At Concord College music plays a central role in the creative life of the school and in the cultural and artistic development of all students. Because of the college’s international status there is a wealth of musical tradition from around the world. The music department aims to provide a platform for all those students who want to share their musical talents and cultural heritage. We are committed to nurturing a lifelong interest and love for music making by providing a comprehensive curriculum and a wide and varied enrichment program.

The department is staffed by the Head of Music, a full time music teacher and eleven visiting instrumental and vocal teachers. The Music department is well resourced and contains:

• Purpose built auditorium (270 seats)
• 5 practice rooms
• music technology suite
• Class rehearsal room
• Instrumental hire scheme (available for hire are string instruments, wind, brass and percussion). Free of charge and subject to availability
• Sound-proof drum studio
• Multi-track recording studio
• A selection of amps and microphones
• A dedicated music section in the main College library which contains a comprehensive collection of scores, e-resources and books.

The Music department believes that music learning is most effective when young people are engaged in music making activities that relate to their own personal experiences and musical taste.

For Lower School pupils studying in Form 3 (Year 9), the ethos of the music lessons is essentially that of a project based practical lesson, aiming to provide learners with real world learning scenarios and an authentic ‘hands on’ practical music making experience. Performing, listening and composing are approached in much the same way, being closely related and part of the same practical project briefs. In addition and as part of their weekly performing arts programme of study, pupils have the opportunity to gain an Arts Award qualification at Bronze level (level 1) https://www.artsaward.org.uk/site/?id=65 To achieve their Arts Award, pupils take on music challenges, participate in music activities, experience music events, get inspired by artists and share their music skills with others through portfolio and presentation work. The final qualification is awarded and validated by Trinity College London.

At KS 4 (Years 9 and 10) pupils studying music follow the BTEC Level 2 qualification. BTECs offer a practical, project based approach, as an alternative to the more traditional GCSEs. Learners can choose from a number of mandatory and optional units for which they have to present evidence, based on actual real-life scenarios. This allows them to demonstrate their independent learning skills and knowledge by managing their own progress, with the support of the teacher. Assessment is by project based assignment briefs and external assessment. Results are graded as Pass/Merit/Distinction, which are equivalent to GCSE level 9-1.

At sixth form (16+), pupils have the opportunity to study for an Extended Project Qualification under our music or creative pathways programmes of study. The project can be performance/composition/artefact based, or focus on research and investigation of a particular topic; thus providing learners with the opportunity to explore something that really interests them. It is equivalent to an AS level and is awarded equivalent UCAS points.  Its content focuses on developing a range of transferable skills such as independent research skills and creativity, that are highly valued by universities and employers.

You can download the BTEC L2 “Music first award” student course guide here.

You can download the Music and Creative Pathways EPQ student course guides here.

For information about private instrumental music lessons see the Music Enrichment page.

Visit the Music Department’s YouTube page by clicking here .