Music

Head of Department: Mr A Lipman

Music plays a key role in a young person’s development. Studies in Music are not only about developing performance, composition and appraising and analysis skills. Music lessons also develop important life skills,  enrich students’ cultural capital and prepares students for their futures - whatever area of study or work they choose to pursue.  Claremont’s Music department aims to provide lessons and musical opportunities that build, develop and inspire an interest and appreciation of music. The department has three classrooms, each of which is fully equipped with keyboards. The school is fortunate to have a music computer suite and a recording studio which allows students to compose and record their compositions using state of the art technology.

Curriculum Intent

The Music Department aims to develop students’ confidence, stimulate their musical interest and engagement in the subject. In music lessons, we highlight the importance of respect and resilience during our activities and provide regular opportunities for students to develop their musical skills, time management skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Students’ cultural awareness is developed continuously through the exploration of a wide range of different musical styles and experiences. All music lessons are catered to the specific needs of our pupils and curriculum planning is carefully considered across the different areas of teacher specialism.

Key Stage 3

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Key stage 4

 Year 10

Year 11

Key Stage 5

Key Stage 5 (Years 12-13)

Enrichment 

An extensive range of Co-Curricular groups take place. These groups enable students to work with other students across the year groups, dependant on musical ability, not age. 

Music Co-Curricular activities have the potential to expand pupils’ self-confidence, friendship groups and time management skills. Pupils are given the chance to develop their leadership skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Please refer to the department's Co-Curricular timetable for more details.

The department also runs trips to see musicals, operas and music concerts. The department also works in close collaboration with the Drama Department on both the Annual School Production and Lower School Production.

Instrumental Lessons

We offer instrumental lessons through BMS on a very wide range of instruments and students who opt for music lessons are regularly entered for ABRSM or Trinity practical and theory examinations.

Music events 

In addition to the Co-Curricular groups, the Music Department lead calendared events across the academic year. These include:

• Autumn Concert
• Spring Concert
• Summer Concert
• Annual School Production

Next Steps

Students will form personal and meaningful relationships with music through the development of musical knowledge, understanding and skills including performing, composing and appraising. As a result, students can engage critically and creatively with a wide range of music and musical contexts, develop an understanding of the place of music in different cultures and contexts, and reflect on how music is used in the expression of personal and collective identities. You will also gain lots of transferable skills in performance, administration, teamwork, organisation and planning.