“Without music, life would be a mistake” – Friedrich Nietzsche
‘Fit for Life’ through Music
Music is one of life’s pleasures – nearly everyone enjoys music, whether by listening to it, singing, or playing an instrument. Not only an enjoyable subject, Music is a subject that can enrich students’ lives and education. Music builds intellectual curiosity: artistic education develops the whole brain and develops a child’s imagination. Music helps develop language and reasoning as well as coordination and motor skills. Student musicians are constantly using their memory to perform; the skill of memorization can serve students well in education and beyond. Students learn to improve their work: Music promotes craftsmanship. Learning to play pieces of music on a new instrument can be a challenging, but achievable goal; students who master even the smallest goal in music will be able to feel proud of their achievement. Music is the fabric of our society, and music can shape abilities and character. Performing a musical piece can bring fear and anxiety. Doing so teaches kids how to take risks and deal with fear, which will help them become successful and reach their potential. With encouragement from teachers and parents, students playing a musical instrument can build pride and confidence; sensitivity and compassion.
Skills and Knowledge
Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. A high- quality music education should engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As pupils progress, they should develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination to the best in the musical canon. At Key Stage 3, the Music curriculum explores a wide range of genres through the act of performing, composing and improvising, as well as developing critical listening skills. In Year 7 we study the Elements of Music, Keyboard and Ukulele skills. Moving into Year 8, we further develop Keyboard Skills whilst studying Classical Music, Theme and Variation, Dance Music and the music of Africa. In Year 9 we study the Blues, Reggae, the theory behind major, minor scales and their chords, as well as studying Music and Media: Films and Computer Games.
Communication and Community
John Spence prides itself in the involvement with the community. We regularly showcase our student’s skills in concerts and shows. We are delighted and proud that the North Tyneside Music Hub is based at John Spence School and runs a variety of clubs and an Academy programme on our site.