There are two classrooms, a state—of—the—art 24 track studio and four soundproof practice rooms for instrumental lessons and private practice.
The Music department has very good facilities. These include:
The Head of Music is a graduate from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and has a large amount of experience of performing, composing and teaching music in a variety of settings. In addition to the Head of Music, a second full—time member of staff and a Musician in Residence, there are a number of peripatetic staff who provide weekly instrumental lessons on a range of instruments.
Students are taught in streamed sets and have one forty—five minute lesson per week. During Key Stage 3, students listen to and explore a wide variety of musical styles enabling them to compose and perform their own music. They make full use of instruments and ICT within the department throughout their studies.
Students may choose to continue their musical education by taking Music at GCSE, following the AQA Specification. Students will receive four lessons a week, both in Yr.10 and Yr.11 where they will develop performing, composing and listening skills as well as increasing students’ self—confidence and critical skills.
Music at Key Stage 4 does involve a lot of performance work and students often rehearse at break, lunchtime and after school in order to fully prepare their pieces.
In order to opt for the course, students must be able to sing or play an instrument, or must be willing to learn an instrument. Students who study Music at Key Stage 4 are expected to join one of the many extra—curricular groups on offer at the Academy in order to further enhance their musical training and experience.