Music: Year 8
What will I be learning?
Year 8 Curriculum
In Year 8 we improve upon the skills learnt previously in Year 7 Music and dive into how music can be performed in groups and with a greater understanding of how to practically create music through composition. At this level students will be able to identify intervals and recognise them in listening activities. whilst creating effective songs with melodies and melodies.
Carousel 1 (one term)
World Music
Students will explore musical cultures of the world primarily through singing, working as a group to explore musical styles such as Funk, Samba, Bollywood and more. Student voice will be crucial with students requesting songs and styles to investigate potentially reflective of their own backgrounds.
Example: The Blues
Students will explore the genre of the Blues critically engaging with its importance, role in wider society and significance to musical genres we have today. Students undertake a diverse variety of activities aimed at developing their composing, performing and appraising skills, learning key features such as the 12 bar Blues, the Blues scale, AAB lyric structure of Blues lyrics and the Blues shuffle rhythm.
Carousel 2 (one term)
Learn To Play
Student will have the opportunity to learn to play an instrument such as ukulele, guitar, bass guitar, drums and piano. Although students will learn basic piano skills throughout KS3, this is a fantastic opportunity for them to learn an instrument that they may not have access to at home, or in our peripatetic music programme. Student will engage in student led learning, through playing 'real-life' popular music they can identify and connect with, making the learning process more engaging and enjoyable. Moving away from traditional music notation, this allows students to learn in an expressive way using tablature and imitating rhythms through listening rather than western notation.
Carousel 3 (one term)
Songwriting
Students will review and analyse a number of different songs from varying genres. They will review the process of melody and chords and the concept of harmony enhancing their skills from year 7, beginning to play chords as groups and then individuals. Students will also explore the role of lyrics within a piece of music eventually leading to the creation of their own lyrics and chord sequences. Students will take their knowledge of songwriting beyond the realm of composition and start to perform their creations as individuals and in groups. The term will lead to an in class performance of each student showcasing their creations.
Key resources
How do I develop my knowledge?
How can I expand my understanding beyond the curriculum?
Peripatetic lessons - learning an instrument from a peripatetic teacher. Speak to your music teacher to find out information on how you can sign up.
Choir - join the extracurricular activity of Choir on Thursdays if you enjoy singing and working with others.
What should I do if I have questions or still need help?
Contact Ms Sweeney-Ellis or Ms Tsoi (p.sweeney-ellis/ j.tsoi@westminsteracademy.org.uk)
Contact acting Director of Learning for Expressive Arts (Ms A Hall) at a.hall@westminsteracademy.org.uk