Music and Music Technology
We provide an inclusive, relevant and engaging approach to musical learning, which develops the musical potential in each and every one of our students.
Plato once said that music “is a more potent instrument than any other for education”. Recent research shows that studying music stimulates all areas of the brain, developing a child academically, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
Engaging children in music also helps them form a positive outlook about themselves and their capabilities. Playing a musical instrument develops a child’s self-confidence as it imparts a sense of control and mastery. Our music curriculum ensures that all of our students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to participate in music as performers, composers and listeners, undertake further musical study, or pursue a career as a professional musician.
Musical Futures is an approach to the teaching and learning of music that promotes innovation, inclusion, diversity and lots and lots of music-making! It is based on a pedagogy that is driven by the musical culture of the participants, rather than being limited to a specific musical style or genre. It brings real-world approaches to learning music into schools and has recently been named as one of the HundrEd global innovations in education.
At Bromsgrove, we have been recognised as Champion School for our commitment to providing a student-centred, engaging and relevant music education. The Musical Futures International learning models are embedded across the whole school music curriculum and our teachers receive regular training and access to the newest approaches and resources.
Reception and Year 1 (ages 4 to 6)
In Reception and Year 1, we nurture our students’ musical development by offering broad musical experiences with specialist teachers from a young age. The musical learning and development is centred around four key areas: listening and responding to a wide range of genres; developing singing skills; moving and dancing to music; and exploring and playing with sounds, rhythms and musical instruments. Our Early Years children perform throughout the year, including a nativity at the end of Term 1 and a musical in Term 3.
Year 2 to Year 6 (ages 6 to 11)
Children in Years 2 to 6 have two music lessons and a singing assembly each week, led by our specialist music teachers. Through our unique orchestral programme, our students experience learning a range of wind, brass and string instruments and are provided with a free instrument each year. This programme encourages students to develop confidence in performance, foster social skills, enhance coordination and nurture team work as part of an ensemble. Many young students also choose to pursue their instrumental learning through our Music Academy and co-curricular programme.
Key Stage 3 (ages 11 to 14)
In the Secondary School, our students continue to develop their music ability through integrated performing, composing and listening in a range of contexts and styles. Our ‘Just Play’ approach allows students to build instrumental, musical and ensemble skills on a variety of instruments, through whole-class music making. Creative music skills are modelled, and when ready, our students go ‘in at the deep end’. They are asked to work in friendship groups and choose their own music, instruments and pathway to reach the end point – to perform together as a band.
Key Stage 4 (ages 14 -16)
Key Stage 5 (ages 16 -18)
Edexcel A Level Music Technology is made up of four components: recording, technology-based composition, listening and analysing, and producing and analysing. This course focuses on how professional music is written and produced, how recording studios work and how to gain employment working within the music industry. The course is grounded in popular music covering all styles from rock and soul to EDM and commercial pop. Students are expected to have good keyboard skills and a sound understanding of music notation. A grade 4 or above in GCSE Music is beneficial but not essential.
Meet the Teachers
Mr Jeremy Meddows Taylor
Head of Performing and Creative Arts | jmeddowstaylor@bromsgrove.ac.th
Mr Meddows-Taylor has been at Bromsgrove since 2015, having previously taught at an independent specialist music school in the UK. He is also the current Chair of TISAC Music and a member of the FOBISIA Music Executive Committee. An experienced conductor, percussionist, trombonist and pianist, he has worked with a number of bands, orchestras, and choirs over his career. Mr Meddows-Taylor graduated from Cardiff University, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree and his Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Throughout this time, he was also a percussionist with the world-famous Cory Band, performing across Europe in many of the world’s finest concert venues.
Mr Nicolas Curror
Teacher of Music & Music Technology | ncurror@bromsgrove.ac.th
Mr Curror graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, majoring in piano performance. He has enjoyed a varied international career performing in the USA, Canada, Sweden, Bermuda, England and Thailand. He has performed at many prestigious venues, including the Bridgewater Hall, Barbican Hall and Wigmore Hall, and also has extensive experience in accompanying choirs, soloists, music exams and auditions. Mr Curror has taught music across Early Years, Primary and Secondary schools and is also an accomplished composer. His commissions include various commercial enterprises, such as Biffa Productions and Thales Aerospace Company.
Ms Rachel Argo
Teacher of Music & History | rargo@bromsgrove.ac.th
Ms Argo graduated from the University of Glasgow with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. After moving to England to pursue her career goal to become a teacher, she worked within the state and independent education sector, gaining her Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Buckingham. Ms Argo is a talented instrumentalist, playing the cello, piano and guitar, gaining her ABRSM Diploma in Music Performance on cello. She also has a range of experience in singing, songwriting and conducting choirs, which has been a strong focus of her teaching to date. As well as teaching music across Primary and Secondary, Ms Argo teaches cello and guitar for the Music Academy.
