Music
Our Team
Mrs J. McCabe-Wells
Head of Department
Our Department
The Music Department is a very busy area of the School. All pupils in years 8, 9 & 10 study music; with emphasis on the three skill areas of Performing, Composing, Listening and Appraising. Music is offered as a GCSE option in year 11.
Research increasingly shows that music can not only help students to develop ‘LIFE SKILLS’ such as self discipline, team work, self esteem and self expression; it can also assist with intellectual development.
Aims of the Music Curriculum:
The music curriculum aims to empower pupils to achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible choices and decisions throughout their lives. It is about helping all pupils prepare for life and work.
The fundamental aim of the music curriculum is to develop pupils’ musical ability. All pupils are potentially musical and should be provided with learning experiences which develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in making and responding to music through active engagement in the core musical activities of composing, performing and listening.
Key Stage 3
All pupils study Music at KS3 embracing all three skill areas of; listening and appraising, composing and performing.
Year 8
- Elements of Music
- Raps
- Keyboard Skills
- Instruments of the Orchestra
- Music Theory
- Composition Skills
- Marches and Waltzes
Year 9
- Elements of Music
- Irish Music
- Tin Whistle
- Keyboard
- Jazz and Blues
- Film Music
- Music Theory
- Composition Skills
Year 10
- Chords
- Popular Music
- Fanfare
- History of Music
- Compositional Skills
- Music Theory
- Keyboard
- Musical Theatre
GCSE
Essential Criteria: At least Grade 1 or equivalent on any instrument, taking music lessons on the instrument of their choice.
Desirable Qualities: Good marks throughout Key Stage 3 Music, involvement in school band/orchestra/choir.
Component 1: Performing and Appraising
Students present one solo (15%) and one ensemble performance (15%).
The combined duration of the performances should be no longer than 6 minutes.
Component 2: Composing
Students create two compositions and submit an audio recording of each composition and either a written score, lead sheet or commentary (600 words max).
Component 3: Listening and Appraising
Pupils listen to and appraise familiar and unfamiliar music by a range of composers, both male and female, within the four compulsory Areas of Study; Western Classical Music, Film Music, Traditional Music of Ireland, Popular Music
Extra Curricular
Extra Curricular
- School Band
- School Choir
- School Orchestra
- School Dance Team
- Ukulele Club
- Theatre Trips
Music Tuition
Our peripatetic staff offer tuition in a wide number of Instruments to pupils of all ages:
- Piano
- Voice
- Strings – Violin, Viola, Cello
- Woodwind – Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone
- Brass – Cornet, Trumpet, Trombone, Horn, Tuba
- Drums – Drum kit
- Guitar – Acoustic, Electric and Bass
All our staff are professional musicians, many of whom are still performing as well as teaching, so have a breadth of experience. They are enthusiastic teachers, full of fun and energy, ready to encourage the pupils and teach them in both examination material, and also ‘fun’ material which interests the individual pupil.
Career Pathways
After GCSE, pupils can go onto SRC to study performance and production. You could become:
- Singer / Songwriter
- Composer / DJ
- Event manager / Tour manager
- Instrument technician / Sound engineer
- Music therapist
