- Victor Hugo

Music

        

 We are Musicians

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." - Plato

Why should we learn about Music?

Music is a practical, creative subject which can be of benefit to all children when developing imagination, the ability to listen attentively and the ability to express personal thoughts and feelings. The social and emotional benefits of being able to play an instrument are invaluable. How often do you hear ‘I wish I’d learnt an instrument at school’? 

How will it help children in later life?

Mental health is an important issue and music can be a great release from social and emotional pressures. Learning an instrument can develop co-ordination and memory. It can also lead to careers that involve travelling the world.

What do we want for St Matthew's children?

Intent

At St Matthew’s we aim to offer a high-quality Music curriculum that will enable pupils to unleash their creativity through music. Teaching should arm children with the knowledge and understanding to be able to discuss and perform music. 

The music curriculum ensures children sing, listen, play, perform and evaluate. This is embedded in the classroom activities as well as learning of instruments, choral singing and class productions. These elements of music are taught in classroom lessons so that children are able to use some of the language of music to dissect songs, and understand how they are made, played, appreciated and analysed.

Implementation

Our music topics are aligned with the National Curriculum expectations and it is delivered with the support of Charanga. Our topics provide children with experiences of using music in a variety of ways, enabling children to be inspired and flourish to be the best that they can be.

Our music curriculum shows clear progression from Reception to year 6, enabling children to recap and build upon previous knowledge and skills learnt in topics prior.

This year, year 3 have their music lesson with Mr Payne from the Music Hub. With Mr Payne they learn to play and perform a variety of instruments including playing as a group in a Samba ensemble.

What does this look like?

Children will develop their skills in:

• Listening and appraising – Appreciation, evaluation, opinion and discussion
• Singing and musicianship - using voices and instruments to perform in ensemble and solo contexts
• Composing and performing – improvising with voices and instruments, composing use notation/graphic scoring
• Elements of Music – Learning key vocabulary which incorporate the interrelated dimensions (pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture and structure)

At the end of each unit, children have the opportunity to perform their completed performance and compositions. They will spend time evaluating their own final outcome and considering their personal learning journey. They will also be encouraged to critically evaluate the work of their peers, and engage in discussion to provide constructive and useful feedback.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Within the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, the pupils are actively encouraged to express and communicate their ideas, thoughts and feelings by using a widening range of movement and a variety of songs and musical instruments. This emerging knowledge and understanding can be explored in many areas of the curriculum, not just music or creative development sessions. Pupils’ learning within the EYFS forms the foundation for all future musical learning, allowing for a smooth transition to the KS1 National Curriculum expectations. 

In Early Years, children follow the Development Matters framework  and experience musical activities as part of their Continuous Provision.  Music is also taught discretely through play and child-led activities. Learning opportunities for music are planned for both inside and outside the classroom, and these link where possible to the weekly learning intentions as well as the children’s interests. These could include singing songs about the class book, moving to music, playing instruments with songs and music.

Children are taught to recognise and explore how sounds can be changed (animal noises, weather etc.) and respond through comment, movement and gestures. They are taught to sing simple songs from memory, recognise repeated sounds and sound patterns. Instruments are freely on offer to the children in the EYFS both in the classroom and in the outdoor learning environment. This encourages exploration and autonomy.  Songs and singing form an integral part of many learning sessions in the EYFS as well as classroom routines such as transitions to carpet learning and tidying up.

By the time children are in Reception, they will be increasingly able to use their imagination to independently explore musical ideas. They can explore these ideas using their voices and by using tuned/untuned percussion instruments.

The early learning goals in the EYFS aim to create opportunities for children to react, imagine and respond to music. Through this, they will gain knowledge of the world, be creative and imaginative, and develop their personal and social skills.

Key Stage One (Years One and Two)

In Years 1 and 2, children will develop their skills in singing, playing instruments, listening, and exploring musical concepts. They will be introduced to a variety of musical materials, such as different instruments, sounds, and recordings, to help them to perform music based on a given criteria. Children will learn to use various techniques, including rhythm, pitch, dynamics, and tempo, to create their own musical ideas. They will also explore the work of different musicians and genres to inspire their creativity and deepen their understanding of music.

Across Key Stage 1, pupils will acquire foundational skills in singing, playing instruments, listening, and evaluating music. For example, they will learn to keep a steady beat, explore pitch and melody, experiment with volume and tempo, and perform simple compositions using classroom instruments.

Throughout the Music curriculum, children will have opportunities to produce their own musical work, express their ideas creatively, and develop their skills through performances and listening activities. They will also reflect on their work and listen critically to their own and others’ performances to support their ongoing musical development.

Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six)

In Key Stage 2, pupils will explore how music both reflects and influences our history, culture, and society, contributing to the richness and diversity of our nation. Each unit of the Music curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum, expanding pupils’ knowledge of musical history, genres, and traditions while developing their practical and listening skills. As pupils progress through the year groups, they will build on their previous learning, working with greater accuracy, independence, and creativity.

The curriculum is structured around six core disciplines: singing, playing instruments, listening, composing, performing, and evaluating. There is a clear and consistent progression of skills and knowledge that enables pupils to make meaningful connections across different areas of music and to develop a well-rounded understanding of the subject.

In Key Stage 2, pupils will engage in a variety of activities, including ensemble performances, composition, and listening exercises, with each unit building on their prior knowledge and skills. As they experiment with different musical media, styles, and methods, pupils will learn to make informed decisions when planning and evaluating their work, considering factors such as purpose, audience, and the message they wish to communicate through their music.

Progression of Knowledge, Skills and Understanding

During their time at St Matthew's, pupils will develop their knowledge and understanding, building from previous years.

Consistent progression in music is essential and our ‘Progression of Knowledge, Skills and Understanding’ document clearly outlines how children will develop year-on-year.

Music curriculum map and progression of skills

Impact

Music at St Matthew’s enables children to unleash their creativity through music. By the end of each unit, children will have a greater knowledge and understanding that will help support them to flourish with their musical talents and be the best that they can be.

Inclusion

Adaptive teaching is key to delivering an effective and inclusive curriculum.   All pupils' starting points are considered and activities and work is matched to ensure pupils reach their full potential, whilst supporting the child's learning.  Adult support, a range of activities, equipment, scaffolding, questioning and resources can enable children of all abilities to access learning. 

Our school will ensure that:

• all children have entitlement to a broad and balanced, enriching curriculum
• all children enjoy an active involvement in Music
• all children have opportunities to experience a broad and balanced range of music activities
• all children have opportunities to learn about music from different times and cultures
• all children will be given equal access to the experience of Music regardless of their gender, race, disability, medical or other needs
• teachers use a variety of approaches that are matched to the activity and the ability of the children

Unleash your creativity through music. Music at St Matthew's.

Our Music Curriculum Map can be found here

Interested in music lessons? Apply now at Bradford Music Hub

If you have any questions, please come to school to talk to us. 

You can also contact our music lead - Miss Woodcock-Shaw

Supporting Mental Health and Well-being

In an era where mental health is a growing concern, music offers a therapeutic outlet for children. St Matthew's recognises the importance of music in supporting mental health and well-being. Music can reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a sense of comfort and stability. The school’s inclusive approach ensures that all students, regardless of their background or ability, have access to the benefits of music education.

In conclusion, the music curriculum and wider opportunities at St Matthew's are integral to the development of well-rounded, emotionally intelligent, and academically successful students. By prioritising music education, St Matthew's is not only enriching the lives of its pupils but also equipping them with the skills and values necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Research

Research frames our thinking in what we teach and how we deliver it to our children to ensure teaching and learning has maximum impact.

Please see references to the research linked above:

DfE Music programmes for study ley stages 1 and 2 - National Curriculum in England

DfE Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage: Setting the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five

Development Matters: Non-statutory curriculum guidance for the early years foundation stage

Recommended Reading for Music