Mr D Taylor (Lead Practitioner)
Our goal is to equip every student at Kings Liverpool with the foundation knowledge and skills for music. We aim to ignite enthusiasm for the subject and provide fantastic curricular and extra-curricular activities. The Music Department is an inclusive and vibrant learning space where we promote creative expression, champion self-motivation and encourage teamwork.
Music helps pupils to develops a deep understanding of the world around them whilst cementing knowledge of musical theory, performance, and composition. Students receive tailor made units of study across various musical fields, allowing them to apply music theory principles and practice while highlighting the significance of discipline and commitment to their art.
The Music Department cultivates a lifelong passion for music that enhances creativity and enables students to build a varied repertoire of pieces they can perform on their own, including at our concerts and shows. Music is a vital life skill that empowers pupils with the ability to express themselves artistically and connect with others through the universal language of music.
1. Rhythm and Beats
2. Beethoven (Keyboard Skills)
3. Ukulele Skills
4. Harmony (Chord Sequences)
5. Musical Theatre
1. The Blues
2. Reggae
3. Melody & Accompaniment: Composition
4. Strings & Tings
5. Musical Theatre
(Building on year 7 skills)
Additional focus: Exploring how musical elements contribute to storytelling (e.g., leitmotifs, dramatic transitions).
6. Stand By Me
1. Jazz: Swing
2. Group Performance: Rock
3. Hip-Hop
4. Minimalism: Practical and Composition
5. Musical Theatre
(Building on Year 8 skills)
Additional focus: Understanding how instrumental arrangements convey mood and character.
6. R&B
Performance based end of ½ terms assessed on:
- Total duration of performances: 4-6 minutes
- A minimum of two pieces, including one ensemble performance of at least one minute duration. The other piece(s) may be either solo and/or ensemble.
- One of the pieces performed must link to an area of study of the learner’s choice.
- Component 2: Composing
- Total duration of compositions: 3-6 minutes
- Two compositions, one in response to a brief set by WJEC, with learners choosing from one of four briefs linked to different areas of study. The briefs will be released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken.
- The second composition is a free composition for which learners set their own brief.
- Component 3: Appraising
- Areas of study include:
- Musical Forms and Devices
- Music for Ensemble
- Film Music
- Popular Music
Performing
- Development of performance skills through solo and ensemble pieces.
- Ability to connect performances to specific areas of study.
Composing
- Creative composition skills through responding to set briefs and developing free compositions.
- Understanding of different musical styles and techniques as related to the chosen briefs.
Appraising
- Analytical listening skills through examination of musical extracts.
- Ability to articulate understanding of musical forms, devices, and genres.
Component 1: Performing
- Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated.
- Contributes 30% of the qualification.
Component 2: Composing
- Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated.
- Contributes 30% of the qualification.
Component 3: Appraising
- Written examination: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Assessed via a listening examination with eight questions in total, contributing 40% of the qualification. Two questions are based on extracts set by WJEC.
1. Professional Musician: Perform as a solo artist or as part of a band, orchestra, or ensemble in various genres.
2. Music Teacher/Educator: Teach music in schools, private lessons, or community programs, sharing knowledge and fostering a love for music in students.
3. Composer/Songwriter: Create original music for various media, including film, television, theatre, and commercial projects.
4. Music Producer: Work in recording studios to produce and engineer music, collaborating with artists to shape their sound.
5. Sound Engineer: Manage the technical aspects of recording and mixing music, ensuring high-quality sound production.
6. Music Therapist: Use music as a therapeutic tool to help individuals improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
7. Music Journalist/Critic: Write reviews, articles, and features about music, artists, and industry trends for publications or online platforms.
8. Arts Administrator: Work in management roles for music organisations, festivals, or cultural institutions, overseeing operations and programming.
9. Music Licensing Specialist: Help artists and businesses navigate the licensing of music for use in media, advertising, and events.
10. DJ/Live Performer: Perform at events, clubs, and festivals, mixing and creating music live for audiences.
11. Music Supervisor: Select and license music for films, television shows, and advertisements, ensuring the right sound fits the project.
12. Instrument Maker/Repairer: Craft or repair musical instruments, combining craftsmanship with a passion for music.
13. Music Technology Specialist: Work with software and hardware to create, edit, and produce music, often in a studio or live setting.
14. Cultural Program Coordinator: Organise and promote music events, workshops, and festivals within communities or organisations.
15. Music Business Professional: Engage in various roles within the music industry, including marketing, management, and promotion.
Set day: One every half term
Due day: End of half term
Format/platform: Option of completing on paper or on google classroom
Revision resources available on google classroom
Engaging in wider reading can greatly enhance young people's understanding and appreciation of music. Here are some recommended categories and specific titles that can provide valuable insights into various aspects of music:
Biographies and Autobiographies
1. "Life" by Keith Richards - An in-depth look at the life of the Rolling Stones guitarist, offering insights into rock music and culture.
2. "Just Kids" by Patti Smith - A memoir that explores the relationship between art and music in the vibrant New York City scene of the 1970s.
3. "The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century" by Alex Ross - A comprehensive exploration of 20th-century music through the lives of its composers.
Music Theory and Composition
1. "The Complete Musician: An Integrated Approach to Tonal Theory, Analysis, and Listening" by Steven G. Laitz - A thorough introduction to music theory and analysis.
2. "How to Write Songs on Guitar" by Rikky Rooksby - A practical guide for aspiring songwriters focusing on guitar-based composition.
3. "Composing Music: A New Approach" by David Stevenson and David A. Baker - A resource for understanding the fundamentals of music composition.
Music History and Culture
1. "This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession" by Daniel J. Levitin - An exploration of the connection between music and the brain, blending science with personal anecdotes.
2. "The Music Book: A Journey Through the History of Music" by DK - A visually engaging overview of music history, covering various genres and influential figures.
3. "The Oxford History of Western Music" by Richard Taruskin - A comprehensive multi-volume work that delves into the history of Western classical music.
Genre-Specific Reading
1. "The Jazz Book: From New Orleans to the 21st Century" by Joachim-Ernst Berendt - A detailed exploration of jazz history, styles, and key figures.
2. "The Story of Pop Music" by David Buckley - An overview of the evolution of pop music, highlighting significant artists and trends.
3. "The Classical Music Book" by DK - An accessible guide to classical music, featuring key composers, works, and movements.
Music and Society
1. "Music and Social Movements: Mobilising Traditions in the Twentieth Century" by Ron Eyerman and Andrew Jamison - An examination of how music has played a role in social change and movements.
2. "How Music Works" by David Byrne - A thoughtful exploration of the relationship between music, culture, and the music industry.
3. "The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century" by Alex Ross - A narrative history of 20th-century music that connects cultural and historical contexts.
Online Resources and Journals
- "The Journal of Music" - A publication that covers various aspects of music, including reviews, interviews, and articles on contemporary music.
- "Pitchfork" - An online music publication that offers reviews, features, and news about various music genres.
- "NPR Music" - A platform that provides articles, reviews, and live performances across a wide range of musical styles.