Music

Introduction

St. Aidan’s has enjoyed a national reputation for the excellence of its rich musical life for many years. Practical music-making using students’ vocal abilities and a wide range of instruments is an essential part of the curriculum and the wider extra-curricular programme.

The department runs an extensive range of large and small scale extra-curricular ensembles, including bands, choirs and orchestras. These meet on a weekly basis throughout the year and very frequently perform in school and in the local community, as well as on the national stage in music festivals and annually on the summer music tours abroad. There are numerous opportunities for students to develop their skills in performing, arranging, composing, organising and conducting to the very highest level possible.

School Music Development Plan 2024-2025

Staff

Mrs V Elliott – Director of Learning: Performing Arts

Mrs J Leonard and Mrs L Collett – Heads of Music (job share)

Mr D Elliott – Teacher of Music

To view the Music Learning Journey, visit the link below:

Music Learning Journey

KS3

Year 7 – 9 students embark on a series of engaging and stimulating units of work including film music, rap, blues and jazz, song writing and musicals. Ten peripatetic freelance staff plus some from the NYCC Music Service teach a whole range of musical instruments and voices.

For further information please see our Main School Prospectus

KS4

GCSE Music explores a wide range of music through practical methods which will allow pupils to play to their strengths. To begin with,  teachers will give pupils a firm grounding in a variety of compositional techniques, including those which use music technology. Pupils will also have plenty of performance opportunities during the course, which will enable them to gain confidence in playing with others.

For further information please see our KS4 Options Booklet 2025

KS5

At A Level we offer courses in both Music and Music Technology.

A Level Music will provide students with the knowledge and experience required for all forms of Further and Higher Education. It will give them an understanding, and encourage the appreciation of many music genres in many contexts. The areas of study are chosen for their interest to all candidates and with much scope to use music technology if desired.

The Music Technology A Level course provides opportunities to embrace recent developments in the field.  The specification involves much practical work and encourages the cultivation of a wide range of skills. Students will have opportunities to sequence MIDI, record live instruments, produce CDs and compose using music technology.

For further information please see our Associated Sixth Form Prospectus

Additional Learning Resources

Please  speak to your teacher regarding additional learning resources within the department.

Social Media Links

Follow St Aidan’s Music on the main school social media channels Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Peripatetic Music Lessons

Brass

Clarinet & Saxophone

Bassoon and Oboe

Drum Kit 

String Instruments

Piano/Keyboard, Guitar, Voice and Flute

Performing Arts Faculty Timetable 2024-2025

St. Aidan’s Music Association (SAMA) is a registered charity set up to support the choral and instrumental work of the school music department which provides fantastic experience and performance opportunities for all those who take part. Find out more here

Start the Music is a scheme that funds approximately 6 students each year to learn a new musical instrument. Click here for further information.