This is the set of resources I used for teaching the Minimalist music of Adams, Reich and Riley. It covers some of their most notable works and discusses key vocabulary. It usually takes me two lessons to get through, there are listening links embedded within the star symbols.

This is a composition mini project centered around timbre and texture, it is not board specific. The composition is designed as a pre-cursor to free composition focused on using DAW software (in this instance FL studio) specifically video game music. The whole project is individual so can be either done quickly in 3 lessons or extended over a longer period of time. There are audio links embedded within the star symbols.

This is a full introduction to composition for the AQA GCSE music course however it can be easily adapted for any exam board. It covers what is required for the composition component of the course as well as the fundamentals of composition, some homework and a mini-composition task to help students understand ‘how to’ compose. Any star symbols have a sound link to them and there are some videos embeded in the powerpoint.

This is a one/two lesson lesson with practical for AOS2: Popular Music for Stevie Wonder. There are links to songs embedded in the star symbols. Please note, I have only taught AOS2 for the section A portion of the exam so please be aware that there are no songs analysed in the detail required for section C.

This is a 6-week project on Blues Music. I would normally teach Blues music in a practical way however, this is a project designed as a composition task to be completed on BandLab, which these students have not done before so it also includes a ‘how to’ for what they need to do. There are several smaller tasks (research task, performance tasks, quiz) and one main task, I’ve asked students to either complete the practicals on a keyboard or a keyboard app but the main bulk is all BandLab.

Arrangement of Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes. It’s a Sibelius 6 verison so that it’ll open on anything Sibelius 6 or later. It’s only the first two verses/choruses. It’s currently for voice, flute, two clarinets, cornet/trumpet, piano, bass and drums but can be easily rearranged for your needs.

This is the powerpoint and worksheets I have used to teach my students about the orchestra in the classical era and the orchestral music of Mozart and Beethoven. There are listening examples either embedded or linked in the PowerPoint and a listening test with answers for the end of the unit.

I wrote this powerpoint to fit with the new AQA’s new GCSE specification. Broadway Musicals 1950s-1990s fits within Area of Study 2. My teaching focus here is key musical features and how the music sounds, not key facts about the sub genres. Listening examples have been hyperlinked within the green stars. A listening task was used at the end of the lesson so that students could apply their new knowledge.The key aspect which I have highlighted to students is listening which is why I link students to the department spotify which has a wide range of playlists at their disposal.

This is the powerpoint and worksheets I have used to teach my students about the Coronation Anthems and Oratorios of Handel. I also used this topic to teach them about the circle of fifths, modulations, structure, cadences, voices etc. There is therefore quite alot in addition to just the Handel stuff. There are listening examples either embedded or linked in the PowerPoint (in the star icons) and a listening test with answers for the end of the unit.

This is a band/orchestra and choir arrangement for Joyful Joyful from Sister Act 2. I arranged this for the ensembles I have in school but have uploaded the Sibelius files to be edited to suit whatever ensemble you have. I have also included just a choir/piano version.

This scheme of work is currently being taught to year 9 students although I have taught it with year 8 at a different school. The scheme of work aims to explore different genres of music including different musical devices before the main project which involves the sound being removed from four different clips (of each genre) and asking students in groups to come up with the music to accompany it. The first lesson is focused on Horror.

I wrote this powerpoint to fit with the new AQA’s new GCSE specification. Pop music from 1990-present fits within Area of Study 2. To accompany this presentation, students worked through the timeline document which was in their books. My teaching focus here is key musical features and how the music sounds, not key facts about the sub genres. Listening examples have been hyperlinked within the green stars.

This work was designed to teach students about Rock music of the 1960s and 1970s. This PowerPoint was used over 3 lessons to initially teach students about standard rock music of the era, the key sub-genres and a lesson about the Beatles. This work also features 2 homework’s which proved very useful with the students.

I created this scheme of work as a way in to help year 7 students interpret written music before introducing written notation. The scheme of work includes as much practical activity as possible, as a whole class, in pairs and in small groups.

I wrote this scheme of work for year 7 to introduce them to reading music in a fun way. Initially the students learn to read the treble and bass clef and learn to play a simplified version of Imagine by John Lennon. Later on in the project, students specialised in an instrument or voice and learnt to play ‘The Sky from Jigsaw Jam’ by Music for Youth. The culmination of the project was a whole year performance of the sky.

I wrote this scheme of work for year 7 to explore texture, tempo, dynamics and rhythm through Gamelan. It was designed for a five week half term but can easily be extended.

I created this arrangement of the Game of Thrones theme for a typical school band. Within the pdf file is the score and parts. I have also included the sibelius file (sibelius 7) so that you can rearrange it for your school ensemble.

These are the resources I’ve used to teach my students about the orchestral music of Kodaly and Bartok. It includes general listening and a practical activity.

This is a one lesson lesson for AOS2: Popular Music for Muse. There are links to songs embedded in the star symbols. Please note, I have only taught AOS2 for the section A portion of the exam so please be aware that there are no songs analysed in the detail required for section C.