Music

At Daresbury Primary School, we want every child to SHINE as a musician. Our Music curriculum encourages children to develop a love and appreciation of music, while building the knowledge, skills and confidence to listen, perform, compose and respond to music creatively.

We want children to experience the enjoyment that comes from making music individually and with others. Through Music, children develop their creativity, confidence and self-expression while learning to listen carefully, work collaboratively and appreciate music from a wide range of traditions, cultures and times.

We use Charanga to support the delivery of our Music curriculum. Learning is carefully sequenced so that children progressively develop their musical knowledge, vocabulary and practical skills as they move through school. Children revisit and build upon important musical concepts, enabling them to become increasingly confident and expressive musicians.

Musical Knowledge and Skills

In accordance with the National Curriculum, children develop their knowledge and skills through listening, singing, performing, composing and musicianship.

Throughout their time at Daresbury, children are given regular opportunities to:

• listen carefully and respond to a wide range of music;

• sing confidently and expressively, individually and as part of a group;

• perform using their voices and a range of instruments;

• develop an understanding of rhythm, pulse, pitch, tempo, dynamics and other musical elements;

• explore and create musical patterns and ideas;

• improvise and compose their own music;

• rehearse, refine and improve their performances;

• use appropriate musical vocabulary when discussing and responding to music;

• listen to and evaluate their own music and the music of others;

• perform collaboratively, developing an awareness of their own contribution and that of others.

Children are encouraged to become active musicians, learning through listening, performing, experimenting and creating. As they progress through school, they develop increasing control, accuracy, confidence and independence when using their voices and instruments.

We recognise that making music involves practice, perseverance and creativity. Children are encouraged to experiment with musical ideas, learn from mistakes, rehearse and refine their work and take pride in their musical achievements.

Listening and Appreciating Music

Listening is an important part of our Music curriculum. Children experience a broad range of musicians, composers, genres, traditions and musical styles, helping them to develop their musical knowledge and an appreciation of the diversity of music.

Each month, we celebrate a Musician of the Month. Children are introduced to a variety of musicians and composers and experience music from different times, cultures and traditions. They have opportunities to listen and respond to music, discuss what they notice and develop their ability to appreciate and talk about a wide range of musical experiences.

Through listening to different music, children develop their understanding of how music can communicate ideas, emotions and experiences and recognise the important role that music plays in different cultures and communities.

Music and SHINE

Music makes an important contribution to our Daresbury SHINE framework: Safe, Healthy, Independent, Nurturing and Exploring.

Safe – Children learn to use instruments and musical equipment safely and responsibly and understand the importance of listening to and following instructions when performing together.

Healthy – Music provides opportunities for enjoyment, creativity and self-expression. Singing, playing and listening to music can support children's confidence, emotional expression and wellbeing.

Independent – Children develop confidence in performing, making musical choices, practising skills, creating their own music and reflecting on how they can improve.

Nurturing – Children learn to listen to and value the contributions of others, perform collaboratively and appreciate music from different cultures, traditions and communities.

Exploring – Children experiment with sounds, instruments, rhythms and musical ideas, explore different styles and genres and develop their own creative responses to music.

Leadership Through Music

We believe Music provides valuable opportunities for children to develop leadership, responsibility and confidence.

Our Music Ambassadors take on additional responsibility for supporting music within school. They help to look after, organise and manage musical instruments and equipment, helping to ensure resources are ready to use and treated with care.

Through this role, children develop their independence, responsibility and leadership skills, while helping music to run smoothly across school.

Music Beyond the Classroom

We want children to understand that Music is not simply something that happens in a Music lesson. Music is an important part of our school, our communities and cultures around the world, and we aim to provide children with opportunities to experience and enjoy music in different ways.

Our Musician of the Month provides regular opportunities for children to encounter music beyond their taught curriculum and discover musicians, composers, genres and styles that they may not have experienced before.

We are also fortunate to work with an external music provider, who visits school to offer one-to-one instrumental lessons. This gives children the opportunity to develop their skills on an instrument, receive specialist tuition and pursue their individual musical interests.

Children also have opportunities to experience music through assemblies, performances, celebrations and wider school events, providing opportunities to perform for others and experience the enjoyment of making music together.

Our aim is for children to leave Daresbury as confident, creative and enthusiastic musicians who have developed the knowledge and skills to listen, perform and create music. We want them to appreciate a diverse range of musical traditions and styles, have the confidence to express themselves musically and, most importantly, develop a lasting enjoyment and appreciation of music.