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Music

 

Intent 

At Alkerden, we believe that music is a vital part of a broad and balanced education. Through music, we aim to: 

  • Inspire a love and enjoyment of music in all its forms and help learners see music as a source of joy, creativity, expression and community. 

  • Develop musical skills, listening, singing, performing, composing, improvising, so learners build confidence in using their voices and instruments and gain an understanding of musical elements such as rhythm, melody, pitch, dynamics, structure and texture. 

  • Foster creativity, imagination and personal expression, allowing learners to experiment, take risks, explore their ideas, and build a sense of identity and voice through music. 

  • Expose learners to a wide variety of musical styles, traditions and genres from different cultures and eras, broadening their horizons, building cultural awareness and appreciation of diversity. 

  • Support learners’ personal, social and emotional development through collaboration, performance, listening and respect for others, building teamwork, discipline, empathy and self-confidence. 

  • Provide a strong musical foundation that prepares learners for further music opportunities, whether at secondary school or beyond. 

Through our music curriculum, we aim to nurture learners who are confident, creative, expressive and appreciative; not only musicians, but active and thoughtful listeners and contributors to a musical community. 

 

Implementation 

 

  • Music is taught regularly across all year groups from Early Years through to Year 6. The curriculum is carefully sequenced so that musical skills build and deepen as learners progress. 

  • Differentiation and support ensure all learners access music: tasks and activities are adapted to meet different needs, strengths and interests. Some learners may focus on simpler rhythm tasks or singing; others may work with instruments or more complex compositions. Challenge and extension are provided for confident or advanced learners. 

  • Music is linked across the curriculum where possible. For example, linking to storytelling in English, rhythm and pattern in maths, history and culture, movement in physical education, helping learners to see music as relevant, interconnected and part of a wider learning experience. 

  • Performance and sharing are key: learners perform in class, in groups or as a whole school; they listen to each other, reflect on their work, give and receive constructive feedback, and grow in confidence and self-esteem. 

  • Music history and world music are incorporated: learners explore a variety of musical genres, traditions and cultures, classical, contemporary, folk, global music, discussing styles, instruments, cultural contexts, and learning to appreciate and respect diversity in musical expression and heritage. 

  • Learners are given opportunities to compose and improvise music, individually, in pairs, or as a group, using voice, instruments or body percussion. They learn to express their ideas musically, experiment with sound, and collaborate with others. 

  • As learners move through primary years, they are introduced to more formal musical concepts: rhythm, pulse, pitch, tempo, dynamics, duration, melody, harmony, texture and structure. Lessons include listening activities, singing, percussion work, body percussion, clapping, use of simple tuned and untuned instruments.  

Impact 

By the time learners leave Alkerden our music curriculum ensures that they: 

  • Are confident in musical skills, singing, listening, rhythm, instruments, composition, and able to enjoy and participate in a variety of musical activities. 

  • Have developed strong creativity, imagination and self-expression through music, using voice, instruments or composition to communicate ideas, feelings and stories. 

  • Appreciate a wide range of musical styles, traditions and cultures; showing openness, cultural awareness and respect for diversity in musical expression. 

  • Are able to work collaboratively with others in music, performing, composing, listening and sharing, building teamwork, communication, empathy and confidence. 

  • See music as a lifelong skill and source of enjoyment, not just a school subject but a part of their identity, leisure and personal expression. 

  • Have developed resilience, discipline, confidence and self-esteem, gaining courage through performance, practice and creative risk-taking. 

  • Are equipped for further musical opportunities, whether in secondary school, community music groups or personal creative journeys, with a solid foundation and a positive attitude. 

The impact of our Music curriculum is visible in learners who perform with enthusiasm, collaborate with peers, compose and improvise with confidence, listen respectfully, and engage with music as a meaningful part of their lives. Through music, they grow not only as artists but as confident, expressive, creative and culturally aware individuals ready for life beyond primary school. 

 

Music Across the Stages 

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 

Learners explore sound and rhythm through play, movement, singing and listening. They become familiar with music’s effect on mood and movement and begin to use their voices and bodies to express rhythm and sound. They enjoy songs, rhymes and simple musical games, laying the foundation for future musical learning. 

Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2) 

Learners explore basic musical elements, pulse, rhythm, tempo, pitch, through singing, clapping, body percussion and simple instruments. They learn simple songs and rhymes, begin to recognise patterns in music, respond to different sounds and develop listening skills. They also start experimenting with making their own sounds and sharing them with others. 

Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6) 

Learners deepen their musical knowledge and skills: they sing with greater control, explore more complex rhythms and melodies, use instruments (tuned and untuned), compose and improvise, and begin to understand aspects of music theory such as note values, scales, structure and dynamics. They listen to and evaluate a wide variety of music from different traditions and cultures, discuss musical elements, and reflect on their own and others’ performances. They take part in regular performances and collaborative musical projects, developing confidence, teamwork and musical communication. 

Inclusion & Support 

At Alkerden we value every learner’s individuality. To support this: 

  • Musical tasks and activities are adapted so learners with different needs, abilities or confidence levels can participate and succeed. 

  • We offer a broad range of musical experiences so that learners with different interests (singing, composition, instruments, world music) can explore and find what resonates with them. 

  • For more confident or advanced learners, we provide additional challenges, more complex compositions, instrument work, group performance opportunities, and creative musical projects. 

  • We encourage listening, respect, collaboration and peer support in all music activities, fostering a positive, inclusive musical community where all voices are valued. 

  • We seek to enhance learning through extracurricular opportunities: choir, instrumental groups, music clubs, performances, school productions, giving learners the chance to extend and deepen their musical experience. 

Extra Resources

 

Music Help

 

Music Games