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Music
BackIntroduction
The Music department consists of three full time specialist teachers who are highly trained in their field.
The subject is taught as a separate subject through KS3 and KS4.
The department runs a very varied and exciting extra-curricular programme. All members of staff work very hard to maintain the programmes. There are many weekly-run activities including choir, ukulele club, numerous bands, as well as Theory club and Studio recording sessions.
At Loxford, we aim to stimulate an appreciation and enjoyment of music through an active and practical involvement in the main musical activities of listening, performing, appraising and composing. We aim to encourage active involvement in different forms of music making, both individual and communal, helping to develop a sense of group identity and togetherness.
Music is a unique form of communication and as such enables students to develop skills that can be transferred to other subjects. Collaborating and working with others as musicians as well as adapting to different musical roles and respecting the values of others is a vital part of the musical learning experience. Each year group will study, analyse and compose from a range of different musical traditions and cultures which will be linked to further studies in Key Stages 4.
The music department has a large equipped space with keyboards, band instruments, two practice rooms and a fully equipped recording studio. We also have Macbooks, Chromebooks and MIDI keyboards to allow students to access music technology.
OUR EXPECTATIONS:
Pupils need to understand the key concepts that underpin the study of music in order to deepen and broaden their knowledge, skills and understanding. These will be developed through performing, composing and listening. Students will focus on developing their instrumental skills on keyboard, guitar, the drum set, ukuleles, African drums and Macs as well as their essential musical skills through the elements of music.
KS3
The following schemes are taught across KS3
| Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Musical toolkit and African Drumming | The Blues | Fusion |
| Introduction to Keyboard | Ensemble Project | Musical Futures |
| Ukulele | Composition and Music Technology | Classical Music |
| Exploring Textures | Hooks and Riffs | Musicals |
| Music through the Decades | Film Music |
Film Music Composition Music Technology |
| Band Skills | Reggae | Band Skills/Self Study |
KS4
Overview
The KS4 course at Loxford School follows the GCSE course by the Eduqas Examination Board. Further information is available from https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/music/gcse/
GCSE Music is a very varied and exciting option to take. You will study a wide range of activities including performing, composing and learning about different styles of music.
You need to be able to sing or play an instrument to a reasonable standard. If you do not already play an instrument you must be keen to learn one, the music department provides instrument/ vocal lessons on a range of instruments, which you must attend as a GCSE student. You need to work hard and work well with others.
Subject content
- Performance
- Composition
- Listening and Appraising
- 2 Set works
- Elements of Music
- Area of Study 1: Musical Forms and Devices
- Area of Study 2: Music for Ensemble
- Area of Study 3: Film Music
- Area of Study 4: Popular Music
Future Prospects
The music industry is vast and there is a wide variety of career choices for students taking music further in the fields of:
- Music Performance
- Music Education
- TV/Radio/Film
- Music Production and Recording
- Music Events
- Music Merchandising
Regardless of whether you wish to pursue a career in music, taking GCSE music allows you to develop a lifelong skill that is recognised and enjoyed by all!
GCSE Music will demonstrate to employers that you have a wide range of interests and skills, as well as demonstrating that you have shown dedication and commitment to learning a musical instrument and to studying music. GCSE Music can also help with confidence and performance skills needed in situations such as job interviews.
GCSE Results 2022
Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving 100% grades 9-4.
GCSE Results 2021
Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving 100% grades 9-4.
GCSE Results 2020
Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving 100% grades 9-4.
Future Careers for Music:
The choice of areas of work for Music is vast – performing (in orchestras, bands, and as session musicians), composing (for ensembles, film, TV, radio or as songwriters), producing, engineering and teaching. Many also go on to work in supporting roles in arts administration, event organisation, music marketing, management and PR; and with further qualifications can go into music therapy, music law and music librarianship and archiving.
Many students also enter the music industry or any field requiring imagination and communication including teaching, sales, management, journalism, publishing, public relations and work in the IT sector.
Extra Curricular
There are lots of weekly-run activities including the school musical, choir, ukulele club, keyboard club, string quartet, numerous bands, and studio recording sessions. Many of the ensembles, along with solo items, perform on lots of different occasions such as the Winter Concert, Year 6 open evening, School Assemblies, school’s annual production etc…
Our past performances have included Beauty and the Beast, Annie, Alice in Wonderland, Aladdin, and High School Musical
Students have the opportunity to receive instrumental and vocal lessons and many more participate in the clubs and activities that take place throughout the year.
The Music Department currently offers instrumental lessons on the following instruments:
- Violin
- Guitar (acoustic / electric / bass)
- Voice
