Music
Music at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace concentrates on performing, composing and listening skills. Most learning is kinaesthetic, or ‘doing’, learning. We start each module by looking at the background and history of a genre or style of music and then begin to explore the genre in greater detail. Students use a range of tuned and untuned percussion instruments as well as guitars, music technology and voice. From Year 8 students begin to explore music technology and use a computer programme called Dance ejay to write their own dance music.
Project titles range from Native American Music to Rap and Techno. In each unit we either compose a piece of music or learn a piece on an instrument. Listening skills are developed through ensemble and pair work or by individual listening exercises. Students work on their own, in pairs or in groups of around 4. Pairs and groups vary from week to week from either mixed or equal ability.During lessons, it is expected that students constantly reflect on their work. They are encouraged to listen to themselves and make musical decisions in terms of what they would like to achieve. Students are also asked to help one another and offer advice and suggestions to people they are working with. Students are regularly assessed and use feedback to find areas for improvement. This enables students to develop key skills and techniques on their instruments as well as developing musicianship and ensemble skills. Our ultimate aim is that they develop an appreciation and love of music too.
Instrumental lessons in drums, guitar, bass, vocals and keyboard/piano are offered by Crystal Palace Music Academy. For more information on obtaining lessons please click here. Croydon music service also offer lessons in a range of instruments.
Our extra curricular activities include:
Choir, Music Technology, Keyboard Club, Samba Band, Guitar Club, Rock Group.
