Music at Tower Road Academy.
Music is a vital part of a broad and balanced curriculum for all pupils. At Tower Road, the intention is that children gain a firm understanding of what music is through listening, singing, playing, evaluating, analysing and composing. Our aim is to make music an enjoyable learning experience, encouraging children to participate in a variety of ways. Music can engage, motivate and inspire pupils, along with building confidence; it is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. Charanga is used to provide extra support and resources to enhance music teaching. It features many examples of music styles and genres from different times and places. These are explored via active listening, performing and composing activities, which enable understanding of the context and genre. There is the opportunity to learn ukulele in Key Stage 2, as well as high-quality lessons with peripatetic teachers being available. Our children will leave Tower Road with musical knowledge and the ability to make music with others, which helps to develop identity and builds self-esteem.
Children from Year 4 took part in Mash Up Live, an event organised by Lincs Music Service. It was a virtual concert, streamed into schools, with 4500 children taking part. As part of their ukulele lessons, children learnt how to play The Pentre and The Wellerman. A great experience for all involved.
Quotes from our children.
“Listening to ‘Happy’ in our music lessons is really good as it takes us away from all the sad things that are happening at the moment, that’s why I look forward to music lessons.”
“I like to be able to dance and move to the beat.”
“I have learnt where the notes are on the glockenspiel and I can play it quite well now.”
“Now I know what I’m listening for in a piece of music, I can appreciate music a lot more out of school.”
Music makes everyone happy, including the teachers! The children were asked if they thought their teachers liked music...
“X likes to express …self during music lessons!”
“Her face is smiling. She joins in and plays the instruments.”
“She smiles a lot more and is very enthusiastic. She likes to film us and is always saying well done.”
“X smiles a lot. She dances and moves to the music.”
“She definitely likes teaching music. She has a smile on her face and dances along, getting everyone engaged in the class. She finds the rhythm and pulse with us.”
How to help with music at home.
Great Music links for children.
https://www.theschoolrun.com/best-music-home-schooling-resources
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/bring-the-noise
https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/ (garage band app available on Apple products)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zwxhfg8