KS3 Music

Course Overview

That students grow in skill, knowledge and confidence in making music, whatever their starting point. There is strong evidence that learning an instrument and playing with others helps the development of cognitive ability and emotional intelligence; that studying music increases sensitivity and understanding, leading to a better, more enriched life: “People who engage with beautiful music become beautiful people” (Dr Shinichi Suzuki). Thus, we promote a culture of participation, purpose and pleasure in music.

Topics/Themes
• The Orchestra and its development
• Carnival of the Animals – Saint-Saëns
• Peter and the Wolf – Prokofiev
• Winter – Vivaldi and Howard Blake
• Rounds & Canons
• Theme & Variation – Mozart and Elgar
• Mystery & Imagination – Grieg and Dukas
• The Sea – Britten and Debussy
• Blues music – development of Popular music, Jazz and Rock & Roll
• World music – Gamelan, African, Latin and Stomp
• Film and TV music – Themes and composing for a scene
• Hooks and Riffs

Wider Impact:
• Workshops with professional musicians
• Collaborations with pupils from other schools
• Use of Italian and German music terms
• Latin texts and biblical themes set to music
• Operatic and Ballet stories reflected in music
• Cultural dances associated with music
• Visits to the theatre
• Performances in concert halls, churches, community centres and outdoors
• Further education and career focused visits