Music
OVERVIEW
In Year 9, pupils study a course that builds upon previously learnt skills and provides a pre-GCSE course, introducing ideas that will be examined in Year 11 such as the Western Classical Tradition, Music for Ensemble, Film Music, Musical Theatre, and Popular Music. They explore each area of study through performance, composition and analysing key works.
Pupils will build upon skills learnt at our prep school, with a particular focus on musical skills that will prepare them for GCSE. They will explore performance skills, both individual and in an ensemble, they will use Logic and Sibelius to compose music to fit key ideas, and they will learn about music theory in context, studying set pieces and analyse key features.
OUR SYLLABUS
We follow the Eduqas syllabus for GCSE, which includes a combination of distinct skills. Pupils will hone their performance skills both as soloists and as ensemble performers, they will learn how to compose in a particular style, and they will learn how music is written for a particular event using specific features relevant to that style.
The subject is examined through performance pieces, two compositions and an exam focused on appraising music from four areas of study: musical forms and devices, music for ensemble, film music and popular music.
WHY STUDY MUSIC?
In the future, creativity and the skills required and developed as a musician are going to be among the most highly sought-after skills by most employers. Alongside rigorous training, pupils will also develop life skills and improve personal wellbeing.
Many music graduates go on to have successful careers both in and out of the music world, finding that the self-discipline, confidence and analytical skills developed through musical study stand them in good stead for the future.
Pupils studying music have the opportunity to experience many different genres in a variety of venues across the South West. In recent years our musicians have enjoyed diverse experiences from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in Exeter to Wicked at Bristol Hippodrome.
Musical co-curricular activities and performance opportunities are vast: informal concerts, big ensemble concerts, choir services, musical theatre performances, carols at the races, King’s Young Musician competitions, leavers’ concerts, scholars’ concerts and chamber concerts – all alongside whole school events like the House Song Competition.
We also run weekly sessions for: wind band, orchestra, two piano trios, two Roc Soc groups, Ukelele band, Brass group, String group, Chapel choir, chamber choir, Big Band, Jazz ensemble, guitar group and DJ group.
Pupils have also had the chance to perform abroad, with the Big Band touring Barbados and the Chapel Choir recently singing in a number of venues in and around Barcelona.
All the valued life skills can be nurtured through this subject. Pupils are encouraged every step of the way and can build upon their own skills to become well-rounded individuals. Independence is an important skill for music, the self-discipline required for a musician is highly valued, and also helps prepare pupils for life after King’s.
