Music
Music at Trinity
At Trinity Primary School, we value music because it is a powerful and unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. It also increases self-discipline and creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and fulfilment. The teaching of music at Trinity will allow children to experience a range of cultures, styles and time-periods developing a value and curiosity of the wider world. We aim to provide all our children with the building blocks of skills and knowledge to experience success and make progress throughout their lives.
By the time our children finish at Trinity Primary School we ensure they are able to:
- Develop control and understanding of duration, pitch, tempo, texture, dynamics and structure
- Communicate their musical ideas with others
- Improve their instrumental and vocal techniques
- Listen to music with sustained attention
- Sing and play songs from memory
How do we teach Music at Trinity?
The music curriculum at Trinity focuses on providing a well-rounded and engaging musical education for students in Key Stage 2 (KS2). Here’s a detailed breakdown:
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Instrumental Teaching:
- Year 1 and Year 2: Charanga Units focussed on exploring a variety of instruments.
- Year 3 and Year 4: Students learn the ukulele.
- Year 5 and Year 6: Students are introduced to playing the trumpet.
- In KS2, instrumental instruction is delivered by expert visiting music teachers, ensuring high-quality teaching and a focus on skill development.
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Core Musical Experiences: Students regularly engage in activities that cover the breadth of musical learning:
- Singing: Developing vocal technique and confidence through varied repertoires.
- Performing: Opportunities to showcase their instrumental or vocal skills individually or as part of a group.
- Composing: Encouraging creativity by composing their own music.
- Improvising: Fostering musical spontaneity and expression.
- Musicianship: Building foundational musical skills such as rhythm, pitch, and notation.
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Incorporating a monthly music theme into the curriculum adds an enriching layer to the musical education at your school. Here's how this can be structured:
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Monthly Music Theme
- Each month, a new theme is introduced. Themes could be based on:
- Genres: Jazz, Baroque, Romantic, Pop, World Music.
- Periods: Classical, Renaissance, 20th Century.
- Regions: African drumming, Indian classical music, Western orchestral music.
- Special Topics: Film scores, Women in music, Protest songs.
- Each month, a new theme is introduced. Themes could be based on:
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Key Components:
- Key Composers or Artists: Focus on influential figures related to the theme.
- Dates and Context: Discuss historical and cultural contexts.
- Musical Features: Analyse defining characteristics of the style or genre.
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Weekly Focus on a Piece of Music:
- A specific piece is selected for in-depth study each week. Activities could include:
- Listening: Focused listening to identify key features.
- Discussion: Talk about what students hear and how it relates to the theme.
- Analysis: Break down the structure, instrumentation, and emotional tone.
- Interactive Activities: Clap rhythms, recreate a melody, or play excerpts on classroom instruments.
- Integration: Link the music piece to broader cultural or historical contexts.
- A specific piece is selected for in-depth study each week. Activities could include:
This approach ensures that children develop a strong foundation in music while enjoying hands-on and practical experiences.