Director of Music
I want music-making to be a regular part of school life, with time to listen, practise and develop an ensemble sound.
Explore the collectionI direct Music and teach pupils across the primary years. I want music-making to be a regular part of school life, with time to listen, practise and develop an ensemble sound. Rehearsal gives pupils a chance to notice how their part fits with the others.
Choir work involves more than learning notes. Pupils need to hear one another, keep a shared tempo and make choices about expression. I look for activities that make those skills clear while leaving space for pupils to contribute in different ways.
I value resources that help a class or ensemble begin together and keep the musical purpose visible. A short score, listening prompt or rehearsal plan can support practice, but the teacher still needs to adapt it to the group. I enjoy helping pupils prepare for performances and reflect on what they have learned together.
Rehearse listening as well as individual parts.
Give pupils clear ways to contribute to an ensemble.
Use performances as a reason to practise and reflect together.
Explore these templates and decide what fits your own setting.
Music and performing arts
Pupils should name the pictured instruments, sort them into strings, woodwind, brass and percussion, and explain the sound-making basis of a placement. They should use card details to distinguish a flute’s construction material from its family.
Music and performing arts
Name selected note values, keep a steady beat while clapping, and compose bars that contain four beats in 4/4 time.
Music and performing arts
Follow a musical line, use dynamic and breathing cues, enter at the agreed point and maintain a part while other groups sing.
