Using both the left (linguistic and mathematic) and right (creative) hemispheres of the brain, harnessing fine motor skills and producing an emotional output, Music is a unique subject that deserves to be at the heart of every young person’s learning and development.
Whether one is a beginner or a master, music ensures each person is a part of the same journey.
The value of a process where information, analysis and experimentation create a positive learning outcome, free from right and wrong, and on the whole subjective, is to be cherished. In a supportive environment, pupils are able to develop from within, learning to challenge as well as be challenged and as a result develop better self-awareness.
It is a process that should be enjoyable, where improvement is recognised and confidence realised. As education becomes more and more about results and short-term memory retention, music provides a counter balance, placing each person at the centre of their own learning. Ultimately, Music is an all-encompassing learning experience, providing skills for life, helping make people employable and become the best they can be.
At Bradfield, everyone is welcomed into the world of the creative arts through our Year 9 scheme of work. Our iMac Suite, using GarageBand and Logic software, enables us to reach out to every pupil, and with class sizes at a maximum of 12, we are able to offer personalised learning, differentiating for all pupils.
There is a wide-ranging activity programme offering something for everyone, whether that be instrumental lessons, Music Tech club, pupil-led groups or larger ensembles. We encourage pupils to be proactive in starting and joining these but provide specialist help at every possible opportunity.
As education becomes more and more about results and short-term memory retention, music provides a counterbalance, placing each being at the centre of their own learning.
Our outlook on music extends further still, to the back room staff, where we provide a hands on experience for those with alternative interests, for example helping with stage management, lighting or sound. Music really is at the heart of College life.
In recent years, Bradfield has had many success stories, re-enforcing the value of a good music education. Pupils have continued into tertiary education at universities across the world, including Oxbridge and other Russell Group Universities, as well as specialist music colleges.
Two such examples in the Alumni are Charlotte Phelps and Katie Mazur. Charlotte went to York to study Electronic Engineering and Music Technology and now designs hybrid cars for Mercedes. Katie received multiple scholarship opportunities before choosing to continue her study of the violin at the Royal College of Music.
Whether one is a beginner or a master, music ensures each person is a part of the same journey. The same search for perfection is a humbling process that opens minds, hearts and souls, affording every single one of us the opportunity to be the person we want to be.
