Music

Welcome to the Kingsmead School Music Department.

Music is a practical and interactive subject. Students develop their musical skills in performance, composing and listening through a wide range of musical styles and instruments.

In year 7 and 8 students develop their musical skills through practical lessons. Students learn to play multiple instruments including; Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Drum kit, Vocals and the Cajon. Students learn about different styles of music, from traditional classical music, world music to contemporary pop music. Throughout year 7 and 8 students will develop their skills in the three main areas of music; Performing, Composing, understanding music. The skills and experience they gain at key stage 3 will prepare all students to continue onto GCSE music but also develops students; confidence, creativity, co-ordination, emotion and engagement across the whole school curriculum.

In year 9, 10 and 11 students study GCSE AQA Music. As part of their GCSE Music students develop their skills in performance, composition and understanding music. They have the option of which instrument(s)/vocals they wish to specialise on, using this to perform regularly both as a soloist and within an ensemble. Students compose music of any style both on an instrument and with ICT, using industry standard software. Student develop their understanding of music in a very wide range of style. Through learning different forms of writing music, identifying musical characteristics within a piece of music and an in-depth study of 2 set works students become excellent musicians, with high level auditory skills, creative thinking and self-confidence to succeed in life.

Music is an important part of the community at Kingsmead School with an active and exciting extra-curricular programme. Students have lots of opportunities of music making outside of lessons in clubs. Currently clubs include; Choir, Jazz Band and Rock band. Throughout the year there are concerts showcasing the fantastic talented musicians at Kingsmead School.

In addition to music lessons at Kingsmead School, we also offer instrumental/vocal tuition. We currently offer lessons in; Piano, Keyboard, Vocals, Guitar, drums, Woodwind and Brass instruments. For further information regarding peripatetic lessons please contact Mr Short (Head of Music) or the finance office.

During Key Stage 4 students will be given opportunities to go on music trips to see professional musicians perform and west end shows.

Sequence of Learning in Music

This is a summary of the topics studied in Music at Kingsmead School.

Top 5 Websites

For additional learning and revision in this subject, see these websites:

1. https://www.musictheory.net/
2. https://musescore.com/
3. https://soundation.com/
4. https://sheetmusic-free.com/
5. https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/

Music Progress Overviews 

These are designed to outline the progression of music based learning within each year group. They make clear the skills, understanding and knowledge within each category of our language for learning.

Please listen to the latest single from one of our talented musician’s at Kingsmead: 

https://soundcloud.com/judesmy/judes-song-13072020-1837