Music

Hyde Music Department is a well-resourced, modern department that achieves strong outcomes and maintains high levels of pupil engagement. While the department has flourished for a number of years, it remains committed to continuous improvement by ensuring its bespoke curriculum remains fresh, relevant and ambitious.

The department’s core aim is to deliver the highest quality music education to the Hyde community and to secure strong progress for all pupils. This is achieved through a curriculum in which the majority of lessons are practical in nature. During their studies, pupils sing, perform on a range of instruments, compose music, utilise music technology, and listen to and appraise a wide range of musical styles. The curriculum effectively prepares pupils for GCSE Music and the Tech Award in Music Technology, while also laying a strong foundation for future study and potential careers in music.

The department is fully inclusive, supported by a highly skilled team of staff who aim to challenge and inspire all pupils. Staff carefully support and nurture pupils’ performance, composition, and music technology skills, while also developing their listening, appraisal and musical knowledge. Rigorous progress tracking ensures that no disadvantaged pupil or pupil with SEND is left behind.

All pupils are supported in developing confidence, resilience, creativity, self-discipline and social skills, both within and beyond the classroom. The department offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities in partnership with Tameside Music Service. Music clubs and instrumental lessons consistently demonstrate strong engagement, although improving attendance remains an ongoing focus. The department also seeks to provide transformative experiences for the Hyde community through a range of concerts and educational visits each year. To ensure inclusivity within extra-curricular provision, the department established the Hyde Music Foundation, which raises funds to enable all pupils, regardless of background, to participate fully.

The department takes great pride in celebrating pupils’ achievements and regularly recognises and rewards those who demonstrate high levels of engagement and attainment.

KS3 Music

Year 7

Introduction to Music (Part 1)

The ‘Introduction to Music (Part 1)’ unit aims to develop students’ keyboard performance skills through learning a mix of traditional & modern pieces. The unit also aims to introduce students to ‘Rhythm & Metre’ where students will study the key terms; pulse, semibreves, minims, crotchets, quavers & semiquavers.

Musicals (Part 1)

The ‘Musicals (Part 1)’ unit aims to develop students’ music technology skills through inputting & editing pieces of music from famous musicals into a digital audio workstation (GarageBand). The unit also aims to introduce students to ‘Music Technology’ and the key terms; tracks, loops, inputting, editing & balancing.

Introduction to Music (Part 2)

The ‘Introduction to Music (Part 2)’ unit aims to continue to develop students’ keyboard performance skills through learning a mix of traditional & modern pieces. The unit also aims to develop understanding of ‘Melody & Harmony’ and the key terms; treble clef, stave, ledger lines, sharps, flats, conjunct & disjunct.

Musicals (Part 2)

The ‘Musicals (Part 2)’ unit aims to continue to develop students’ music technology skills through inputting & editing pieces of music from famous musicals into a digital audio workstation (GarageBand). The unit also aims to introduce students to ‘Timbre & Sonority’ and the key terms; software instruments, strings, woodwind, brass & percussion.

Ensembles

The ‘Ensembles’ unit aims to develop students’ performance skills through performing on ukulele, guitar, keyboard or singing as a group. The unit also aims to introduce students to ‘Dynamics, Texture & Structure’ and the key terms; piano, forte, pianissimo, fortissimo, melody & accompaniment, unison, verse, chorus & riff.

Video Games

The ‘Video Games’ unit aims to develop students’ composition skills through writing music for popular video games. The unit also aims to develop understanding of ‘Composition’ and the key terms; ostinato, range, chords, motif & structure. 

Year 8

World Music (Part 1)

The ‘World Music (Part 1)’ unit aims to develop students’ keyboard performance skills through learning pieces of music from all over the world. The unit also develops understanding of ‘Rhythm & Metre,’ focusing on the key terms; tempo, adagio, andante, allegro, accelerando & rallentando.

Classical Music (Part 1)

The ‘Classical Music (Part 1)’ unit aims to develop students’ music technology skills through inputting & editing a variety of iconic classical pieces into a digital audio workstation (GarageBand). The unit also aims to develop understanding of ‘Music Technology’ and the key terms; project tempo, quantise, velocity, reverb, echo & panning.

World Music (Part 2)

The ‘World Music (Part 2)’ unit aims to continue to develop students’ keyboard performance skills through learning pieces of music from all over the world. The unit also develops understanding of ‘Melody & Harmony,’ focusing on the key terms; major, minor, chords, chromatic & scalic.

Classical Music (Part 2)

The ‘Classical Music (Part 2)’ unit aims to continue to develop students’ music technology skills through inputting & editing a variety of iconic classical pieces into a digital audio workstation (GarageBand). The unit also aims to develop understanding of ‘Timbre & Sonority’ and the key terms; orchestral, SATB, quartet, pizzicato, arco & tremolo.

Ensembles

The ‘Ensembles’ unit aims to continue to develop students’ performance skills through performing on ukulele, guitar, keyboard or singing as a group. The unit also aims to develop understanding of ‘Dynamics, Texture & Structure’ and the key terms; crescendo, decrescendo, monophonic, homophonic, binary, ternary, rondo & improvisation.

Programme Music

The ‘Programme Music’ unit aims to continue to develop students’ composition skills through writing instrumental music to tell a story. The unit also aims to develop understanding of ‘Composition’ and the key terms; fill, phrase, diatonic, scalic & structure.  

Year 9

Rock & Pop (Part 1)

The ‘Rock & Pop (Part 1)’ unit aims to develop students’ keyboard performance skills through learning pieces of inspirational rock & pop music from across the decades. The unit also develops understanding of ‘Rhythm & Metre,’ focusing on the key terms; time signatures, dotted notes, triplets, ties, articulation & syncopation.

21st Century Music (Part 1)

The ’21st Century Music (Part 1)’ unit aims to develop students’ music technology skills through inputting & editing modern pop music into a digital audio workstation (GarageBand). The unit also aims to develop understanding of ‘Music Technology’ and the key terms; key signatures, copy, paste, compression, EQ, flange & automation.

Rock & Pop (Part 2)

The ‘Rock & Pop (Part 2)’ unit aims to continue to develop students’ keyboard performance skills through learning pieces of inspirational rock & pop music from across the decades. The unit also develops understanding of ‘Melody & Harmony,’ focusing on the key terms; bass clef, tonic, dominant, broken chords, cadences, consonant & dissonant.

21st Century Music (Part 2)

The ’21st Century Music (Part 2)’ unit aims to continue to develop students’ music technology skills through inputting & editing modern pop music into a digital audio workstation (GarageBand). The unit also aims to develop understanding of ‘Timbre & Sonority’ and the key terms; rhythm section, layered, acoustic & synthesised.

Ensembles

The ‘Ensembles’ unit aims to continue to develop students’ performance skills through performing on ukulele, guitar, keyboard or singing as a group. The unit also aims to develop understanding of ‘Dynamics, Texture & Structure’ and the key terms; sforzando, polyphonic, imitation, intro, outro, bridge, middle 8 & call & response. 

Film & TV

The ‘Film & TV’ unit aims to continue to develop students’ composition skills through writing music that represents the action on screen. The unit also aims to develop understanding of ‘Composition’ and the key terms; simple time, repetitive, inversions, ornamentation & contrast.

Rewards

Music staff actively recognise and reward positive student behaviour and engagement. Students are therefore routinely awarded PRIDE positive points via Go4Schools and receive PRIDE stickers on a half-termly basis. The criteria for each of the five reward stickers are outlined in the image to the right.

Students who collect all five PRIDE stickers in a term are awarded a Music Badge of Excellence, which grants them access to departmental rehearsal time outside lessons and an invitation to the annual London Music Trip.

Students who achieve all 15 PRIDE stickers across an academic year are recognised as Music All Stars. This accolade includes a trophy, certificate, priority access to a variety of music trips, and, subject to funding, the opportunity to learn a musical instrument free of charge.

KS4 Music

GCSE Music

GCSE Music is ideal for students who have a passion for music and enjoy playing an instrument, singing, or composing. The course allows you to develop your musical skills, explore different styles and genres, and gain a deeper understanding of how music is created and performed. It combines both practical and theoretical elements, including performance, composition, and music analysis, making it a well rounded and engaging subject.

GCSE Music can also help build confidence, creativity, and teambuilding skills, which are valuable in many career paths. Whether you aspire to work in the music industry or simply want to enhance your appreciation for music, this subject provides a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Component 1: Performing (30%)
You will perform and record two pieces of music lasting a total of 4-6 minutes, One piece must be an ensemble (group piece) lasting at least one minute. One piece linked to an Area of Study (see below). You can use any instrument or voice, or choose a technology option. This component is internally assessed then externally moderated.

Component 2: Composing (30%)
Compose two pieces of music lasting a total of 3-6 minutes. One composition will be a free choice, meaning you can choose what style of music you want to create. One in response to a brief set by the exam board – there are 4 to choose from each year. This component is internally assessed then externally moderated.

Component 3: Appraising (40%)
The listening exam will assess your knowledge on the four areas of study:

Area of study 1: Musical Forms and Devices
Area of study 2: Music for Ensemble
Area of study 3: Film Music
Area of study 4: Popular Music

There are 8 questions, two on each area of study. The exam will also focus on two pieces of music that will be studied in class (set works).

Course Specification Download (pdf)

Useful Links

BBC Bitesize Visit website

Musictheory.net Visit website

Instruments of the Orchestra Visit website

Music Google Drive Visit website

Area of Study 1: Musical Forms and Devises Revision Guide Download (pdf)

Area of Study 2: Music for Ensemble Revision Guide Download (pdf)

Area of study 3: Film Music Revision Guide Download (pdf)

Area of study 4: Popular Music Revision Guide Download (pdf)

Music Technology

Tech Award Music is ideal for students who enjoy creating music using technology & have a general interest in ‘real life’ music industry work. There is no written exam for this course.

Component 1: Performing Using Technology (30%)
Students will perform their own version of an existing piece of music (a cover version) using GarageBand. Students will research, rehearse, review, reflect and refine a 3-6 minute sequenced piece for a small audience.

Component 2: Creating Using Technology (30%)
Students will create & record their own piece of music in any style, using technology. Students will explore, develop, create, evaluate & refine a 3-10 minute original composition using GarageBand.

Component 3: Performing Arts in Practice (40%)
Students will respond to a brief by creating & pitching original ideas for a performing arts event (E.g. a themed festival). During the unit students will plan, promote, create, pitch & evaluate a proposal for an event.

Course Specification Download (pdf)

Useful Links

Music Google Drive Visit website

Extra Curricular

Instrumental Lessons

20 minute paired or individual lessons are provided by Tameside Music Service. Lessons take place during the school day on a rotating timetable where possible. You may be entitled to free or discounted lessons. More information including costs and sign-up forms can be found by Scanning the QR code, visiting your Music Google Classroom or the Registration Website by clicking here

Once signed-up students join a Google Classroom where they can access Timetables, Music, Backing Tracks and other resources to help support learning.

For more information please speak to your Music Teacher

Click here for more information Download (pdf)

Click here to register for lessons Visit website

Music Clubs

Hyde Music Department offers many extra-curricular activities. All Music Clubs are free to attend. There is no need to sign-up, just turn-up!

All clubs run from 3pm until 3.30pm with the exception of Hyde Rock Band which runs until 4pm.

– Music Tech Club – Monday 3pm until 3.30pm – Students are invited to use the superbly resourced Music IT room to independently write and record music. Students are also encouraged to use the Recording Studio with the aim of releasing their music on Hyde’s very own record label Hyde Records. Music Tech Club provides KS4 students with an ideal opportunity to get 1-1 support with coursework and for KS3 students to complete Music Homework tasks with support.

– Musical Theatre Club – Monday 3pm until 3.30pm – Students are invited to join a fun and lively club where you will perform, dance and act out famous pieces from musicals. By joining the club you will receive free expert tuition and be given exciting performance opportunities throughout the year.

– Hyde Orchestra – Tuesday 3pm until 3.30pm – Students are invited to join fellow string, brass and woodwind players to perform modern songs with a classical twist. By joining the orchestra you will receive free expert tuition and be given exciting performance opportunities throughout the year.

– Hyde Voices – Wednesday 3pm until 3.30pm – Students are invited to sing popular songs as part of the school choir. By joining Hyde Voices you will receive free expert tuition and be given exciting performance opportunities throughout the year.

– Hyde Rock Band – Thursday 3pm until 4pm – Students are invited to join fellow singers, guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboardists and more to perform rock and pop pieces as a band. This popular ‘School of Rock’ style club promises to teach you band skills whilst having lots of fun. By joining the band you will receive free expert tuition and be given exciting performance opportunities throughout the year.

Trips and Events

Each academic year the department aims to organise 3 music trips and host 3 concerts.

During term 1 GCSE musicians and KS3 Music All Stars are invited to watch the Halle orchestra perform at the Bridgewater Hall. The department also hosts the annual Winter Concert in school.

During term 2 KS4 musicians are invited to Access College Manchester to tour the building and take part in college workshops. The department also hosts the annual GCSE Recital Evening where Y11 GCSE students perform their solo pieces to a small audience in the department.

During term 3 the department invites 40 Badge of Excellence holders on the highly popular 2 day London Trip where students visit Covent Gardens, a West End musical, London’s main sights and a major tourist attraction. The department also performs at Hyde Market as part of the annual Hyde on Tour event.

Hyde Records

Hyde Music Department encourages students to write, record and release their own music through the department record label; ‘Hyde Records.’ The record label provides students with knowledge of how the recording process works. Music is released on YouTube and promoted through the department’s social media. Students can book recording sessions during lunchtime or after school. Students have gone on to release their own music on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon and Google.

Music Teachers