Music at St Anthony’s is an integral part of our full and balanced curriculum. From early days in Nursery and Reception classes children hear music being played and they learn to sing along to familiar rhymes and songs. They begin to feel the pulse, the heartbeat and the meaning behind musical pieces. Enjoyment and fun are key from the very beginning.

As we move in KS1 children are exposed to a widening range of musical styles – using the Charanga Music Scheme as a basis for their learning. We dip into many musical genres to develop their listening and appreciation skills, including the very visual 10 pieces program developed by the BBC.

Children learn to play non-tuned percussion instruments and begin to learn to play the glockenspiel. Within this time, note names are introduced and children are encouraged to develop their improvisation and compositional skills.

In KS2 the skills learned in KS1 are further developed by appreciating a more demanding repertoire of music, which can elicit enthusiastic discussion. Children are encouraged to broaden their experience of different genres and we continue to use the BBC resources along with the Charanga scheme to facilitate this.

The children learn a variety of instruments including the recorder and glockenspiel and develop their knowledge of formal and informal notation.  In conjunction with the computing curriculum they will have the opportunity to create electronic music and develop skills in mixing and using loops and samples.

Singing at all levels has always been at the centre of our music teaching and all children develop their vocal skills, learning about breath control and the many other skills necessary for good aural competency.  Children have many opportunities to sing, in class, at assemblies, in church and at the various special concerts that happen through the school year.

As they say, “Music is good for the soul” and it is also good for wellbeing. Children at St Anthony’s are happy and enthusiastic musicians.