After an initial exploration of the background to Bach’s St John Passion, this resource will cover specific numbers, in accordance with the requirements of the Cambridge Pre-U specification. This...
Jane Werry KS 5This resource provides an overview of James MacMillan as a figure in contemporary classical music, as well as looking in detail at three of his works across contrasting genres – the percussion...
David Kettle KS 5Planning can be the most daunting aspect of teaching, particularly if you have many students with a diverse range of needs. Approached in the right way, however, understanding flexible and realistic...
Richard Barnard VMTThere are few things more excruciating than hearing a student stumbling through a performance without any sense of rhythmic flow. They may be playing all the correct notes, but if there’s no sense of...
Edward Maxwell VMTThis resource will give a brief overview of the context of Handel’s Coronation Anthems and oratorios, followed by detailed analysis of extracts from two works.
Hanh Doan KS 4Part one of our whistle-stop tour of musical theatre focused on the way in which musicals are written. This month, we’ll take a journey from the time of these composers, at the end of the 1930s, to...
Simon Rushby KS 4This resource looks at why and how to include composing activities in instrumental lessons, regardless of your own composition experience.
Richard Barnard VMTIn this resource, I’ll look at some of the ways we can use singing to help with learning, giving practical suggestions and ideas. Singing isn’t something reserved for trained vocalists, musicians or...
James Manwaring KS 3This resource considers how we can use instruments to teach key concepts in music. It will focus on practical learning and how we can best approach it.
James Manwaring KS 3Understanding the background and context to music they listen to, hear on TV or play is an incredibly useful skill for all musicians, especially those studying music for GCSE or A level, since wider...
Simon Rushby KS 4The AQA specification lists musical elements to examine and identify in Shostakovich’s works. Here is a brief guide to some of the more general aspects to listen for in his music, before a closer look...
Richard Barnard KS 5Over the years, I’ve picked up a lot of knowledge about the workings of a music department and what are the best, most effective and value-for-money ways to keep it running. For the sake of space,...
Paul White VMT