The Kingswood Music Academy’s mission is to become a leading school in Music in the Hull and East Riding area. This has been launched with the vision to inspire our already talented students to develop their musicianship through our peripatetic provision; instil pride into students to work hard and succeed whilst working individually or as an ensemble; provide students with opportunities to engage in music outside of the school community, through instrumental practise, external performances and music trips. We want all of our Music Academy students to leave Kingswood with high quality music skills that will allow them to thrive in further education and careers within the music industry.

The Music Academy has over 200 students who actively participate in music enrichment, peripatetic lessons and school performances each week. Kingswood music academy offers high-class tuition on a range of Brass, Upper Strings, Lower Strings, Woodwind, Piano, Guitar, Vocal and Percussion instruments from specialist teachers from the Hull music service.

As well as developing musical ability, our students also have the opportunity to develop their personal skills such as effective communication, listening skills, teamwork and ensuring that everyone is valued. All of our students who show excellent commitment to furthering their musical ability through regular attendance to enrichment and peripatetic lessons are awarded with a Music Academy badge. Our students wear these with pride to represent their passion for Music and their outstanding musicianship.

We are passionate about the Music Academy which is an integral part of Kingswood Academy and hope that each student values each and every experience and opportunity that comes their way.

What are the expectations of a Music Academy Student?

Our students and their musical development are at the heart of our Music Academy and that is why regular attendance to instrumental lessons is of paramount importance.

Music Academy students are expected to:

• Attend a music enrichment session that develops their musical skills on a weekly basis. 

• Arrive on time to peripatetic lessons.

• Take their instrument home to practise (where applicable).

How much time should you be practicing your instrument?

Consistency is the most important element of any practice routine. Suggested practice times will depend on experience of the instrumentalist, the difficulty of the piece of music being played, and goals set by you and your peripatetic teacher.

Peripatetic Lessons

Here at Kingswood, we are passionate about ensuring that all students have the opportunity to access outstanding music tuition. This is why students who show a passion for music are able to receive free peripatetic lessons fully funded by the academy along with an instrument for practising at home. 

Kingswood Academy works in partnership with the Hull Music Service to provide high quality instrumental lessons and instruments to our students. Students are able to take external qualifications on their instrument.

Enrichment Opportunities

We have a robust enrichment offer in the Music Department which provides every student with a club that will interest them. Our enrichment timetable offers both lunchtime and after school opportunities.

Academy Orchestra

The Academy Orchestra have continued to develop since our opening explosive performance at the Academhy Awards. Students are focusing on advanced ensemble pieces including the well known Pachelbel's Canon in which our soloists skills are truly put to the test! We now have over 40 students enrolled as part of this ensemble who are avid musicians, combining knowledge from their peripatetic lessons with core music lesson knowledge. As part of this ensemble we drive our students to learn wider musical skills including how to conduct an orchestra. 

Academy Brass Band

As our brass students advance in their instrumental grades they also learn to play as part of an ensemble with other brass instruments. We have over 25 students learning a brass instrument and this is an excellent opportunity for students to develop musicianship. Within this ensemble our students play a range of traditional and contemporary music. The band is relatively new and we are looking forward to some brass ensemble performances in the future. 

Academy Jazz Band

The Academy Jazz Band musicians are continuing to develop their technical skills, creativity, and individuality through listening and improvisation. Improvising is not just about creating new melodies or solos, but it also involves a deeper understanding of the instrument and musical theory. Students are encouraged to experiment use their listening skills and play together as an ensemble. The Band have improvised in various jazz styles such as a Bossanova, Swing and Blues. We are looking forward to see what the band can bring in our upcoming Academy Awards event.

Dynamix

The Dynamix Choir continues to excel as we have an ensemble of 40 students who show a passion for music and performing arts. As we continue to grow, performance and workshop opportunities have been plentiful including masterclasses from our peripatetic teachers, the opportunity to become part of Chamber Choir as well as performances at Open Evenings, Parents’ Evenings and Kesteven Care Home.

On 8th December 2023, all 40 members of Dynamix Choir attended the Care Home to sing festive songs and carols to the residents. The students gave an exceptional performance and brought many smiles and tears to some eyes. The success of this visit was a true testament to the character of our

students who demonstrated excellent teamwork, resilience and compassion to the residents and staff at Kesteven.

Rock Revolution

Exciting developments have been taking place in Rock Revolution and we are starting to see some rockstars in the making! Students have been working hard in their peripatetic lessons on guitar, bass and drums and have used their instrumental skills to create rock bands. 

Drumline

Drumline continues to go from strength to strength and have delivered impressive performances across the school year. Helping to get us in the festive spirit, this ensemble has been rehearsing a drum rendition of Jingle Bells which they look forward to showcasing in the Christmas Talent Show.

Academy Productions

Our Academy Productions enrichment at Kingswood Academy offers our students the opportunities not only to perform at a number of venue, such as our in house theatre and Hull's Connexin Arena, but also gives them a number of ways to express themselves artistically in the performing arts. 

Students that ar part of this enrichment are able to sing, dance and act in yearly school musical or Academy Awards productions or learn and develop skills in the technical arts such as lighting, sound, stage and prop management. 

Facilities

At Kingswood Academy we are proud to have state of the art facilities and equipment that ensure that there are no barriers to providing outstanding teaching and learning. 

The Music Department comprises two music technology Mac suites, each equipped with Mac Mini computers, audio interfaces for recording and collaboration, MIDI controller keyboards, digital drum kits and electric guitars. Each suite utilises Cubase, GarageBand and MuseScore to give students exposure to the skills required with industry standard music technology. Students use these every lesson to develop understanding of how technology is used in the creation of music. Students have the opportunity to develop production skills as part of the Key Stage 4 curriculum.