Music is a powerful, unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. It brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression, reflection and emotional development. As an integral part of culture, past and present, it helps pupils understand themselves and relate to others, forging important links between the home, school and the wider world. The teaching of music develops pupils’ ability to listen and appreciate a wide variety of music and to make judgments about musical quality. Some of the brain benefits of learning a musical instrument include increased comprehension and math skills, better coordination, and a greater capacity for memory. Playing music will make learning easier by involving both sides of the brain in the process. There is a tangible sense of achievement through learning to play a piece of music and musicians develop time management skills, resilience and confidence through rehearsal and performance. We are surrounded by music in our daily lives, and it is through music education that we start to not only hear music, but listen to it. 

The focus in music is on the development of practical skills and techniques along with the sharing of work. With each topic, lessons are both theoretical and practical and are centered on developing a range of knowledge, skills and techniques that not only will prepare students for Key Stage 4 and beyond but are also invaluable across all other subject areas; teaching group work, concentration, confidence and communication. It has been proven that music making can have stress relieving benefits and can improve study skills such as patience, time management and memory retention. Music is an excellent way to enhance and develop creativity.

The key themes and skills explored and developed throughout the Music Curriculum are broken down into six repeat concepts which often interlink with each other:

 Our Repeat Concepts are:

• Performing Skills and Techniques
• Composing Skills and Techniques 
• Personal and Professional Skills
• Cultural Appreciation
• Technology and Production
•  Music Elements, devices, stylistic features and characteristics

Extra-curricular Music is used to both introduce and extend musical opportunities for students at Hayle Academy. 

• • A variety of ensembles are on offer during lunchtime sessions alongside ‘Band Jam’’ which allows students to create their own bands/ensembles,  practise their instruments and develop work from timetabled lessons. 
  • A variety of performance opportunities such as our Annual Christmas Concert, Cornwall Music Festival, Music For Youth and Boardmasters.
  • The school produces a whole school musical every two years.
  • Instrumental lessons are given by fully qualified visiting teachers, who specialise in particular instruments. Lessons take place during the school day and are organised on a rota to keep the disruption a minimum to other lessons. Instrumental lessons last between 10-30 minutes depending on the options you choose. (For more information on fees, instruments and subsidies, please request a form from reception).

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”

Plato