Music lessons occur twice a week and are divided into ‘Music Theory’ and ‘Song Writing’ Classes. Pupils are encouraged to study a wide range of musical styles.
Music Theory
Students work through the ABRSM Music Theory Grade 1-5 books; students sit the Grade 5 exam which is equivalent to a GCSE.
Throughout the various grades we cover Rhythm (Note Values, Simple Time Signatures, Compound Time Signatures, Dots, Ties, Rests, Triplets, Duplets), Pitch (Treble Clef, Bass Clef, Alto Clef, Tenor Clef, Accidentals), Keys & Scales (Major Keys, Natural Minors, Harmonic Minors, Melodic Minors, Chromatic Scales, Modes), Chords (Tonic Triads, Supertonic Chords, Subdominant Chords & Dominant Chords). These topics cross over into song writing and singing classes where we show how to put them into practical application.
Song Writing
Song writing classes provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to discover and channel their inner artist. Pupils cover a variety of techniques in music such as Lyric Writing, Musical Instrument Composition, Music Production, Lyrical Analysis, Instrumental/Production Analysis, Ear Candy, Song Structures (Pop Structures, Irregular Structures, Rhapsodies, Strophic Structure, Motown Structures). Students work on writing pop Songs, writing pop songs to fit briefs, writing instrumental pieces to fit an industry style brief, Top Lining, Group writing sessions, solo writing projects.
In year 9, pupils are introduced to business and marketing in the music industry. Topics covered include distribution, management, publishing, sync deals, licensing, creating music videos, creating artwork, press releases and business plans.
Students are also given the opportunity to create their own Singles/EPs/Band launches.
