Music

Music flourishes at Urmston Grammar, both as an academic subject from Years 7-13 and as an important part of wider school life, available to all students.

There are many opportunities for making and sharing music in lessons, assemblies, concerts and community events. All our Year 7 students take part in our annual 'Let's Sing' concert in their first term, which is fantastic performance experience. The curriculum at KS3 covers a diverse range of musical genres, including many world musics and popular styles. All students will learn how to read music notation and how to play the keyboard with two hands. They are also taught how to create music using software in our technology studio. 

Many students play at least one instrument, with large numbers of pupils taking part in the school band, wind group and bespoke ensembles. Singing is really encouraged and we offer a popular junior choir, a boys-only choir, a senior choir and chamber vocal ensembles. There is also a staff choir who perform at times with the students. A highlight of the school calendar is our Festival of Christmas in December. Many of our musicians play or sing in regional and national ensembles, but the calibre of practical performance within school is exceptional. We achieve excellence and opportunity through encouraging musicians of all levels to participate.

Private music lessons from our peripatetic staff are available in a full range of instruments. Lessons take place within the normal school day, and for KS3 are timetabled on a rotational basis so that students do not miss the same lesson each week. All students from Year 10 and above are timetabled during break or lunchtime, and for sixth form students, during their frees. Many students start new instruments in Year 7 and beyond and are welcome to discuss options with the Head of Music. There are also opportunities for students to record performances for ABRSM practical exams in school and they can be accompanied by music staff.