Musical Exploration

Children experience a range of instruments in their whole class ensemble lessons. Children learn to play together and in time. They learn the techniques of the individual instruments such as fingering and strength of breath.

Describing Sound in Reception

In Reception, children explore the different sounds made by different instruments and describe the sounds they can hear. Children use the language loud and quiet as well as high and low to describe the pitch of these sounds. In the picture, children learn how to play the chime bars fast and slow and choose the notes they wish to play to make a short melody.

Playing the Recorder in Year 2

In Year 2, children have been learn to play the recorder. Children learn the skills of musicianship by following signals from the conductor to get ready, start, get ready to stop and stop. They learn the fingering of the note B, A and G and learn to play melodies including those notes.

Piano and DAWs in Year 3

In Year 3, children have been learning to play the keyboards, including on Garageband. They learn the notes C, D, E and F on the stave and play melodies with crotchets, quavers and minims. They play these melodies accompanied by the Charanga programme which allows the class to play together while the teacher conducts ensuring they stay in time.

Playing the Violin in Year 5

Year 5 have been learning to play the notes on the violin. They develop their musicianship skills by playing together and following the instructions of the conductor. They start by plucking the strings (pizzicato) and then move onto using the bow. Children increase their knowledge of the notes on the stave and different rhythms using Charanga.