Music

Music for All

Central to the vision of the Music Department is the belief that Music is an essential part of life and integral to the development of the whole person. Our aim is to encourage and develop creativity, sensitivity and confidence in all students. We actively seek to promote an understanding of personal and social values, culture and the world around us. Together with our students we explore the ways in which ideas can be communicated and shared through music performance mediums.

The Music Department provides a wide variety of learning opportunities that enable all students to engage with Music and Music Technology Art forms. As well as academic and practical study we promote expression and performance as a learning tool through which students are encouraged to explore ideas, wider cultures and the world around them.

In providing students with many performance and composition experiences we value and celebrate their talent and hard work as they grow and develop into skilled, creative and confident students, who enjoy learning and value their culture and the Arts.

	Autumn		Spring		Summer		Overview
Year 7	Elements of Music & Dalcroze	Introduction to keyboard	Find Your Voice	African Drumming	10 Pieces	Ensemble Skills	PDF
Year 8	Elements of Music & Dalcroze	Introduction to keyboard	Find Your Voice	African Drumming	10 Pieces	Ensemble Skills	PDF
Year 9	Notation, Chords and key skills - Blues	Rock Music Using Music Technology	Orchestral Project	Minimalism	Performance Skills Dance Music	Free Composition	PDF
Year 10	Set Works	Set Works	Film Music	Music for Ensemble	Free Composition and Performance	Free Composition and Performance	PDF
Year 11	Set Composition	Set Composition & Ensemble Performance	Composition & Performance	Listening and appraising Skills	Listening and appraising Skills	Listening and appraising Skills	PDF

Music is the language of emotion and thought as well is being an international language. With a greater understanding of how music can be created and performed you can mould the way in which you listen, create and perform the playlist of your memories.

At Byrchall we look at some of the key points in musical history and look at what impact these have had on the musical footprints of the music of today. We use the three elements of listening and appraising, composition and performance to highlight these musical footprints. Through a traditional approach to both harmony and musical technique we merge these with the musical technology of today to enable a challenging, yet broad music curriculum to cater for all musicians, no matter what standard.

Curriculum Aims

Students will have a greater understanding of the impact of musical styles on the music of today
Students will have a confidence in their own musical ability and be able to express their musicality within department
Students will work independently and in ensembles to create music of a high standard
Students will develop the skills to enable them to be able to perform, write and understand music with a greater confidence outside of the music department
To enjoy listening, performing and creating a wide choice of music from musical history and the world
Within the Music Department at Byrchall we aim to create the musicians of the future

The music department here at Byrchall prides itself on its ability to cater for all. Whether you are a mature musician or starting the musical journey you will find that the staff, facilities and fellow students will make you feel welcome and challenge you whilst you are are a member of the department.

As well as a large collection of traditional musical instruments the music department also boasts excellent IT facilities allowing the recording of live music and MIDI music to industry standard which is accessed both at KS3 and KS4 within the teaching rooms.

There are also practise areas as well as a fully equipped recording studio and radio station to develop new skills as a producer or DJ if you so wish.

The music department follows the analysis, performance and composition of a mixture of traditional, world and popular styles of music across both KS3 and KS4. These incorporate keyboard, vocal and other instrumental skills whilst also using the Music software available.

Music in year 7 and 8 is taught during an hour tuition per week whilst 9, 10 and 11 receive 2 hour tuition.

At years 9, 10 and 11 the department offer both GCSE Music and the NCEF Music Technology course.