Subjects

The key concepts in Music are embedded throughout the curriculum and are aimed to develop key skills and concepts at KS3. Pupils build on their learning from Key Stages 1 & 2 to ensure a smooth and steady progression in musical learning at Sharples School and to hone these skills and concepts in preparation for choosing Music as an option at GCSE, and/or to play a part in the musical life of the school and the community. Pupils will continue to learn music through performance, composition, listening and appraising:

Performance

From the first moment that Year 7 students walk into the Music classroom they will be taught the necessary skills for performing Music. Throughout KS3, students will be developing skills in ensemble practice and solo practice. The curriculum is taught through a range of practical performance work where pupils are able to demonstrate these skills on an instrument. Pupils will learn key Music terminology which they will use in peer and self assessment activities.

Composition

Pupils will be taught how to create Music through technology, using a range of different softwares such as Musical Futures, Band Labs and Ableton. Pupis will be able to create their very own music, remix existing pieces and write music for a specific brief.

Listening & Appraising

Pupils will listen to a variety of different music genres in lessons, widening their understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of music. Pupils will learn to correctly evaluate and dissect different pieces of music using the correct music vocabulary.

The overarching themes in Year 7 are: Popular music, World music, including Musical elements and Musical notation.

An introduction to traditional music notation forms a crucial part of the course in Year 7 and this presents them with a method of understanding rhythm, pitch and note lengths.

Students have the opportunity to perform in an ensemble environment on a variety of different instruments, as a whole class and in smaller ensembles. Polyrhythms and simple melodic pitch work also provide basic performance and composition opportunities. Students in Year 7 will also begin to navigate the keyboard and the principles of drumming technique.

• Autumn 1 – Just Play 1 This is a Classroom ensemble module using a variety of different instruments and singing. Students will build foundation skills in reading basic musical notation and will perform chords and rhythmic features of a wide range of popular songs as a classroom ensemble.
• Autumn 2 – Just Play 2 This module uses the foundational skills from Just Play 1 to learn and perform more advanced chord sequences, rhythms, guitar/ukulele chords and strumming patterns. These skills are then applied to the performance of full songs and melodies as a full class ensemble. Students will be able to choose an instrument of their choice.
• Spring 1 – Find Your Voice Find your Voice focuses on getting students using their voice in music. This will develop their knowledge of how to perform using the Musical Futures ‘Find your Voice’ warm-ups, activities and songs. Learners will then take part in a class choir led by the teacher. The class will be performing Blinded by your Grace pt. 2 by Stormzy and performing it as a class ensemble at the end of the term with Instruments and vocals.
• Spring 2 – Musical Notation Students will learn the basics of musical notation, focusing on Treble Clef. Students will have half theory, half practical lessons where they will test their understanding and learn ‘Seven Nation Army’, reading only sheet music. At the end of the term students will perform this as a classroom ensemble.
• Summer 1 – Classical Remix Students will remix their own arrangement of orchestral (‘Classical’) and popular music. Students will create their own piece using samples from these styles using Ableton Live on the computer. They will learn how to edit samples and how to create new material as a remix. Through this project students will be inspired by the ‘great composers’ to compose a piece of contemporary music through samples from orchestral works.
• Summer 2 – World Music (Samba) Students will discover different rhythms and styles in which samba drums can be played. Students will discover how to play rhythms using different instruments from the samba band. Students will learn pieces such as Rio, Carnival and Carnival de Paris from Simply Samba (Musical Futures).

The overarching themes in Year 8 are: Popular Music, Classical Music, Songwriting and Rap, Recording and production, Remixing.

Building on the core skills taught in Year 7, students will build on prior knowledge and skills through performance, composition and listening. Students will have the opportunity to work in smaller groups, forming their own bands using Vocals, Drums, Keys, Ukulele, Guitars and Bass. Students in Year 8 will also begin to dive into the world of Music Technology, remixing popular and classical music and creating their own pieces of music.

• Autumn 1 – Classroom Live (Contemporary) This part of the module allows the class to work as a large ensemble, all performing the same piece of music on a range of different instruments. Where appropriate, it is best if a student is able to lead the class in their practice and performance. Following full class performances, this topic can then lead to smaller ensemble performances within the class, which are student lead.
• Autumn 2 – Classroom Live (Classical) This part of the module allows the class to work as a large ensemble all performing the same piece of music on a range of different instruments. The class choose a piece of ‘Classical’ music from the BBC’s collection of 10 pieces. Students are encouraged to perform on a more ‘traditional’ instrument and follow the simple notation provided.
• Spring 1 – Songwriting Students learn how to compose a song and then perform their song in their chosen genre in strophic form to the class. They will write their own lyrics, chord sequence, bass line and melody using instruments of their choice. Students will also explore different styles and genres within this topic.
• Spring 2 – Recording and Production Students will use their composition from the song writing/rap unit to record and produce their track using the BandLab. This will include learning how to enhance their recorded track by using editing techniques within the software.
• Summer 1 – World Music 2 Building on knowledge learnt in World Music 1 this module focuses on reggae music, students will learn about Reggae music as a genre and then as a classroom ensemble, students will perform Three Little Birds By Bob Marley.
• Summer 2 – Film Music This module focuses on the student choosing a film clip and composing and creating the soundtrack to it on BandLab. Students learn musical devices that are appropriate to use in different genres of film music.

Band Skills (Performance)

Students will get the chance to form their own rock band consisting of drums, keys, guitar, bass guitar and vocals. This will lead to a performance in front of the class. This is now a more advanced scheme and build on the skills learnt in year 7 and 8.

The Blues (Performance and Composition)

Students will compose and perform a Blues song as Part of a small ensemble using a selection of instruments of their choice. Students will gain understanding of the origins of blues music and will learn all the features of the genre and then use these features to then create their own Blues song composition.

Live Lounge  (Performance and composing)

Students will choose their own piece of music and change the arrangement to the preferred style. They will do this in the same approach as Radio 1’s Live lounge. Students will critique existing performances on Radio 1 and identify how musicians have creatively arranged their song. They will source, work out and perform the individual parts as a soloist or ensemble.

Rap (Performance and Composition)

Students will learn the different types of rao music and take and use this to compose their own rao lyrics and accompaniment on a DAW using skills they learnt in Year 7 and 8.

Plan to Stage (Performance and Composition)

Students will choose a piece of music to perform on instruments of their choice. They will be given features from another genre that they must put into their chosen piece to change the original genre of the piece.  This is now a more advanced scheme and builds on the skills learnt in year 7,8 and 9. They will get the chance to perform this infront of the class.

Reading is essential in the academic study of music as it provides a gateway to understanding musical notation, theory, history, and interpretation. Musicians rely on written scores to accurately convey melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and dynamics, allowing them to reproduce compositions with precision and expression. 

Reading about the lives and works of renowned composers offers insight into different styles and eras, promoting a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of musical traditions. 

Additionally, literature on music theory equips musicians with the knowledge needed to analyse and interpret compositions, empowering them to express themselves creatively and fluently in their performances. 

Reading about music can also inspire and inform individuals, shaping their musical tastes, aspirations, and understanding of the cultural significance of music in society. 

Therefore, reading serves as a foundational pillar in the development and enrichment of musicianship, enabling practitioners to engage with music on multiple levels intellectually, emotionally, and artistically.

Click here to view the suggested reads poster.
Please note: the images of the book covers are clickable hyperlinks to the book.