Welcome to Music

Music transcends culture, gender, ethnicity and continent. It is the instrument that connects humanity. 

Music develops the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to communicate effectively as musicians, through the use of a variety of instruments, styles and approaches to performing and composing. We strive to broaden the musical experience and interests of all our students through developing imagination and fostering creativity.

Our vision is to develop a love and passion for music, building wide-reaching knowledge and skills to ensure a higher uptake at GCSE in the future. Our main aim is to embed students’ engagement and participation in collaborative music making, allowing the development of their performing, composing, listening and appraisal skills.  Students are given the opportunities to build upon their own interests and skills through a variety of individual, paired, group and whole class activities.  For each area of study students will continually identify strengths and areas for development within their own and others’ work, whilst consistently developing their use of appropriate music vocabulary. 

We are proud to have a strong link with 'Create Music' (East Sussex Music Hub) who deliver instrumental/vocal lessons at Ark Alexandra and provide other performance opportunities throughout the year.

See here for more info:
https://createmusic.org.uk/

What you will study:

• Performance (solo and ensemble) – 30% of final grade (coursework)
• Composition (one free composition, one to a set brief) – 30% of final grade (coursework)
• Listening/Appraising (to a wide range of styles) - 40% of final grade (exam)

Topics:

• Performance practice
• Composition techniques
• Classical Music
• Popular Music
• Film Music

How you will be taught:

You will explore music practically and also through use of music technology. You will listen to a wide range of musical styles and learn how to analyse them using the ‘elements’ of music (dynamics, tempo, instruments etc.). There will be many opportunities for whole-class music-making, as well as group work. It is strongly recommended that those taking this course be in receipt of instrumental/vocal lessons to aid their musicianship (something we can support with if necessary).

Skills you will need:

• To specialise in an instrument (or voice)
• Confidence in using music technology (Logic Pro X)
• A creative mindset
• An open mind to be able to listen to and appreciate different musical styles
• Teamwork (to play in an ensemble)

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We are pleased to offer instrumental/vocal lessons at both campuses at Ark Alexandra, which are delivered by Create Music (East Sussex Music Hub).

These lessons need to be arranged through Create Music (see website link below). Cost depends on what type of lesson you opt for – for example, a solo 30-minute lesson is more expensive than a group 20-minute lesson. Note that Pupil Premium students are funded to the tune of 85% of the total cost (leaving you to pay the remaining 15%) and Looked After Children are fully funded. Instrument hire is free of charge.

Lessons at School | Create Music

(go to ‘apply now’ to sign up)

Create Music visit our Year 7s every year to inform them about these opportunities.

We really encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities, which feed into our wider extra-curricular offer (we have had many students who receive instrumental/vocal lessons go on to perform at events throughout the year) and develop key skills in discipline, creativity, expression, team work, problem solving and performing under pressure.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr Reeve (b.reeve1@arkalexandra.org) or contact Create Music at hello@createmusic.org.uk

All Year 7 subjects Next Year 7 Subject - Art

All Year 8 subjects Next Year 8 Subject - Art

All Year 9 subjects Next Year 9 Subject - Art