Music

Music is a very important part of life of HAB. All students are offered the chance to study a wide range of instruments, including violin, piano, keyboard, flute, saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, singing, drumming, guitar and bass guitar, through free one-to-one lessons.

A sign-up link to go onto the waiting list for music lessons is here: https://forms.office.com/e/m6EZ0ga0j4

Music lessons at Harris Academy Bermondsey are designed for students to develop as creative, inquisitive, and independent learners. Pupils will be immersed in a diverse heritage of music to promote personal, social, intellectual, and cultural development. Students will be presented with a wide and range of musical experiences, focusing on a continued development of musical knowledge. 

During music lessons a knowledge-rich and teacher-led pedagogy ensures students are developing their skills and developing creativity. Students will take their procedural knowledge and apply learning unilaterally in listening and appraising tasks. Our students will develop performance skills and are provided with performance opportunities including concerts, classroom performances and trips. 

Performance will be highlighted and continually used as a progression signpost on students' achievement. Students will develop perform with increased confidence and attention to detail. Creating authentic musical performance experiences, students are given experience in the music industry. Students are transformed and expected to work as performers, audience members, hosts, sound technicians, teachers, composers, critics, and ethnomusicologists as young participants in the wider field.

Students will be further immersed in industry authenticity by developing their skills in music technology and production. A contemporary musician must have the skills to oversee their independent vision. Foundational skills in producing, mixing, and mastering are vital for young performers to successfully develop their performing or composing portfolio. Students will learn about the history of synthesis, drum patches and DAW’s, Students will apply the skills of performance, composing and appraising to their own work as well as professional work at every opportunity.  

“Progression in music is, simply, about improving the quality, depth and breadth of student’s musical responses over time.” Music in schools: promoting good practice - Ofsted  

The progression map for all years can be downloaded below.