We believe music is a universal language that crosses many divides that we see in the world. It is a highly academic subject requiring students to analyse and comment upon composers and performers intentions as well as discusses key musical features of a large number of genres. It helps build skills for life-long learning such as self-discipline, resilience and teamwork.

Music qualifications are highly regarded by colleges of further education and employers alike as musicians are trained to work methodically and to be self-disciplined.

In Years 7 and 8 students follow a broad range of topics to improve their musical skills. These focus on singing, orchestral music, rhythm skills covering music from around the world, keyboard, ukulele and guitar skills, the Blues and the history of pop music; chords and following chord-chart and notation. We are extremely proud of the fact that we have a class sets of brass, woodwind and strings and these are introduced in the first term. It's a privilege to be able to offer our students this rich hands-on experience with so many orchestral as well as pop instruments. Students will develop the core musical skills of performing, improvising, composing and listening and appraising. A wide range of music is covered from all different backgrounds and cultures. Students are also able to use a range of music technology to support their on-going learning in music.

In Year 9 students begin GCSE or BTEC music. In GCSE we focus on further enhancing ensemble skills through class and small group performances looking at the set works of Badinerie by Bach and Africa by Toto. Students explore music spanning the centuries up to Jazz, Blues, modern pop styles and Bhangra. Students will then examine the role of music in film and theatre looking at music from Back to the future, Schindler's List, Jaws and other great music from Hans Zimmer, Bernard Herman and John Williams. 

In Music Technology BTEC we explore the music industry, sequencing, audio recording whilst working with industry standard equipment and programs. Students have the opportunity to venture down more technological or performance based pathways depending on their experience, skills and interests. This course is developed mostly through assignments linked to real life situations as students really develop their understanding of the music industry.  

David Berliner BMus (Hons) is the Director of Music, assisted by Lorna Denman BA (Hons), Teacher of Music. The team is supported by Aidan Scanlon, Performing Arts Technician.

I really appreciate the opportunity that you give to such a variety of performers.  From the Year 7 child at the start of the evening who stands at the mic and sings a song unaccompanied that he has written to the Year 11 child who is astounding on the piano playing a classical piece. 

There is an inclusivity in the music department that shines through the evening.  I can see that children are encouraged to 'give it a go' and supported to be brave. 

Parent feedback following the Spring Music Celebration 2019

Three concerts each year; numerous performances and workshops around Brighton and Hove including the Childrens Parade, Glyndebourne, Brighton Early music Festival and Brighton Dome. Music is also usually a feature of the Artists' Open House exhibition.

Music tour to Paris.

Lower school voices, chamber choir, concert band/orchestra, lower school rock and orchestral instruments band, Rock Factory, flute group, samba band.