Why study music?
Music, is more vital now than ever. In a world, where citizens can communicate on a global scale so rapidly, access to music from diverse cultures is ubiquitous. We now have such a wealth of music to listen to, play and create that we find ourselves in the position of having to rise to the challenge of not devaluing the currency.
As music teachers in a school, we have the responsibility to teach not only the subject itself, but the deepest respect for it.
Music, in its various forms and guises, means so much to so many. Beyond being ‘just entertainment’, it resonates with the aesthetic, physical and spiritual being and is continually proving its importance in both academic and scientific terms.
Neurologists such as Daniel Levitin and Anuh Patel study its beneficial effects within the brain, Susan Hallam relates its benefits in the development of literacy within children. It is with this understanding and sensibility that music is taught at Rydal Penrhos.
Music lessons and courses:
All pupils have music lessons in Years 7, 8 and 9. Music is an option at GCSE and A-level.
All pupils at key stages 3 and beyond learn through the areas of performing, creating, listening and appraising. As well as discovering music through practical means, pupils work at developing musical literacy, enabling them to understand some of the theory underpinning their practical exploration.
This proves to be beneficial, particularly when studying GCSE and A-level music, where many skills converge, as pupils analyse set works, broaden their wider listening experiences, gain knowledge and understanding of a variety of compositional approaches and expand their performance palette.
Our curriculum also provides pupils with opportunities for performance in front of an audience. All pupils from years 7 to 9 perform in ‘pop gospels’ at various times of the year, as well as taking part in the key stage 3 concert in the summer term. Pupils at key stage 4 also expand their performance opportunities to include external events such as public concerts and competitions.