Music

To offer a broad and varied provision, rooted in the development of strong musical literacy,  that provides the opportunity for all students to widen their musical horizons, develop their practical skills and learn to work effectively in collaboration with others.

Intent areas:

• To establish a culture of participation and performance.

• To fully embody the ‘opportunity for all’ ethos of the school.

• To put structures in place to enable all students to reach their full potential.

• To develop excellent habits of behaviour.

• To involve the wider community in the musical life of the school and establish CFS as a centre for music making for the local area. 

• To develop awareness of further opportunities involving music after students leave CFS.

Key Stage 3 - Music

Key Stage 4 - Music

Students who opt to take GCSE music will use the WJEC Eduqas board specification. There are 3 elements to the course, detailed below: Performance (30%)

• A minimum of two pieces, one of which must be an ensemble performance of at least one minute duration.

• The other piece may be either solo and/or ensemble.

• One of the pieces must be linked to an area of study of the learner’s choice.

• A minimum standard of Grade 3 in one instrument or voice is required in order for students to have the potential to achieve a high grade. 

Composition (30%)

• Students will be required to compose 2 pieces.

• One will be a free composition and the other will follow a set brief, released at the start of year 11.

• Total composition length must be at least 3 minutes.

• Music can be written by hand or using any piece of composition software. We use Noteflight and Soundtrap at CFS. 

• Most styles and genres are acceptable. 

Appraisal (40%)Eight questions in total, two on each of the four areas of study:

• Area of study 1 - Musical Forms and Devices

• Area of Study 2 - Music for ensemble - set work ‘Badinerie’ by J.S Bach

• Area of study 3 - Film Music

• Area of Study 4 - Popular Music - set work ‘Africa’ by Toto.

Private lessons

Private lessons on a wide range of instruments are available on a chargeable basis. Pupils opting for this service will be taken out of academic lessons but on a rotation basis to minimise curriculum time lost. All students taking GCSE or A-level music are expected to have individual lessons in an instrument or voice. Pupil premium students taking A-level and GCSE music may be eligible for free individual instrumental tuition at the discretion of the school.

Music Award Scheme

Up to ten percent of our Reception, Year 7 and Sixth Form intake are offered a Music Award (scholarship) based on musical aptitude. Successful scholars have priority under our admissions criteria and take part in our Instrumental Scheme and Band Club ECA. They are expected to play a full and active part in the life of the music department and to take the GCSE in Music.

Music Award Scheme 

Extra-curricular opportunities

The Music curriculum is enriched through a number of activities including:

• A variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles such as Senior Orchestra, String Group, Concert Band and Senior Choir. 

• Musical productions such as ‘Grease’ and ‘The Sound of Music’ with students participating on stage, backstage and in the orchestra. 

• Regular formal and informal concerts.

• Outings to The Menuhin Hall for lunchtime concerts.

• Jamming Together Band Skills.

• Yehudi Menuhin School composition workshops.

• Intergenerational projects.

• Music technology.

• Music therapy.

• Trips to major Concert Halls such as the Barbican Centre.