Music

Welcome to the Music Department

Curriculum Intent – the aims of the Music Education at Dormston:

For all pupils to have the opportunity to perform, listen and evaluate a wide, diverse range of music and to be taught how to compose music in a variety of styles. They will able to identify their areas of strength and the skills that they need to develop. The curriculum allows pupils to develop a clear understanding of the world’s rich musical culture and history. Alongside this, it offers them the chance to experience achievement, independence, self-confidence, resilience, self-reflection, in addition to social interaction and an awareness of others.

The Department:

At Dormston, pupils are fortunate to have two specialist rooms to be taught in. The teaching staff swap rooms every half term so pupils can explore the three main areas of performing, composing and listening by using a wide range of resources.

The Music Studio is fitted out with electronic keyboards, digital pianos, guitars, ukuleles, and a range of percussion including Samba instruments and African djembes.

The Music Technology Suite is equipped with fast PCs running FL Studio, Cubase, Audacity and Sibelius software. Every workstation has an external soundcard allowing for multitrack recording of instruments and vocals.

There are two practise rooms which are used by small groups during lessons and by Dudley Performing Arts (DPA) for individual instrumental lessons. One room has a full-sized acoustic drum kit and the other has keyboards and guitars.

Instrumental lessons are offered by DPA on all instruments, and they also provide an Orchestra and Choir as extracurricular clubs.

Pupils are also able to use the equipment and rooms after school on certain nights which allows them to practise instruments, continue with class work, receive one to one support with GCSE controlled assessments and to form bands.

The department consists of Mrs Beer and Mr Richardson. Below is some information about their musical journey.

Mrs Beer: “In Year 4 I started playing the Clarinet and that’s where my passion for Music really began. Shortly after this, I was lucky enough to be able to have Piano lessons too and then continued my study of Music into Secondary School where I took GCSE and then A Level Music. Whilst in Secondary school I also took part in a wide range of musical extra-curricular activities, which included playing lead roles in the School Production and performing in Choirs and Orchestras both in school and at County level. These experiences taught me how important Music making with others is in terms of developing personal skills that extend beyond just the subject of Music.  I went on to study Music at Cardiff University graduating with First Class Honours. I then went on to study my PGCE at Birmingham City University before starting teaching Music at Dormston where I have taught ever since! As a Mum of two young boys, most of my time outside of school is spent with my family. I do however, play Clarinet with Birmingham Symphonic Winds, who regularly perform in the CBSO centre and with whom I have toured abroad to perform in both Hong Kong and Latvia.” 

Mr Richardson: “I began my musical journey playing the trumpet aged 9. After having braces fitted in my teenage years, I decided to sell my trumpet, buy a keyboard and teach myself how to play. At this time, I also got interested in music production and sequencing music. I did return to the trumpet later though, and worked through the grades. My secondary school offered GCSE and an A Level in Music Technology which I then continued to study at the Birmingham Conservatoire. During my 3 years there, I learned guitar and ukulele whilst playing the keyboard in different bands which were able to record and produce ourselves. Since joining Dormston I have played in many school production bands and even dusted off my trumpet to play the last post for Remembrance Day. I have been part of other bands outside of school which were all on the keyboard. A few years ago, I decided to learn to play the piano properly and undertook classical lessons which have been challenging but also great fun. As a dad of two young boys my free time is limited but I do still enjoy playing different instruments and making my own music. I am a big Jazz fan but also partial to Drum & Bass.”