The Music Department consists of two well-equipped music rooms each with 24 keyboards and a range of percussion instruments. There are also three practice rooms. One of the classrooms is equipped with twenty-four music computers. We have site licenses for Sibelius 5, O Generator and Music Ace and we are able to use Cubase SE3 on all music computers.

Extra-curricular activities include Choir, a Singing group, Orchestra, Training Band, Recorder group, Theory group, Keyboard and Guitar club and Samba Club.

There are nine concerts per year including traditional Christmas concerts, Recital Evenings and a Young Musician of the Year competition.

Instrumental and voice lessons are available. These currently include Piano, Keyboards, Violin, Cello, Trumpet, Flute, Recorder, Clarinet, Saxophone, Drum kit, Guitar and Singing.

Key Stage 3
Music at Kingsdown is essentially a practical subject but students also develop an understanding of the underlying principles. To this end they are taught to read music and play the keyboard as well as learning about a variety of musical genres through listening, composing and performing. Students compose their own music using keyboards and percussion instruments, and computer technology. They perform music both as individuals and in groups.

Topics studied at Key Stage 3 include: The Elements of Music; The Music of Java and Bali; Music in the Middle Ages; Tones, Semitones and Major Scales; Indian Raga; Tango; Rock and Roll; Film Music; and Musical Copyright.

Key Stage 4
GCSE Music is a very popular option. By the end of year nine any student should be equipped with the necessary skills to be able to access the course. Students follow the Edexcel GCSE specification. The Key Stage 4 course is divided into three areas of work:

1. Performing (30%) (Coursework)
Students will develop the playing skills they already possess, having already learned to play the keyboard at Key Stage Three. Some will wish to play other instruments; it doesn't matter whether it is a violin, drum-kit, saxophone or electric guitar, any instrument is acceptable, or they can sing if they want to. The performing exam is divided into two halves: solo and ensemble playing. Each half carries the same amount of marks, so students are given plenty of opportunities to work together to improve their ensemble playing skills as well as their solo performance. The school will pay one half of the cost of 20 minute individual instrumental lessons for G.C.S.E students if they take their lessons in school.

2. Composition (30%) (Coursework)
Over the two years, students will learn how to compose music in a number of different styles and genres. There is no necessity to be able to write down what they have composed, but it will be essential that they produce a recording of their music. They will have opportunity to use music computers and multi-track keyboards to help them with this work. The department is always open before and after school for students to use the equipment to help with this coursework.

3. Listening (40%) (Exam)
Students study twelve set works from a variety of genres, time periods and countries. These pieces are :

GF Handel: "And the Glory of the Lord"
WA Mozart: "Symphony No 40 in G minor, movement 1"
F Chopin: Prelude No 15 in D flat major, Op. 28
A Schoenberg: Peripetie from Five Orchestral Pieces, Op. 16
L Bernstein: Something's Coming from West Side Story
S Reich: 3rd Movement (fast) from Electric Counterpoint
M Davis: All Blues from the album Kind of Blue
J Buckley: Grace from the album Grace
Moby: Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? From the album Play
Capercaillie: Chuir M'Athair Mise Dhan Taigh Charraideach (Skye Waulking Song) from the album Nądurra
Rag Desh
Koko: Yiri

Is the GCSE Music course suitable for you?
Yes. All students can be enriched by the course and there would be very few indeed who would be unable to do the work well. The course is designed to be accessible to all.

Ways in which Music helps students prepare for the world of work?
One of the largest industries in the country is now Music and the Media. Obviously, if you want any job that involves music or performing, it is very important that you have a qualification in Music to help you get a place at an appropriate college. But if you are interested in Arts administration or a career in TV, Radio or Arts journalism, again, a qualification in Music will help. However, Music is also useful for other careers: Primary School teachers are all required to teach Music, which involves all the three elements: Performing, Composing and Listening, so it would be helpful to you if you have already studied beyond Key Stage 3. Music is also good for any other jobs that require you to be able to work in groups and co-operate with other people, as it is recognised that musicians are required to work together well to be able to produce something that is worth listening to. Finally, if you are looking to get a place at University, where you are competing against many other students with similar abilities, sometimes Music can make you look like a more interesting candidate.

Mrs J Barnes
Head of Performing Arts Faculty

Curriculum Links

Edexcel GCSE Music