MUSIC
Aims The Music course encourages the study and appreciation of all forms of music , fostering students ’ aesthetic development and creative skills as well as developing students ’ critical responses to music . It will increase students ’ knowledge and awareness of Western classical music and traditions of music from around the world .
Skills The course encourages students to use their musical experiences to create their own music and to develop their enjoyment of the performing situation . The course works alongside individual instrumental or vocal lessons , requiring students to perform regularly throughout the course both on their own and in groups . The group work involves small ensemble work ( one to a part ) and large ensemble work ( in a larger group appropriate to the student ’ s interests ) and it is a requirement of the course that all students take part in the Choral Society . Being so involved develops students ’ aural skills , reading skills and general musical perception . In addition to this , much time is spent teaching the students analysis skills so that they are able to listen to a piece of music critically and evaluate it in an informed and disciplined way , both orally and in writing .
Content Over the two years , students work on two contrasting compositions , one to a brief set by the exam board . This often springs from initial exercise work done in a class situation , but students are not constrained by this and are encouraged to explore their own creative instincts and interests . They also work on two prepared performances , one as a soloist and the other as a member of a small ensemble . In practice , they will cover more than two performances and select the best for final moderation . Much of this work is started in the classroom but quickly the students continue in their own time . As a result , much of the class time is spent on listening and analysis skills in which the students study in detail principally Western Classical Music and popular contemporary styles , including the study of two set works , one classical and one popular in style . This is done through four Areas of Study : 1 . Musical Forms and Devices 2 . Music for Ensemble 3 . Film Music 4 . Popular Music
Enrichment The music department provides an Aladdin ’ s cave of musical opportunities ranging from solo performances to ensembles of more than one hundred participants , incorporating styles ranging from classical to contemporary music . It is expected that students who take the Music course will fully immerse themselves in this programme of opportunities and performance and in so doing , develop not only a genuine and deep love of music making but a confidence and resilience that will serve them in their present and later life beyond the music classroom .
46 THE MIDDLE SCHOOL | AT SEVENOAKS