Our Vision for Music

Music is a universal language that inspires, motivates and brings joy. At our schools, we believe every child should experience a rich and engaging music education that nurtures creativity, builds confidence and supports emotional wellbeing. Our curriculum aims to develop skilled, thoughtful and confident young musicians who enjoy expressing themselves through music.

Aims of Our Music Curriculum

Through a structured and progressive curriculum, we aim for all pupils to:

• Develop musical skills and knowledge in listening, singing, performing, improvising and composing.

• Understand key musical concepts, including pulse, rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics, timbre and notation.

• Experience a broad range of musical styles, traditions and cultures from around the world.

• Build confidence through regular opportunities to perform individually and as part of a group.

• Use music as a means of self-expression, imagination and wellbeing.

• Value music as part of a rich and balanced curriculum that supports the development of the whole child.

How We Teach Music

Music is taught regularly across all year groups, following a planned sequence that ensures clear progression of skills from EYFS to Year 6. We follow the Hal Leonard Muse Class curriculum, which is strongly aligned to the Model Music curriculum.  Staff also supplement this with Sing Up and BBC 10 pieces.  Our curriculum includes:

• Singing

A fundamental part of each child’s musical journey. Pupils learn to sing with accuracy, control, expression and confidence.

• Instrumental Work

Children explore tuned and untuned instruments. Across the year groups, pupils experience:

• maintaining a steady beat

• reading and playing simple notation

• performing individually and in ensembles

• whole‑class instrumental teaching where possible

• Listening and Appraising

Pupils listen to a wide range of musical genres, including classical, contemporary, traditional, and world music. They learn to respond using musical vocabulary and to express preferences and opinions respectfully.

• Composition and Improvisation

Children experiment with creating and combining sounds using instruments, voices, body percussion and digital media. They learn to refine, rehearse and evaluate their work.

• Technology in Music

Where appropriate, pupils use digital tools to support composition, recording, and sound exploration.

Curriculum Progression

Our curriculum ensures that learning builds over time. Children develop their knowledge of:

• Pulse and rhythm (EYFS → Y6)

• Pitch and melodic patterns

• Notation, from graphic scores to formal staff notation

• Performance skills, including expression, control and ensemble awareness

• Evaluating music, using increasingly precise musical language

Staff use clear progression documents and a structured music scheme to ensure consistency and coverage.

Inclusion and Accessibility

Every child has the right to participate fully in music. We ensure:

• lessons are accessible to all learners, including those with SEND

• adaptive teaching ensures pupils can achieve success

• opportunities to shine through performance, regardless of musical background or experience

We value music for the confidence it builds and its importance in supporting emotional regulation and wellbeing.

Enrichment Opportunities

We provide a range of additional opportunities to deepen children’s musical experience, such as:

• whole‑school and seasonal performances

• singing in assemblies/worship

• participation in Rock Steady music teaching (parents opt in), including termly concerts. 

• participation in Young Voices annually 

These experiences support pupils’ cultural capital and contribute to a vibrant, musical school community.

Impact

The impact of our curriculum is seen in:

• the children’s enjoyment of music lessons

• their confidence in performing

• progressive improvement in musical skills and vocabulary

• high levels of engagement and participation

• evidence in lessons and pupil voice

Ultimately, our aim is for every child to leave Year 6 with a secure musical foundation, enthusiasm for music and an appreciation of its place in culture, history and modern life.