Rationale

At Old Town Infant School and Nursery, we understand that music is a universal and powerful form of communication that can influence the way we feel, think and act. Our intent is that a high-quality music education should engage and inspire pupils to develop a genuine love of music and an awareness of their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence and sense of achievement.  We want children to understand the emotion that music can stir up inside them and the immense pleasure they can get from being part of something rich, dynamic and fun!

Our music curriculum provides pupils with a systematic and progressive approach to learning the foundational skills needed in order to begin their journey into musical exploration and appreciation. Each year builds upon the next, with a sharp focus on the inter-related dimensions of music that are the fundamental building blocks that create and define musical experiences; 

• Pulse

• Rhythm

• Pitch

• Tempo

• Dynamics

• Timbre

• Texture

• Structure. 

There are 5 areas of knowledge and skill within music that our curriculum focuses on and through which the inter-related dimensions are experienced and taught; 

• Musicianship

•  Notation

• Creativity

• Appreciation

• Presentation.

The structured teaching of music is supplemented and enhanced by a range of enrichment opportunities including; musical workshops, visitors, clubs and chances to perform and share the learning with others. Children are also introduced to a wide range of musical genres, styles and talents through 'Musician of the Month'.  With a view to enriching the children's cultural capital and broadening their musical awareness, our whole staff team have worked together to carefully consider musicians from a vast array of backgrounds, with differing musical influences.