Music
Intent
At More Park we aim to introduce children to the universal language of music. Children will be exposed to a range of musical talent for critical engagement and to inspire their love of music. Music lessons are skills based, focusing on pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo and structure. They are also given regular opportunities to compose, perform and critique, encouraging them to try their best and become talented musicians. Using gospel values, children will develop a cultural and historical understanding of Music to develop a rounded understanding of the significance of music across the world.
Implementation
In class, we follow the Charanga music scheme which promotes skills based mastery of musical concepts. Music is learnt weekly, with years 4 and 5 receiving extra ukelele tuition from a peripatetic tutor on a rotating two weekly basis.
"Musical teaching and learning is not neat or linear. The strands of musical learning, presented within the lesson plans and the on-screen resources, are part of the learning spiral. Over time, children can both develop new musical skills and concepts, and re-visit established musical skills and concepts. Repeating a musical skill doesn’t necessarily mean their progress is slowing down or their development is moving backwards! It's just shifting within the spiral. Mastery means both a deeper understanding of musical skills and concepts and learning something new." (Charanga)
Impact
Children leave More Park with a secure foundation of musical skills. They have been introduced to a variety of musical genres and have been given the opportunity to learn at least one instrument (Ukelele). Children are able to compose and improvise using the inter-related dimensions of music, having also built a musical vocabulary to discuss and critique both their work and the work of others.
Instrumental Lessons
We are very lucky at More Park to have amazing instrumental tutors visiting our school. We have string, piano, woodwind and brass tuition available in school!
As you know, at More Park we really value our instrumentalists, and they are given many opportunities to showcase their talents. Most children begin learning an instrument from KS2 (year 3 upwards), but if you have a child really eager to learn who is in year 2, please also get in touch with me, as we consider younger students on a child-by-child basis. Kent Music define music learning like this:
Learning with Kent Music
There is no minimum or maximum age when it comes to learning music! Introducing music to children at an early age can improve their learning ability and memory as well as skills such as sharing, creativity and concentration. We have students aged 5 and upwards – the age at which you can start is generally dependent on three factors:
- Academic ability – in order to succeed with instrumental or vocal tuition, you need to be able to count confidently and be learning or able to read.
- Physical dexterity – playing any instrument is about making controlled and purposeful physical movements with hands and fingers, and, with wind instruments, coordinating this with breathing.
- Emotional maturity – your lesson will last for at least 20 minutes, during which you will have to work hard, stay focused, and have good behaviour. You will also need to practice for at least 15 minutes every day on tasks your teacher sets.
If you have a child who would like to learn an instrument, please get in touch with me and I can give you more details
Many thanks, and I look forward to enrolling our next generation of musicians!
Stephanie Boden
stephanie.boden@more-park-westmalling.kcsp.org.uk
Please see below for important musical documents:
Music in our school:
