Music in State Primary

[gymnasticrobotics]

After watching Don't stop the music I start wondering how much music is actually taught in state primary, and is it comparable or much less than prep schools?

I imagine instrument learning will be up to individuals but is basic music knowledge and appreciation formally included in lessons?

We moved dd partly because we wanted her to do more music. We are a musical family, and dd is showing some potential.

At her old school she did: half an hour of class music, 20 minute private piano lesson (paid for by us), 20 minutes singing assembly. The only time there was a choir was when I went in once a week to lead it (as a parent). There was no music specialist, and no member of staff with any real musical expertise.

At her new school (prep) she does: 1 hour class music, half hour private piano lesson (paid for by us), half an hour private cello lesson (paid for by us), chamber choir, orchestra, jazz group, singing assembly, 45 minutes class singing. She could also join string group and senior choir if she wanted to, but has chosen not to as it would take up 2 more lunchtimes.

Each child n our primary school learns a different instrument each year from year 3 to year 6 for an hour a week from a music specialist who comes in. Private lessons are available for a wide variety of instruments ( we currently have piano, clarinet, violin and french horn) but are paid for by parents. We have 2 choirs run by staff and singing assembly once a week, hymn singing every day.

Would be interesting to know how many schools do their classroom music in "PPA" time, and how many of those have an "on one half term, off the next" system. This is what we have. I am lucky in that I get to teach (sorry, "instruct")it, but obviously if we are going to be serious about the children leaving with a real skill, having breaks for half terms at a time isn't ideal.

Ionacat - totally agree about the man on Don't start the music. For me, the big problem was whether any of it was going to continue after he left. It's all very well having loads of instruments; pointless is there is no specialist music teacher or peripatetic to teach them (which seemed to be the main problem)

Anyway, at our state primary, it's ok but could be better. There is a very good Junior choir (all girls; the boys don't seem interested), recorders for all Y2 and lunchtime recorder clubs intermediate and advanced. There is also a band which I have helped set up as a volunteer (I play along on my trombone!) and we have about 8 members so far, in a school of c.300. The specialist music teacher is excellent. There are loads of kids playing piano and guitar, but the instrument lessons are expensive.

I think the provision could be stronger and wish that more children did band/orchestral instruments. There's a cupboard full of instruments not being used. Work in progress - I really enjoy volunteering with this and would encourage any other musical MNetters to get involved and help out if they possibly can, as it's resources as always that the limiting factor.

Dd's school all yr2s learn the recorder and how to read music

Those that have shown aptitude are offered instrument lessons from yr3 and can choose from violin, cello, bass, trumpet, cornet, trombone, flute, clarinet, piano, guitar

They get a half hour lesson for free but these lessons are only offered to the 'select few' which in reality is 10-15 pupils each year

They have orchestra, junior and senior choir and a string ensemble

All pupils have singing assembly once a week

They have 2 specialist teachers on a job share but the equivalent of a full time teacher

Between them they teach all the instruments -one being a string specialist

DS's only music education is on a set of African drums. Better than nothing even though most of the children are Asian. They don't do singing only shouting. Christmas performance accompanied by CDs. His parent's generation in this same authority had Peripatetic music teachers, music centres, orchestras and bands galore.