Performing Arts - Music
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” Plato
Our curriculum intent in Music is to develop a child’s self-confidence and personal expression. The music department’s premise is that music is for all, regardless of gender, race, or ability. Curriculum plans for all year groups can be downloaded from the bottom of the page.
We aim to build success into every lesson and offer extra-curricular activities which are open to every student.
Every student that enters the classroom is seen as potential musicians, musical inventors, composers, and improvisers. Through the teaching, we aim to stimulate students through their thoughts and imagination and advise rather than show and tell. As well as a very practical hands-on subject, no credible music education can be sustained without an insightful analysis of music theory, which is integral to all lessons.
Our ethos for music lessons are that:
- Every student has the right to learn and take part in musical activities.
- No music student is left behind
- Students should be given the opportunities to learn how to express themselves musically
- Students should be given the opportunities to understand how to build meaningful relationships using music
- Musical knowledge embraces different traditions.
We believe Music is an essential part of developing the Master Key to future success in life.
For more information about our Music curriculum please contact Director of Performing Arts, Catherine Bee C.Bee@harrisdulwichboys.org.uk
Instrument tuition
Both KS3 and KS4 students have an opportunity to take up weekly one-to-one instrumental lessons on the instrument of their choice for a small fee.
If parents would like to sign a student up for lessons they should contact Ms Bee on C.Bee@harrisdulwichboys.org.uk.
These lessons allow students to take up a new instrument or to develop their skills on an instrument they already play. We have over 80 students on our instrumental register showing its huge popularity and we regularly enter our students for their ABRSM grade exams.
Helpful resources
http://yacapaca.com/ - for KS4 homework submissions.
www.padlet.com - to watch class performances.
Careers
- Composer for: TV, Film, Video games, Orchestra, Radio.
- Artist
- Producer
- Music teacher
- Music business management
- Sound engineer
- Promoter
- Radio presenter
- Conductor
- Music therapist
Music also develops skills that are essential in any workplace.
Recent studies have clearly indicated that musical training physically develops the part of the left side of the brain known to be involved with processing language, and can actually wire the brain’s circuits in specific ways.
Students of the arts learn to think creatively and to solve problems by imagining various solutions, rejecting outdated rules and assumptions. Questions about the arts do not have only one right answer.
Students of music learn craftsmanship as they study how details are put together painstakingly and what constitutes good, as opposed to mediocre, work. These standards, when applied to a student’s own work, demand a new level of excellence and require students to stretch their inner resources.
In music, a mistake is a mistake; the instrument is in tune or not, the notes are well played or not, the entrance is made or not. It is only by much hard work that a successful performance is possible. Through music study, students learn the value of sustained effort to achieve excellence and the concrete rewards of hard work.
Music study enhances teamwork skills and discipline.
Music provides students with a means of self-expression.
Music performance teaches young people to conquer fear and to take risks. A little anxiety is a good thing, and something that will occur often in life. Dealing with it early and often makes it less of a problem later.
