Music
The Music Department is a forward-thinking department that provides an open, exciting and challenging environment for all students to develop as musicians. Standards are high and large numbers of students participate in a diverse and vibrant programme of musical activities.
The Music Department is housed in a purpose-built suite of rooms with two fully equipped classrooms, ten practice rooms, large recital room, recording studio and a Mac Tech Suite. The department has sets of class percussion instruments, timpani, drum kits, many orchestral instruments, 12 upright pianos, 2 grand pianos, harpsichord, digital organ, a large variety of electronic equipment and a comprehensive library of music.
450 students have one to one tuition at school, provided by a team of 30 visiting music teachers. Lessons are offered in all orchestral instruments, voice, kit percussion, classical and jazz piano, acoustic and electric guitar. The School is a centre for ABRSM music examinations.
There are a number of Scholarships and Music Awards available for advanced musicians.
Former Head of Department, Miss Forsey, shares more information on studying Music at King Edward VI School.
Year 7
In Year 7, students will study the following topics:
- Anthems and Rhythms
- Fanfares and Chromaticism
- Carnival of the Animals and Dance
All pupils will have three lessons in each two-week cycle of the school's timetable. Work covered includes the basics of reading, playing, composing and performing music in a variety of styles. Pupils are taught to become informed listeners and confident classroom performers. Pupils who play orchestral instruments are encouraged to use them in lessons.
Year 8
In Year 8, students will study the following topics:
- Classical and Blues
- Pop and Dance
- Minimalism and Contemporary Trends
Pupils build on their previous knowledge and experience, and perform and compose more complex pieces. Topics will include Jazz, Film music and contemporary music styles.
Year 9
Music is offered as an option in Year 9. In Year 9, students will study the following topics:
- Rock ‘n’ Roll and Film Music
- Jazz and Sibelius
- Theme and Variations and South America
The course follows on logically from the work covered in Year 8 and includes one Music Tech lesson. Topics include a study of World Music and Music for Stage and Screen. Pupils also compose and perform their own pop songs and produce their own CD that they record in the recording studio. Those taking Music in Year 9 are encouraged to take part in one or more musical activities in the School. The course is designed to be a good preparation for the work that is needed for music at GCSE.
Year 10
In Year 10, Music is offered as an option GCSE (OCR). Students will study the following core topics:
- Composition Focus
- The Concerto through Time
- Film Music
The GCSE consists of the three following overarching elements:
- Listening: Candidates will have to show a wide knowledge of musical styles and a knowledge of musical theory.
- Performing: Students will be asked to perform a solo piece of music, and take part in an ensemble, showing that they can hold a line in a duet or larger group.
- Composing: Candidates will build up a portfolio of original compositions and arrangements, and be asked to submit two (one for their own instrument).
Year 11
In Year 11, students will study the following topics:
- Conventions of Pop
- Rhythms of the World
- Revision
Enrichment Opportunities
Clubs and Societies
- Orchestras x3
- Choirs x3
- Swing band
- Big band
- Rock academy
- A large number of chamber music groups
Trips
Regular trips to concerts and operas are arranged and professional musicians are invited into the department to lead a range of workshops and master classes. Recent activities have included playing alongside the London Mozart Players and a trip to New York for a tour of the Juilliard School and performances at the MET, Carnegie Hall, Village Vanguard Jazz Club and the Broadway Theatre for a performance of Miss Saigon.
Other Opportunities
Many of our young musicians perform with county and national level ensembles.
There are also many opportunities for students to perform in concerts at school, in the wider community and on tour.
Meet the Staff
If you have a specific enquiry for the Music Department, email tjh@kes.hants.sch.uk
| Miss. C.E. Forsey | Music, Assistant Head (Co-Curricular) |
| Mrs T.J. Hayden | Director of Music |
| Miss S.T.J. Barnett | Music, Dance Co-ordinator |
| Miss B. Wu BA | Teacher of Music |
| Mr J Harris BA | Accompanist-in-residence |
| Mrs C.M. MacKinnon-Smith | Creative Arts Administrator |
