Music
subject overview
The study of music is beneficial to children and adults of all ages and here at OBA we aim to spark and nurture passions for music in all our students by developing skills in performing, composing and appraising music. Students are offered a wide range of internal and external opportunities to perform, helping to improve key transferable skills such as resilience, confidence, team work, increased memory and emotional development.
facilities
Music is blessed with a collection of over 18 individual iMac's with the latest in cutting edge music software, such as Garagband , Logic Pro X and Sibelius.
We have two main teaching areas, one is set out for practical application, with guitars, drums and keyboard and the other is for Music production. We have our own 16 channel Music Studio and Live room (this comes with our own studio technician/ tutor) as well as over 5 large practice rooms fitted with drums, bass, guitars and keyboards.
We have our own collection of authentic African and Samba Drum sets and over 25 acoustic guitars, 10 electric bass', 10 electric guitars and a huge collection of different amps.
If you enjoy DJ and production we have 5 iMac's separate from the Tech suite for individual study, as well a set of classic Technics Turntables for the budding DJ running time-coded software so you can use any track in the world to mix.
KS3
the year 7
curriculum includes:
- Keyboard skills
- Singing
- Introduction to music production
- Soundscapes
- Notation and Arranging
- Studying a range of styles of music including Blues, Classical and pop music
the year 8
curriculum includes:
- Music for Film and TV
- Rap
- Guitar skills
- Samba band
- Podcasting
- Notation and Arranging
- Remixing Skills
the year 9
curriculum includes:
- Solo Performance
- Expanding on guitar, keyboard and production skills
- Songwriting
- A battle of the bands project
- Research and presentation
- An in-depth look into the music of The Beatles
- GCSE Foundation Group
Ks4
In Key Stage 4 students will be studying the music syllabus set by AQA. This course requires enhanced critical listening skills and contain exams where you are required to identify specific features and elements in a wide variety of musical styles.
The GCSE course also contains practical and composition elements where students will be expected to perform 2 pieces on their chosen instrument to a Grade 4 standard, in addition to composing 2 pieces of music in class.
Students will be expected to attend after school sessions and mandatory peripatetic classes (during school time) on their chosen instrument. Peripatetic lessons are free.
ks5
In Key Stage 5 students study the Rock School Live Subsidiary Diploma (Level 3). This is a vocational qualification which allows students to undertake a balance of practical (performance, composition and recording) work mixed with theory and written elements. There is also an externally-assessed exam unit comprising performance and written elements, which learners complete during school time.
Students are required to study a mix of compulsory units as well as choosing their own to tailor their learning to their specific areas of interest and passion. Current examples of units taught include Studio Sound Recording, Preparing for an Audition, Planning for a Career in the Music Industry and Composing Music.
enrichment
We run a varied programme of enrichments at OBA which students can attend to support their learning on a new instrument or to develop their current progression. These include ensembles such as Choir or Rock Band or opportunities for solo development such as Keyboard Club and DJ Club. All enrichments build towards many of our annual showcases (including performing live music for our school production) and themed performances throughout the year.
support
At OBA we are very proud to offer our instrumental lessons free-of-charge for all Key Stages and additionally run a free instrument loan scheme (subject to availability) to allow students to take instruments home to practice for the duration of their studies. Our peripatetic instructors are intrinsic to the Music team and offer tuition in all rock/pop instruments as well as orchestral instruments, singing, DJ and music production. The faculty staff work very closely with instrumental instructors to ensure that every student is supported in their development from Years 7-13, offering additional targeted intervention for students studying GCSE to ensure they achieve, and exceed their potential. Instruments that we can offer lessons for are:
Guitar
Bass
Drums
Singing
Piano
Keyboard
DJing
Music production
Flute
Saxophone
Clarinet
links
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/music/gcse/music-8271
https://www.rslawards.com/vocational/music-practitioners/
@obamusicdept - Instagram account
quote from head of department
OBA truly supports music and the arts and I'm proud to be working for a school who can provide young people with the quality of teaching, learning and resources they deserve.
