Studies have shown that a cultural curriculum equips pupils with the skills they will need in the 21st-century workplace, including adaptability, teamwork and creativity.
Our philosophy is that everyone is welcome to enjoy all the experiences on offer in the Music Department. We don’t hold any auditions, and all participation is entirely voluntary. The Music Department is thriving, with 130 boys now learning an individual instrument. We are proud of their achievements and commitment and look forward to many wonderful concerts and continued growth.
The refurbished Music Block is home to an intimate auditorium, seven practice rooms and five teaching classrooms. Every year, we replace the existing equipment or add to the already well-appointed classrooms. The layout of the block means that noisy drumming lessons can take place at the same time that someone else is concentrating on the intricacies of a Baroque piano piece.
Instruments on Offer
The Cordwalles Music Department offers tuition in the following instruments:
- Piano
- Violin
- Saxophone
- Clarinet
- Voice
- Drum Kit
- Folk guitar
- Ukulele
- Recorder
The Benefits of Music Tuition
- Develops and improves analytical skills – critical thinking, problem-solving and decision making
- Interpersonal skills – communication, collaboration, negotiation
- The ability to execute tasks – self-direction, productivity, perseverance
- Processing of information – information and media literacy, safe and responsible use of technology
- Capacity for change – creativity, innovation, flexibility and adaptability
- Grows confidence and helps boys overcome stage fear
- Improves academic performance
- Strengthens hand-eye coordination
Boys at Cordwalles have an hour a week of Music as part of the curriculum. Along with general knowledge and skills, these lessons are a chance for boys to gain exposure to areas of speciality. For example, lessons in the guitar, violin and ukulele class may lead to private individual lessons in these instruments; boys could then decide to prepare for examinations or join an ensemble.
Boys in Grade 2, 3 and 4 receive formal lessons in the ukulele, violin or guitar once a week. This has been an exciting change from the traditional recorder, and the boys are thoroughly enjoying this diversity.
The Junior Primary choir meets once a week. All boys who are in Grades 2 and 3 are encouraged to join. This is excellent preparation for the Junior and Senior choirs—which had to be split due to the high numbers and popularity.
Boys learn to sing in soprano, alto and tenor. Our choirs lead both the Easter and Christmas services, as well as the annual Combined Choirs event, which we host. When possible, they have also sung at outside venues, senior homes and other schools, bringing much joy and entertainment to their audiences. The gospel choir is a new and popular addition, adding another dimension to the dynamic department.
We believe in an all-inclusive approach. The standard that our choirs have reached has been commendable, despite no auditions taking place.
- Anyone showing aptitude and commitment can join our weekly drum line
- The saxophone ensemble has grown in strength and proficiency
- The violin ensemble meets once a week and has reached a commendable level, able to participate in all school functions and services
- Djembe Troupe is a lively group of boys who meet to explore new rhythms and movement
- Due to the ‘explosion’ of guitar tuition over the past years, guitar groups have been meeting twice a week
- Lunchtime Grade rock bands have now also been introduced where the boys may come along to enjoy informal music-making
- “Pop Idols” has been replaced by the “C factor” and is run along similar lines of the popular singing competition
- Inter-class singing competitions are held during Cultural week
An extra-curricular programme for Music is offered in the mornings before school starts. This is voluntary and very well supported by the boys in the Senior Primary section of the school.
Where boys show a flair for Music, they generally take up an individual instrument and are taught privately to develop that specific skill, including vocals.
Boys may enter exams through all the reputable overseas examining boards: ABRSM, Trinity College London and Rock school.
Specialist teachers will assess the individual boy and together decide on the classical or rock and pop route and learn and prepare accordingly for music exams, if the boy chooses to do so.
The Drama and Music Departments work closely, planning productions and performances to showcase our boys’ talents. Voluntary competition is available for the boys who wish to partake in outside examinations or festivals.