Music
“Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”
Plato
What is the intent of Music at Meadows?
Music is a universal language. It enables children to break down barriers and enable communication. It encourages teamwork and the building of relationships through shared experiences. It increases confidence through the self-expression of feelings and ideas, leading to a sense of achievement. It develops perseverance, persistence and self-discipline. It grows an appreciation and understanding a wide range of cultures and traditions. The intent of Music at Meadows is to actualise the power of music for our learners, allowing them to aspire, grow and flourish!
How is Music implemented at Meadows?
Music is implemented at Meadows using the Dimensions Curriculum. From EYFS to Year 6, the thematic approach of the Dimensions Curriculum progressively develops the key aims, skills and knowledge of the National Curriculum for Music and Model Music Curriculum. Children develop their skills and knowledge in aural skills, performance, improvisation and composition through an exploration of the interrelated dimensions of music as applied across a range of cultures and genres, both modern and traditional. Independent and group learning is utilised to develop the benefits of music for the individual and the community.
How does Music progress at Meadows?
Music progresses at Meadows sequentially through the application of the interrelated dimensions of music in performance, improvisation and composition. Children will develop their knowledge of instrumentation: the names of instruments, how instruments are played, how they are grouped into families and how they have developed over time. Children will learn to read music notation; understanding that music is written through symbols that represent duration and pitch. They will learn to use musical vocabulary to describe musical elements such as dynamics, tempo and timbre. They will learn to sing a range of songs from different cultures using correct posture and techniques. They will also learn about music from different cultures: its origins and how it was used.
In EYFS, children will learn to identify the simple features of music, before responding through dancing and singing. This will lead to organising features of music themselves and beginning to respond with simple instruments.
In KS1, children will identify more complex features of music and then explore how these features can be used expressively. Children will respond with a greater sense of musicality, including beginning to compose using singing and instruments.
In KS2, children will use a greater range of musical elements and instruments as they compose, perform and improvise. They will explore how the elements of music can be combined to create different intentions for the listener. Finally, they will further develop their skills through self- and peer-evaluation of their learning.
How can I support my child in Music?
- By listening to a range of music, both modern and traditional, from a range of countries and cultures.
- By discussing and analysing music: What instruments can they hear? What elements of music have been used?
- Encourage children to sing and dance to music!
- Encourage children write music and songs as a means of expression.
- If children are interested in an instrument, encourage them to learn it! The Shropshire Music Service might be able to help with this.
- Meadows has its own 'Rock Steady' School that visits school each week. Please look out for more information or email the office.
- The Shropshire Music Service can come into school to teach 1:1 sessions with your child. Please click on the link (Shropshire Music Service) if you would like to know more.