Year 9 Curriculum - Music & Music Technology

Course Description

Throughout the course we will introduce the students to the range of skills needed for both GCSE Music and NCFE Music Technology. We will focus primarily on the Composition skills which make up a significant part of both pathways available in Year 10. We will also develop key listening skills required for identifying musical features and instruments. We will enable all students to become confident composers through a range of class and small group activities.

Course Content

We will explore music from a range of genres and traditions. Through a range of composition tasks, we will introduce the students to the technology and music production software in the Department which will support them with composing their music. 

We will be looking at how to use a range of musical features such chords and melody and how to use them with a range of instruments in their music alongside different ways of notating music, including staff notation, so that all students are confident in their ability to record musical ideas. Students will have the opportunity to compose music in small groups and pairs.

Through using LogicPro students will be taught how to build on the skills and processes they have developed in Music through Year 7 and 8. We will look at more complex processes such as the use of audio editing into their music alongside MIDI. Pupils will be introduced to a wide range of audio editing processes such as the use of compressors, reverb and EQ to enhance their musical compositions.

Our current units of work include ‘Cover Songs’, where students arrange an existing song in a new style; ‘Sound Creation’, where students create sound effects and music for a short piece of film and ‘Composing an Original Piece allowing students to create a piece in a style of their choosing.
 

Assessment

The students will be assessed on their composition, listening and evaluation skills. They will be given critical feedback on:

• How to develop their composition ideas to create exciting, imaginative and successful music.
• Identifying different compositional techniques through listening.
• How to review and evaluate their musical ideas.

By the end of the year we hope to ensure that all students are confident young musicians.

Please note that while performing on an instrument/voice is not a requirement for Year 9, the GCSE Music syllabus in Years 10 and 11 includes performing, which is worth 30% of the course, and students must be able to perform on an instrument/sing. Therefore, all students taking the GCSE course would be strongly advised to receive regular instrumental/vocal lessons on their first instrument. There will be an additional charge for this if lessons are taken with a Hampshire Music Service teacher organised through the school.

Enquiries to: Mr B Cull – Learning Leader: Music

Email: b.cull@brookfield.hants.sch.uk