Music: Year 9
What will I be learning?
Year 9 Curriculum
In Year 9 students will broaden their understanding of music through live music performance and collaboration. At this level students will fully be able to confidently explore a variety of popular musical styles, instruments and techniques. Students will understand how to read music tablature to a given stimulus. Students will learn how to perform in small ensembles to develop practical, listening and communication skills in music. Pupils will recap prior learning of rhythm, pulse, reading music notation, songwriting and knowledge of musical styles to successfully perform live as a band.
Carousel 1 (one half term)
Minimalism, Music Notation & Composition
This unit expands prior knowledge of music theory and varying styles and approaches to music composition.
Students develop knowledge exploring how different poly-rhythmic textures and musical conventions are used by minimalist composers including the use of repetitive and changing rhythmic and melodic motifs in different styles of minimalist music.
During this unit students will have a practical exam based on what was studied throughout the term. After the exam they will work on refining learning and improving knowledge of topics covered in order to improve learning and understanding of future topics as well. They will consolidate their knowledge of minimalism through listening and performance activities.
Carousel 2 (one half term)
Music For Media & Film (Music Production)
Students will understand that ‘Film music’ utilizes changes in musical elements, such as dynamics, rhythm and structural melody, to create an emotional reaction for its audience.
Students will be assessed on their composition based exploring video game music written in response to a given incidental brief (film, TV, play, soundtrack)
Students will listen to and appreciate the capacity of simple tunes to take on the character of different dance styles. Class, group and individual activities are set in which students go about exploring rhythmic and melodic change and textures.
Carousel 3 (one half term)
Musical Futures Band Project
Students will learn how to perform in small ensembles to develop practical, listening and communication skills in music. Students will utilize composition and performance techniques to create, rehearse and perform a piece in small groups.
Pupils will recap prior learning of rhythm, pulse, reading music notation, songwriting and knowledge of musical styles to successfully perform live as a band.
Student voice will be crucial with students requesting songs and styles to investigate potentially reflective of their own backgrounds.
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