#GoCompose

Introducing a new and accessible approach to Composition for upper KS2 and KS3 in partnership with Bath Philharmonia and supported by Charanga.

Last July, in advance of the publication of the Model Music Curriculum, a framework that places composition central to the development of musicianship, SoundStorm consulted with both primary music specialists and secondary heads of music on their current approach to composition. 

Led by Bath Philharmonia, the Hub was responding to two compelling reports, The Sound of the Next Generation (Youth Music) and #CanCompose (Sound & Music). Both laid bare the importance of music in the lives of young people and also the barriers preventing young people from making their own music. 

Building confidence 

The pilot this year will seek to deliver the following 

To improve teachers’ confidence in the delivery of composition at KS2 by:

• increasing understanding of the processes of composing 
• expanding skills in differentiation whilst composing
• widening access to diverse musical styles
• enhancing technical skills in rehearsing and performing pupils’ compositions
• strengthening an understanding of how national curriculum assessment criteria can be applied to the processes of composition

To diversify approaches to composition at KS3 by:

• increasing understanding of the processes of group composition
• widening access to diverse musical styles
• building teachers’ confidence in taking diverse approaches to composition
• strengthening an understanding of how national curriculum assessment criteria can be applied to the processes of composition

At KS2, each of the participating schools will receive two days of training led by Jason Thornton and Alex Lupo from Bath Philharmonia; in addition, they will have free access to Charanga’s VIP Studio and DAW, the ‘Manual’, outlining the methodology, a sample 6 week scheme of work and an in-school session led by one of the trainers in early Spring 2022. 

Colleagues from secondary phase will attend one training session (Nov 9th) and will also be supported with an in-school visit, a KS3 specific Manual and, if needed, access to VIP on request,