Music Key Concepts
There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of music. Pupils
need to understand these concepts in order to deepen and broaden their
knowledge, skills and understanding.
1.1 Integration of practice
a. Developing knowledge, skills and understanding through the integration of
performing, composing and listening.
b. Participating, collaborating and working with others as musicians,
adapting to different musical roles and respecting the values and benefits
others bring to musical learning.
1.2 Cultural understanding
a. Understanding musical traditions and the part music plays in national and
global culture and in personal identity.
b. Exploring how ideas, experiences and emotions are conveyed in a range of
music from different times and cultures.
1.3 Critical understanding
a. Engaging with and analysing music, developing views and justifying
opinions.
b. Drawing on experience of a wide range of musical contexts and styles to
inform judgements.
1.4 Creativity
a. Using existing musical knowledge, skills and understanding for new
purposes and in new contexts.
b. Exploring ways music can be combined with other art forms and other
subject disciplines.
1.5 Communication
a. Exploring how thoughts, feelings, ideas and emotions can be expressed
through music.
Explanatory notes
Performing, composing and listening: Performance, composing and listening
are interrelated. Pupils should be encouraged, for example, to develop
listening skills through performance and composition activities. Knowledge,
skills and understanding in each of these areas should be developed
interactively through practical music-making.
Participating, collaborating and working with others: Music is a social
experience in which each performer and listener contributes to the whole
experience. Music activities help pupils develop as effective team workers
and participators by providing opportunities to play a full part in the life
of their school or wider community.
Understanding musical traditions: The way we respond to music is determined
to a large extent by our culture. We need to learn how and why music is
different if we are to appreciate unfamiliar music.
Engaging with and analysing music: This includes engaging with music through
performance and listening, and appraising music that covers a range of
styles, genres and traditions.
Wide range of musical contexts: Pupils’ awareness and experience of a wide
range of music should be broadened through the key processes of performing,
composing and listening.
Combined with other art forms: This includes music linked to video, film,
dance or drama.