What will students be learning in Music this year?
Students will be introduced to a range of topics such as:
Year 7: Vocal Works, the Elements of Music, Keyboard Skills, Instruments of the Orchestra, the Baroque Era and Rhythms of the World.
Year 8: Blues, Jazz, Classical Variations, Reggae, Songwriting and Modernism
Year 9: Romantic Piano, Club Dance, Cover Band, Film music and Musical Theatre
Embedded in each topic are the rudiments of music theory, giving students the tools to compose and perform and enabling them to listen and respond to music more discerningly. All topics combine performing, composing, listening and appraising tasks and a wide range of singing activities.
Expectations of students in Music
The course is one hour a week. Students have a folder, exercise book in which to record their work and most topics are accompanied by booklets to update. Inside each topic is a list of keywords to build the vocabulary that students are expected to learn and use in their end of year assessment.
What are the major assessments this year?
At the end of each topic, students will be assessed on the performance or composition work that students will have been completing throughout the half term. There will be an additional end of year written listening test in the summer term, covering all topics and theory learnt throughout the year. Feedback is given after assessments.
What should my daughter do if she feels she is struggling in the subject?
She should not be afraid to speak about any concerns to her class teacher, who will give targeted support and advice and may suggest extra resources and strategies. Remember it is a normal part of the learning process to experience difficulties sometimes. Above all, don't give up!
How can I support my daughter?
Taking an interest in what she is doing and showing that she values what she is learning makes a tremendous difference. Encourage her to practise if she sings or plays a musical instrument. If you have a keyboard or another instrument at home, encourage her to play, even if she is just experimenting. Take advantage of the radio, television and the internet to talk to your child about the music they listen to. Never tell her that she cannot sing. It is not true! And finally, the Southbank Centre, the Barbican and the Roundhouse offer a wealth of free concerts. Go to the theatre with the family as well as joining our local hub BYMT.
Helpful/interesting websites:
http://www.topmarks.co.uk Select subject (Music) and the appropriate age and the site will pull up a list of interesting and useful websites.
Whom can I contact for further advice and information?
Please feel free to contact the Head of Music at music@newsteadwood.co.uk if you have any queries about your daughter’s progress in Music.