MS MUSIC CURRICULUM

 

Ambrit Rome International School Music Department
Music Curriculum
 
Preamble
From the start of this school year (September 2005), a new Middle School music course HAS to be followed in order to meet the requirements of the Italian National Education Programme where Music is one part of the total assessment.  This external assessment is VITAL to students who may wish to continue their post-Ambrit education in the Italian system. Furthermore, wherever students continue their education, it is also highly recommended that they have evidence of their musical standards achieved whilst at Ambrit, hence internal assessment of all students will continue throughout the music department. Some of the implications of this new course for parents are provided at the bottom of this document.
 
Rationale
It cannot be emphasized enough that students gain musical knowledge, understanding and skill by actively taking part in musical experiences. Having learned in this way, the student is free to take control as the performer, the composer, the listener, and is prepared for a lifetime of musical experience and enjoyment.
 

Grade 6 and 7

The aims of our music course are that music should provide all students with opportunities:
1.     To prepare for a lifetime of musical experience and enjoyment through development of musical skills, knowledge and understanding.
2.     To realize their full potential whatever their ability.
3.     To fulfill the requirements of the Italian National Education Programme, as well as to provide an adequate foundation for continued study in Grade 8.

Students at this grade should be able to:-

a)     Perform a selection of pieces at their level, on an INSTRUMENT such as guitar, recorder, keyboard or tuned percussion.
b)    Sing a selection of songs in different styles with expression and appropriate musical technique.
c)     Listen to and respond to music understanding the musical concepts such as melodic direction, harmony, rhythm, instrumentation, form, timbre, texture, dynamics, style. Students should know the basic Italian terms for musical directions.
d)    Read music staff notation in the treble clef, recognize simple key and time signatures, and follow a simple score.
e)     Demonstrate an understanding of topics and periods of music such as Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionism, 20th Century including Jazz and popular, and traditional styles from around the world.
f)     Compose and improvise in a given style, a simple melodic piece.
 
Grade 8
The aims of our music course are that music should provide all students with opportunities:
1.      To prepare for a lifetime of musical experience and enjoyment through development of musical skills, knowledge and understanding.
2.     To realize their full potential whatever their ability.
3.     To fulfill the requirements of the Italian National Education Programme, as well as to provide an adequate foundation for continued study in international secondary education (e.g. International Baccalaureate)

Students at this level should be able to:-
a)     Perform a piece of music solo and in a group, showing technical control and expression. Students can develop skills on recorder, tuned percussion, guitar, flute or keyboard.
b)    Sing solo and/or in a group, one or more parts with expression and controlled tonal quality. A selection of styles will be taught and students will choose at least 2 pieces for assessment.
c)     Listen to and respond to music understanding the musical concepts such as melodic direction, rhythm, instrumentation, form, timbre, texture, dynamics, style. Students will know the basic Italian terms for musical directions.
d)      Compose a simple musical work for voice, instruments.
e)     Improvise in a selection of musical styles such as Baroque, Blues, Caribbean or popular.

Assessment
An end of year final examination will take place with an external examiner at another school.  This is scheduled for June. Furthermore, students will be assessed on a continuous basis in order to give feedback of current standard and set future targets.  The criteria for each element of the music course are listed below:

1)  Performing on instrument and voice
A  - An excellent, accurate and musical performance, technically secure and stylish. The song or piece will be in tune, well controlled and musically phrased.
B  - A very good performance, mostly accurate, and conveying the composer's intention. A song will be in tune with good breathing and control.
C  - A good performance with a few errors but holding together and manages to finish. The song or piece will be in tune mostly with some control of breathing.
D - A faltering performance. The song or piece may show problems of intonation and control of breathing.

2)  Listening and Responding

Students will be given regular tests to check understanding of the musical concepts learned in class.  Furthermore, listening tests will be given after each unit of work.  Marks are awarded and recorded for each test. Feedback is given to the students and they are encouraged to carry out personal research for a topic and to reinforce concepts learned in class.

3)   Theory

Students will be given exercises to learn the theory of music.  This may well be given as homework.
 
Resources
Useful websites to support and extend learning are:
www.sibelius.com  -  Sibelius software site
http://www.liberton.edin.sch.uk  -  good for online exam prep
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/  -  good for primary music
www.grovemusic.com  -  website for Encyclopaedia
www.gracenote,com  -  website for song lyrics
www.classical.net  -  Classical music information site
www.threechords.com/hammerhead  -  drumkit backing tracks
 
 
Implications for Parents and Students
Whilst the course will be covered during the one hour per week Music lessons, those students who learn to play an instrument and are involved in the Middle School Choir (a Monday afternoon option) will be at a distinct advantage. Parents of students unable to take private lessons or participate in choir are strongly advised to stress the importance of full participation and attention by their children during the weekly music lesson, since this will be their only opportunity (together with set homework) to succeed in the overall examination. The Winter Recital is extremely important for the performing element, where students have the opportunity to present their music programme. 
 
Nicola Gilbert                                                                         
nicola.gilbert@ambrit-rome.com
 
  

Philosophy and Goals - Prospectus - Application & Fees
Calendar - Parent & Student guide - Friends of Ambrit

News - Curriculum - Class Projects - Staff Pages - Library
Technology - After-School Program - Main Index