Music

Course summary

You’ll learn to perform, compose and appreciate different styles of music over the course, developing your critical and creative thinking, as well as your cultural, aesthetic and emotional awareness. Composition is a key area of the course and you’ll learn how to apply theoretical techniques to create your own technically controlled and imaginatively expressive pieces of music. You will also develop your performance skills with a focus on solo playing with the option of ensemble performance. There are two routes through the course where you can choose to either focus on performance or composition coursework. Your analytical study will focus on three areas, with set works in each: the development of Western classical symphonies, music in either the 20th or 21st centuries and a choice of a further study between rock and popular music, musical theatre, or jazz. You’ll develop an understanding of the concepts explored within the music as well as the context in which it was written. You’ll also develop your ability to write informatively and analytically in this area of study. Outside of the classroom, we encourage you to join one or more of our senior ensembles which include the RGS Symphony Orchestra, Big Band, Concert Band and Senior Choir. There is a large variety of performance opportunities ranging from solo and chamber recitals, jazz concerts, rock gigs and larger school concerts and productions which you’ll be encouraged to participate in developing your instrumental and vocal craft.