Music

‘Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.’
Plato

At Halliford, every student is encouraged and valued as a musician, no matter their experience, aptitude or musical tastes. We embrace all genres, from Classical Music to Rock Music, Jazz Improvisation to Studio Production, and believe that variety truly is the spice of life. Alongside our varied classroom curriculum, we run a continuous and varied programme of musical events throughout the academic year in which all students are encouraged to participate. This is supported by instrumental tuition offered in a broad range of instruments by our dedicated and highly skilled peripatetic team. All of this happens in our purpose-built Colin Squire Music Studios.

Facilities 

The Colin Squire Music Studios comprise of:

• A purpose-built, galleried Recital Room with grand piano
• A Music Technology Suite with 13 27” iMacs
• Dedicated Recording Studio running Logic X
• 2nd Recording Studio Space
• Practical/Performance Room
• A selection of Practice Rooms, including a dedicated Drum Room
• Many concert performances also take place in the school’s John Crook Theatre.

Years 7 – 9 

In Year 7, students are taught in mixed ability groups, 2 lessons per week.

UNIT 1: Musical Elements and Samba

UNIT 2: Singing Techniques and Class Song for Halliford Inter-House Song Contest

UNIT 3: Introduction to Notation

UNIT 4: Keyboard Skills

UNIT 5: Instruments of the Orchestra and Musical Genres

UNIT 6: Listening and Analysing

In Year 8, students are taught in sets according to ability, 1 lesson per week.

UNIT 1: The Blues

UNIT 2: Extended Singing Techniques and Class Song for Halliford Inter-House Song Contest

UNIT 3: Harmony

UNIT 4: Composing a Pop Song

UNIT 5: The Beatles

UNIT 6: Free Choice Performance

In Year 9, students are taught in sets according to ability, 1 lesson per week.

UNIT 1: Film Music

UNIT 2: African Drumming

UNIT 3: Club Dance Music

UNIT 4: Band Skills

GCSE Music

Students follow the Edexcel syllabus which is comprised of:

Component 1: Performance (30%)

Component 2: Composition (30%)

Component 3: Appraising (40%)

This course provides a broad yet thorough foundation and is a great pathway for those intending to study Music or Music Technology at A Level, or for those who simply wish to gain knowledge, skills and understanding of the wonderful world of Music.

A Level Music

Students follow the Edexcel syllabus which is comprised of:

Component 1: Performance (30%)

Component 2: Composition (30%)

Component 3: Appraising (40%).

This course provides a rigorous and broad musical experience, enabling candidates to strengthen their skills, knowledge and understanding to the highest level in preparation for further education and/or careers in Music or other related fields.

A Level Music Technology

Students follow the Edexcel syllabus which is comprised of:

Component 1: Recording Coursework (20%)

Component 2: Technology-based Composition Coursework (20%)

Component 3: Listening and Analysing Examination (25%)

Component 4: Producing and Analysing Examination (35%)

This course provides an excellent path for anyone wishing to work within the recording industry, as a composer using music technology, or to continue their studies at university.

Pupils often go on to further their music studies at institutions such as Royal Holloway, Guilford ACM, The Purcell School of Music, Birmingham University and LCCM London.