Music

Music plays an important role in the life of Hasmonean and a quarter of students learn to play an instrument at the school. Students are encouraged to develop their creativity by playing different instruments. Much of the teaching is carried out through collaborative and group work. Emphasis is placed on cross-curricular projects such as Holocaust music education, and on learning about music from other countries and cultures such as from Africa or India.

We hold an Arts festival annually to which we invite accomplished musicians to hold workshops and perform. Students are encouraged to take part in school musical concerts which occur throughout the year. Individuals or groups perform in school assemblies and on prize days and at awards ceremonies. Students also perform at old-age homes on a regular basis.

Teachers

• Ms H Gross, Subject Leader, Ext 273
• Mrs J Thomson
• Mrs C Algranati

KS3: Years 7-8

During Key Stage 3, students deepen and extend their own musical interests and skills. They perform and compose music in different styles which leads to an increased understanding of musical devices, processes and contextual influences. They work individually and in groups of different sizes, and become increasingly aware of different roles and contributions of each member of the group. They explore specific genres, styles and traditions from different times and cultures with increasing ability to discriminate, think critically and make connections.

Music is an exciting subject where students are given the opportunity to compose, perform and listen to various styles of music, as well as completing and presenting projects on topics such as Jewish music and Rock'n' Roll.

Topics which are covered in KS3 include:

• Elements of Music
• Vocal textures
• Gamelan music
• Keyboard skills
• Major and minor
• Form & structure - ternary form
• Rock and Roll
• Jewish Music
• Indian Music
• The Blues
• Riffs and repeated patterns
• Experimental Music
• African Music
• Song writing.

KS4: Years 9-11 (GCSE)

In KS4, students are expected to commit themselves regularly to instrumental practice and should ideally already have attained a Grade 3 standard. The course (Edexcel) is designed to allow students to study music through integrating performing, composing, listening and appraising.

The course is divided into three sections:

• Performance (30%)

  Students are expected to play a solo piece and an ensemble (duet).

• Composition (30%)

  Students are expected to compose two pieces lasting at least three minutes in total. Both pieces are composed according to a specific brief, and students are expected to write a score and a short essay explaining their intentions.

• Listening and appraising (40%)

  Students take an exam where they are expected to respond to recorded extracts of music based on various styles and traditions of music.

There are 4 areas of study:

• Western Classical music 1600-1899 (Handel, Mozart and Chopin).
• 20th Century Western classical music (Schoenberg, Bernstein, Reich).
• Popular music in context (Miles Davis, J. Buckley, Moby).
• World music and fusions (Indian Raga, African Music, Folk Music).

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