Music

The Music Department is dedicated to inspiring our students to perform and compose music with self expession, awareness and confidence.

Students are exposed to wide range of musical instruments and technological software in order to give a broad musical experience in performance and composition

Curriculum

In Year 7 and 8, students develop their performing, composing and listening skills through an array of musical genres, instruments and ensembles. Every student will gain performing skills in drumming, ukulele, piano and guitar such as accuracy, fluency and timing. Within the study of each instrument, students gain knowledge of basic music theory such as rhythmic and treble clef notation, dynamics, tempo and texture.

In Year 9 students have chosen GCSE music and will focus on more advanced music theory and will be gain analytical listening skills based around the musical elements. Students will also improve their performing skills on their chosen instrument in solo and ensemble situations. Students will also develop their knowledge and skill in composing pop music based composing tasks.

In year 10 student students build on their listening and analytical skills and analyse 6 of the 8 set works grouped in areas of study. Students apply some of this fundamental knowledge in depth by completing a series of compositional tasks based on pop nd film music, whereby a wealth of instrumention and orchestration is practised.

In year 11, students complete the analysis of the of the set works and students complete the NEA required.

In year 12 and 13 musicians further develop their solo performance skills to an adavanced standard. Students also practise more compositional techniques such as 4 part harmony, writing for full orchestra and using advanced chord and melodic devices. Students analyse in great depth baroque concertos, romantic piano music, pop music by legendary artisits and film music by legendary film composers.

In year 12 and 13 students can choose to study music technology. Students study, evaluate and practise recording techniques throughout history. Students also have the opportunity to create unique soundscapes using sound design techniques based upon sound synthesis and sound sampling.

The document linked below outlines how we have sequenced knowledge and skills in each academic year:

• Music Years 7-13 Curriculum Overview 2023-2024

Enrichment

• MGS Concert Band
• MGS String Ensemble
• MGS Showchoir
• MGS Big Band
• Student Led Rock Bands
• The School Production
• Sound & Light involvement
• Peripatetic instrumental lessons

Click here to read our MGS Extra Prospectus and find out what clubs are on offer.

Click here to access the KS3 and KS4 Music Super Curriculum.

Click here to access the KS5 Music Super Curriculum.

Careers

Some of our students continue on to study Music or Music Technology based at university. Regardless of their choice of study, students take their musical studies where ever they go by joining the musical communities their chosen university or town. Music in partiular is an unusual and highly skilled subject which is now only offered at a small number of schools. It is therefore an excellent addition to any university application.

Career Ideas: music producer, music therapist, musician, music teacher/tutor, sound designer/engineer, sound technician-broadcasting/film/video, special effects, acoustic consultant, arts administrator, broadcast engineer, choreographer, community arts worker, events manager, marketing, radio producer, talent agent, theatre stage manager and more.

Click here to find out more about careers in Music.