Music Department
|
Resource Links: |
|
| Brief summary of the aims of the department: | At the heart of our mission is the belief that every young person has a right to feel included, valued and respected. We achieve this through a diverse range of activities which allow learners of all backgrounds and abilities to engage with, and participate in creative music making.
Through a programme of practical work, complemented by listening and theory lessons, learners begin to develop skills and qualities which are essential throughout their education, in their day-to-day life and will be of benefit in to the future. We offer a number of extra-curricular activities to learners, through which there are opportunities to grow as musicians, to perform to audiences and engage with the wider community, and to engage with their faith. We are supported in this mission by a number of instrumental instructors who provide specialist tuition on a range of instruments. Learners who participate in these lessons make excellent progress and are given opportunities to perform to audiences through NLC initiatives. We recognise the importance music plays in daily life; on a personal and spiritual level, and we provide learners with the means to assess the impact music can have on them. Research has shown that engaging with music, even in the most basic of ways, has measurable impacts on mood, mental health, concentration and academic achievement. We recognise that music might not be a career-choice for all learners, but we firmly believe in and promote music as either a life-long pursuit or a hobby. Universities, colleges and employers view Music as a valuable qualification thanks to the development of core skills, the commitment and dedication involved, and the well-documented positive impacts on health and wellbeing.
|
| Courses / subjects delivered at all stages: |
|
| BGE topics covered: | S1
S1 Music introduces learners to the main classroom instruments, including Ukulele, Guitar, Tuned Percussion, Keyboard, Drum Kit and Voice. Learners will have opportunities to engage with each of these instruments before deciding on two instruments they would like to specialise in towards the end of the year. Learners in S1 also cover Music Literacy (how to read music), a unit on The Instruments of the Orchestra and a unit on Musical Theatre. These units provide learners with scaffolding to improve their practical abilities, introduce basic music terminology and provide learners with opportunities to take responsibility, engage with feedback and develop appreciation for different music styles. S2 Building on the work of S1, learners in S2 will focus much of their time on developing practical skills on two instruments of their choice. Learners will have opportunities to make progress at a rate which is suitable for them, engage with feedback, develop next steps and consolidate technique. Learners do this through wide-ranging and varied selections of music available to them through the department. S2 provides an opportunity to consolidate Music Literacy skills developed in S1, whilst also introducing learners to Film Music and Popular Music Styles. S3 Music in S3 provides learners with greater opportunity to develop their skills and abilities on their chosen instruments. Performing courses allow flexibility for learners at various levels to participate and engage fully in the music curriculum. Learners develop their listening and understanding music skills further through 2 listening units – Musical Eras and Instruments and How They Are Used. Literacy and Composition are core elements of the course as learners prepare to embark on Senior Phase courses in S4. |
| Web Links: | Music – Education Scotland |
