Music

KS3 - National Curriculum

Autumn Term

Introduction to Music - Covering key musical elements, basic terminology, reading graphic scores & instruments of the orchestra

Composition with Garageband - Recording and arranging samples to create musical pieces (Game Music)

Music Theory - Major & minor chords and scales. listening and evaluating form/structure of different music styles. Composition in Musescore software.

Composition with Ableton - MIDI programming, sampling and synthesis to create structured musical pieces. (Film Music)

Music Theory - Key signatures and chord extensions. Listening and appraising texture and timbre of different music styles. Composition in Musescore software

Composition with Ableton - using MIDI & audio to develop a musical piece. Using effects plugins to mix and master a track. (Dance Music)

Spring Term

Keyboard Skills & Musical Notation - Reading and playing the treble and bass clef. (Baroque, Classical & Romantic Era's)

Popular Music - Learning about band Instruments (Contemporary Pop & Rock)

Ukulele Skills - Reading chord charts and basic tablature. (Folk Music)

Popular Music - Using a variety of tuned and percussive instruments to create a group performance. (Contemporary Pop & Rock)

Band Instruments - Reading and performing music for Guitar, Keyboard, Drums, Ukulele & Bass. (Country Music)

Popular Music - Group performance focusing on improvisation using pentatonic/blues scales. (Jazz & Blues)

Summer Term

Introduction to DJ'ing - Understanding tempo, beats and mixing songs together using Virtual DJ. (Electronic Music)

Lyric writing/singing - Analysing the lyrics of a reggae piece.

DJ skills - Mixing tracks in Virtual DJ. Utilising hot cues, samples, effects and EQ mixing. (Electronic Music)

Lyric writing/singing - pop songs & ballads.

DJ'ing with Ableton - Using song samples, effects and external hardware to create a minimix. (R&B, HipHop)

Lyric writing/singing - rap music.

How is the course assessed

Pupil progress will be monitored throughout each unit. Assessment will based on pupils ability to listen to, respond to, create and review music and will take place throughout each unit. Teachers will record progress in the following ways at four points during the year:

N = No Progress
P- = Making less than expected progress
P = Making expected progress
P+ = Making more than expected progress

All marking will follow the James Brindley Feedback Policy and will be based on practical work, oral and aural response and written work.

How can you support your child at home

It would be extremely beneficial for your child to have their chosen instrument available at home to refine their skills. Unfortunately, the school does not have the resources to supply each pupil with an instrument so that they are able to practise at home. Most instruments can be sourced as cheap as £20 - £50 online and can be found even cheaper second hand.

Another valuable item for your child is a pair of over ear headphones. These are essential for practising instruments and using music technology to record any compositions they create (iPads, iMacs, Mixing Desks).

For further advice on purchasing an instrument/pair of over ear headphones to aid your child’s learning, please contact Mr Sullivan on Class Dojo or via email (sullivanb@jamesbrindley.bham.sch.uk)

Subjects- KS3 & KS4