbeat.
Energetic Vocals
Expressive singing styles influenced by blues and rhythm and blues.
Live Band Sound
Recordings often sound natural and raw, reflecting live performance rather than heavy studio effects.
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Ultimate Guitar – App or website you can use to find various music sheets and tabs for many genres of music. Free or Paid subscription.
Musescore – App or website you can use to find various music sheets for piano and some drum pieces. Free or paid subscription.
The origins of Rock and Roll: BBC Bitesize – A brief overview of the origins of Rock and Roll with insight into it’s influences
Half-Term 3 – Music in Media and Gaming
Summary
Comp 3 – Music for Media
Music for media is a growing industry that uses adverts, film, television and even gaming. Pupils will explore the creative devices that are used to compose memorable and emotive music to sell and promote a product. They will be given the opportunity to learn, perform and even create their own compositions using a media-based stimulus material.
Key Vocabulary
Film Music:
- Linear structure
Music follows the film from beginning to end in a fixed order, matching the storyline. - Leitmotifs
Short musical themes linked to specific characters, locations, or ideas. - Synchronization (Mickey Mousing)
Music closely matches on-screen actions or movements. - Thematic development
Musical ideas change and develop as the story progresses. - Emotional underscoring
Music is used to guide the audience’s emotional response. - Orchestral texture
Use of a full orchestra to create rich, layered sound. - Dynamic range
Variation between loud and soft music to enhance drama. - Timbre
The tone colour of instruments chosen to suit mood or setting. - Sound balance
Music is mixed so it does not overpower dialogue or sound effects. - High-quality production
Clean, detailed recordings for a cinematic experience.
Game Music
- Loop-based structure
Music repeats smoothly so it can play for long periods. - Non-linear form
Music does not follow a fixed path and can change order based on gameplay. - Adaptive / interactive music
Music changes in response to player actions or game events. - Repetition and variation
Musical ideas repeat with small changes to avoid boredom. - Motivic writing
Short, memorable musical ideas are used instead of long themes. - Layered texture
Musical layers can be added or removed in real time. - Dynamic pacing
Tempo and intensity change to match gameplay speed. - Chiptune / electronic timbres
Use of simple or retro electronic sounds, especially in older or indie games. - Integration with sound design
Music blends with in-game sound effects and environment sounds. - Real-time audio processing (DSP)
Sound effects like echo, filtering, or muffling are applied during gameplay
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Ultimate Guitar – App or website you can use to find various music sheets and tabs for many genres of music. Free or Paid subscription.
Musescore – App or website you can use to find various music sheets for piano and some drum pieces. Free or paid subscription.
Music for Media: Assassin’s Creed OST – Overview of the purpose of music in gaming and analysis of the AC soundtrack.
Half-Term 4 – The British Invasion (1960’s Popular Music)
Summary
Comp 4 – The British Invasion
Pupils will look at some of the greatest British exports that have had success in America during the 1960s, which in turn saw many other British bands and artists conquering the American music scene, from bands such as The Beatles who paved the way for many others. Pupils will have the opportunity to extend their repertoire as well as present facts about the success of the bands they have chosen to look at.
Key Vocabulary
- Guitar-Driven Sound: Prominent, often distorted electric guitar riffs served as melodic hooks (e.g., The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me”).
- Vocal Harmonies: Rich; multi-part harmonies were common, heavily influenced by early rock and roll and pop vocal groups.
- Studio Experimentation: Increasing use of studio technology, including tape echoes, reverb, and early multitrack recording to create unique soundscapes.
- Instrumentation: Basic lineups (two guitars, bass, drums) were standardized, sometimes featuring unique instruments like the Mellotron or, occasionally, sitars.
- R&B and Blues Influence: Reinterpretation of American blues, R&B, and rockabilly (e.g., The Rolling Stones, The Animals).
- Catchy Melodies/Pop Sensibilities: Merging strong pop hooks with rock, often with concise, verse-chorus structures (e.g., The Beatles).
- Songwriter-Performer Synergy: Shift towards bands writing their own material, which allows for more personal and innovative compositions.
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Ultimate Guitar – App or website you can use to find various music sheets and tabs for many genres of music. Free or Paid subscription.
Musescore – App or website you can use to find various music sheets for piano and some drum pieces. Free or paid subscription.
British Pop Music: BBC Bitesize – A timeline plotting the key moment of the British pop music scene from the 1950’s to present day, describing key artists for each sub-genre.
Half-Term 5 – Minimalism: From Electronica to Film
Summary
Comp 5 – Minimalism to Electronica
Pupils will explore how the minimalist movement, which explored a new way of composing, of the mid-20th century, would go on to influence electronica and dance music culture, ranging from Steve Reich, Phillip Glass to Kraftwerk and Daft Punk, having the opportunity to remix and compose their own pieces.
Key Vocabulary
- Exploring new compositional methods
Experimenting with different ways of creating music, often using unconventional structures, techniques, or technology to develop original ideas. - Musical analysis and appreciation
Examining how music is constructed (melody, harmony, rhythm, texture) and developing an informed understanding and enjoyment of different styles. - Composition
The process of creating original music by organizing musical elements such as pitch, rhythm, harmony, structure, and timbre. - Drone notes
Sustained or repeated notes that provide a constant pitch or harmonic foundation throughout a piece of music. - Ostinato
A short musical pattern or motif that is persistently repeated, often forming the basis of a composition. - Repetition
The reuse of musical ideas to create structure, cohesion, and emphasis within a piece of music. - Phasing
A technique where identical musical patterns are played at slightly different speeds, gradually shifting out of sync (commonly used in minimalist music). - Rhythm cells
Short rhythmic patterns that act as building blocks for larger rhythmic structures. - Additive composition
A method where music is gradually built by adding notes, rhythms, or layers over time. - Key artists (Steve Reich, Philip Glass, Kraftwerk, Daft Punk)
Influential composers and producers known for minimalist, electronic, and repetitive music styles that shaped modern composition and popular music. - Remixing
Creating a new version of an existing piece of music by altering elements such as structure, tempo, instrumentation, or effects. - DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
Software used for recording, editing, sequencing, and producing music digitally (e.g., Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio).
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Ultimate Guitar – App or website you can use to find various music sheets and tabs for many genres of music. Free or Paid subscription.
Musescore – App or website you can use to find various music sheets for piano and some drum pieces. Free or paid subscription.
Minimalist Music: BBC Bitesize – A brief overview that includes key composers and techniques unique to the genre
Compose your own Minimalist Music: BBC Bitesize – Ideas from composer Steve Reich about how to compose your own minimalist piece.
Half-Term 6 – Popular Music
Summary
Comp 6 – Pop Music
Pop is the generic term for any song from a genre of music that is popular. We will examine some seminal artists that have universal appeal, ranging from the 1950s and all the way through to present day. Pupils will have the opportunity to showcase what they are passionate about and perform either as a solo or in a group.
Key Vocabulary
- Exploring personal passion in music
Identifying and developing an individual’s musical interests, tastes, and influences, and understanding how these shape creative and performance choices. - Performance skills (solo or group)
The technical, expressive, and collaborative abilities needed to perform music confidently, either independently or as part of an ensemble. - Research and analysis of seminal artists
Studying influential musicians or bands to understand their impact, style, techniques, and contribution to the development of music genres. - Generic term for popular music
A broad label (often “pop music”) used to describe commercially produced music that appeals to a wide audience across styles and genres. - Artists with universal appeal
Musicians whose work resonates with diverse audiences globally, often crossing cultural, generational, and stylistic boundaries. - Musical eras (1950s to present day)
Distinct periods in modern music history marked by characteristic styles, technologies, and cultural influences, from early rock ’n’ roll to contemporary genres. - Performance
The act of presenting music live or recorded, focusing on musical accuracy, expression, and communication with an audience. - Showcasing musical interests
Demonstrating personal musical preferences and influences through performance, composition, or presentation choices.
How to support your child at home
1. Talk about their learning.
Although some instruments are louder than others, pupils want to show their effort and progress
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
If you have an instrument at home, please encourage them to practice daily for a minimum of 15 minutes!
3. Get involved in a group or band
Encourage them to take part in any extracurricular or clubs in and out of school hours. Working with other musicians will develop many skills.
4. Get sheet music from various sources
Download free and buy apps online – small price to embed skills for pupils around notation, rhythm and duration permanently. You can also access sheet music online to print or download to keep.
5. Invest in tuition to embed skills
Explore private tuition or enquire about tuition at school in most instruments. 1 to 1 bespoke lesson can support your child significantly.
Useful Resources
Note Identification – Online games to test music theory
StaffWars App – App Store – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
StaffWars – Apps on Google Play – Online gaming app which tests knowledge on reading notation
Duolingo Music Is Here – Learn More About the New Subject – Fun and free online daily quiz where pupils can embed music theory skills
BBC Ten Pieces – Develop listening skills and experience a wide range of musical genres from orchestral and world music.
Ultimate Guitar – App or website you can use to find various music sheets and tabs for many genres of music. Free or Paid subscription.
Popular Music Styles: BBC Bitesize – An overview of all popular music styles with a fun revision test including listening questions on styles of music and music theory.
Musescore – App or website you can use to find various music sheets for piano and some drum pieces. Free or paid subscription.
