Music
Mr B Holmes BA (Hons), MA
Director of Music
bholmes@colfes.com
Music is an integral part of life at Colfe’s. The importance of studying music can’t be overstated; it enables pupils to build confidence through performance, nurture creativity through composition and develop critical inquiry through musical appraisal.
In Years 7 and 8 you receive three lessons per two-week cycle. You study a wide range of topics from different musical styles and cultures, including Western Classical Music, Popular Music and World Music. There is a strong emphasis on composition and practical music-making within the curriculum to build confidence and encourage collaboration, alongside a thorough grounding in basic music theory. Music becomes an optional subject in Year 9 and builds upon the skills taught during Years 7 and 8 preparing the ground – in a comprehensive practical way – or the GCSE course.
At GCSE and A-level, you follow the Edexcel syllabus, studying a range of set works from a variety of eras and styles. The appraisal component is both challenging and diverse, allowing you to explore musical genres broadly and place each set work in its wider cultural and historical context. You are also expected to compose and perform as part of the course. You benefit from a wide range of extra-curricular performance opportunities to hone your skills as both soloists and chamber musicians, whilst there are regular visits from a professional composer to support GCSE and A-level classes.
Unique to the Music department at Colfe’s is a strong working partnership with Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, one of London’s leading music colleges. Our pupils have the opportunity to work on collaborative projects with conservatoire students where they can learn from aspiring professionals and enhance their own performances.
A-level course details:
Co-curricular Music
All pupils are also encouraged to take part in co-curricular Music – orchestra, ensembles, productions and House competitions.