Performing Arts - Music
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” Plato
Our curriculum intent in Music is to develop a child’s self-confidence and personal expression. The music department’s premise is that music is for all, regardless of gender, race, or ability. Curriculum plans for all year groups can be downloaded from the bottom of the page. Our Music Development Plan can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.
We aim to build success into every lesson and offer extra-curricular activities which are open to every student.
Every student that enters the classroom is seen as potential musicians, musical inventors, composers, and improvisers. Through the teaching, we aim to stimulate students through their thoughts and imagination and advise rather than show and tell. As well as a very practical hands-on subject, no credible music education can be sustained without an insightful analysis of music theory, which is integral to all lessons.
Our ethos for music lessons are that:
- Every student has the right to learn and take part in musical activities.
- No music student is left behind
- Students should be given the opportunities to learn how to express themselves musically
- Students should be given the opportunities to understand how to build meaningful relationships using music
- Musical knowledge embraces different traditions.
We believe Music is an essential part of developing the Master Key to future success in life.
For more information about our Music curriculum please contact Director of Performing Arts, Catherine Bee C.Bee@harrisdulwichboys.org.uk
Instrument tuition
Dear Parents/Guardians/Carers,
We are thrilled to see that your son is interested in exploring the wonderful world of music through instrument lessons at HBAED!
Learning an instrument is not only a fantastic experience filled with joy, but it has also been proven to have a positive impact on academic achievement. We believe every student should have access to this incredible opportunity.
At HBAED, we take pride in offering a wide range of instruments taught by our talented tutors. To ensure a great experience for our students, each term includes ten lessons. We offer a variety of instruments for students to choose from, and if needed, a limited number of instruments can be hired from the school, excluding Drum Kit, Guitar, and Piano/Keyboard.
How to secure a spot
To secure a spot, please complete the forms below.
- To continue existing lessons click HERE
- To start new lessons click HERE
Lessons are on a first come first served basis. A reminder that GCSE Music students are automatically offered 1 instrumental lesson so no form is needed in this case. Should a student be studying GCSE Music and want to learn a second instrument, a form would then need to be submitted.
Lessons will be organised once payment has been received through ParentPay. The fees for individual lessons are £125 per term, and paired lessons are £75 per term. For students entitled to Free School Meals, lessons are charged at a reduced rate (£62.50/£36.50.)
It's important to note that lessons take place during the school day. To ensure a smooth flow, students will have two rotating lesson times each week, which will be changed after 15 lessons. As learning music involves practice and dedication, practice outside of class is imperative to maximize progress and bringing books to each session is essential for development.
In the event that a tutor is unavailable for a lesson, we will reschedule it accordingly. However, if students miss lessons due to illness or trips, we cannot guarantee make-up sessions. If you ever wish to terminate lessons in the future, kindly notify Ms. Bee, our Director of Performing Arts, in writing. Please note that a minimum of half a term's notice is required for the termination to take effect.
We are thrilled to welcome your son to the exciting world of music lessons here at HBAED. Should you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yours sincerely,
Ms Bee, Director of Performing Arts and Subject Lead for Music
c.bee@harrisdulwichboys.org.uk
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All pupils have the opportunity to receive instrument lessons.
If parents/carers would like to sign up a student for lessons please contact Ms Bee on C.Bee@harrisdulwichboys.org.uk.
You can apply for the following instruments:
- Piano/Keyboard
- Guitar (Electric/Acoustic)
- Bass Guitar
- Ukulele
- Vocal
- Drum Kit
- Music Technology (GarageBand)
- Trumpet
- Saxophone
- Flute
- Violin
- Clarinet
If you have any questions, please email Ms Bee (Director of Performing Arts) at c.bee@harrisdulwichboys.org.uk.
Helpful resources
http://yacapaca.com/ - for KS4 homework submissions.
www.padlet.com - to watch class performances.
Careers
- Composer for: TV, Film, Video games, Orchestra, Radio.
- Artist
- Producer
- Music teacher
- Music business management
- Sound engineer
- Promoter
- Radio presenter
- Conductor
- Music therapist
Music also develops skills that are essential in any workplace.
Recent studies have clearly indicated that musical training physically develops the part of the left side of the brain known to be involved with processing language, and can actually wire the brain’s circuits in specific ways.
Students of the arts learn to think creatively and to solve problems by imagining various solutions, rejecting outdated rules and assumptions. Questions about the arts do not have only one right answer.
Students of music learn craftsmanship as they study how details are put together painstakingly and what constitutes good, as opposed to mediocre, work. These standards, when applied to a student’s own work, demand a new level of excellence and require students to stretch their inner resources.
In music, a mistake is a mistake; the instrument is in tune or not, the notes are well played or not, the entrance is made or not. It is only by much hard work that a successful performance is possible. Through music study, students learn the value of sustained effort to achieve excellence and the concrete rewards of hard work.
Music study enhances teamwork skills and discipline.
Music provides students with a means of self-expression.
Music performance teaches young people to conquer fear and to take risks. A little anxiety is a good thing, and something that will occur often in life. Dealing with it early and often makes it less of a problem later.
