Using Tuned-in
The TUNED-IN approach exploits the classroom computer as a flexible resource centre for music:
* it acts as a 'Big Book' (e.g. telling the story of Owl's Party)
* it functions as a video-clip player
* it acts as a music player
* it is a reference source, providing information about, and images of, musical instruments, etc.
* it is a sound source for children's compositions
* it displays musical scores for performance by groups of pupils
Sometimes children will work directly at the computer
* composing their own music
* creating musical sounds or structures to be incorporated into a performance (eg. using Compose World Junior files to devise their own rondo in the style of Mozart, using the Windows ™ Sound Recorder to record and process sounds)
Pupil Materials
The web-based materials for pupils focus on aspects of the QCA units.
At KS1, the web-based materials, Owl's Party and The Midnight Spider extend children's perception of inventing, selecting and ordering sounds to illustrate a story. This is introduced in the QCA Unit 2: Sounds Interesting. Here, the focus is on children's expressive use of sounds in response to the stimulus of a story.
However, the opportunity to make links between simple story structures and simple musical structures is apparent, and the web-based materials supplement a set of teacher's notes suggesting ways in which the stories Goodnight Owl and The Very Busy Spider might be extended.
Additionally, the use of Compose World Junior to create a pictorial sequence which can then be used as a notational aid or 'score' for a composition using voices and instruments makes connections with QCA Unit 6: What's the Score?
At KS2, The Carnival of the Animals illustrates ways in which Saint-Säens reflects the movement and behaviour of animals through musical elements and devices rather than 'sound effects'. Video clips of animal movements may be viewed, and children's attention is drawn to ways in which the composer reflects the nature and quality of movement in the music. This provides a sound basis for subsequent movement work suggested by QCA (Unit 9: Animal Magic).
Teacher Materials
The web-based materials for pupils focus on aspects of the QCA units.
These are presented in downloadable text form.
* The format reflects QCA guidance in order to ensure good practice and consistency of planning. (A Scheme of work for Key Stages 1 and 2: Music: Teachers Guide: Appendix 1)
* The teacher materials refer to the NC music programmes of study and QCA exemplar units at KS1 and 2
* Classroom organisation and groupings for activities are considered
* Differentiation and progression are addressed
* Teacher materials frequently suggest additional activities which are not presented on pupil pages
* Additional web links are suggested
* A number of appropriate cross-curricular links are suggested
* Where appropriate, suggestions are made for the involvement of musicians in the wider community, including professional groups and LEA instrumental services
Music Related Articles
A series of on-line articles will deal with a range of subjects relating to music and education. These will deal with issues relating to the music curriculum, instrumental teaching, repertoire, musical development, etc.