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Music

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.

Plato

MUSIC

It is almost impossible to overstate the benefits that music-making has on the all-round development of children. From improving brain function and academic performance, to nurturing social skills and promoting empathy, Music has the power to inspire and motivate on every level.

At Dolphin, every child is given the opportunity to create and respond to music. The Music curriculum is highly practical, with a focus on building musical skills such as critical listening, composing, and performing. Singing is a core element of our music-making, not only because of the way it encourages children to embody key musical concepts, but also because of the proven positive effects of singing together in a community.

Children from Nursery to Year 8 have lessons with a subject specialist teacher, covering a wide range of musical topics that fit flexibly around school productions and trips. They use different instruments to explore music from around the world and across the centuries, including keyboards, ukuleles, and various percussion. Wherever possible, children at Dolphin are given the chance to create music as well as perform it – and there are numerous opportunities for them to share their compositions with their peers.

We also offer a range of extra-curricular Music activities throughout the year, such as singing in a choir (which includes performing as part of Young Voices at the O2 Arena in London), playing in our newly-established Rock and Pop Band Club, taking part in on-stage productions, and performing at a range of school events.

Looking ahead, I am delighted that we have a growing relationship with the Windsor and Maidenhead Symphony Orchestra, who rehearse at Dolphin every week. As this develops, children will have the opportunity to hear and perform with a real orchestra of live musicians.

Individual music tuition is offered by our experienced team of visiting music teachers, on a number of instruments including piano, woodwind, brass, strings, percussion and voice. Taster lessons are available for children to experience instruments before formally starting lessons.

Older children (Years 6-8) are able to pursue a Music Subject Award, focusing on any area of particular interest to them. There are also positions of responsibility available within the Department for aspiring and committed musicians, giving students a chance to influence the culture here at Dolphin.

Matt Hartley-Stevens, Head of Music

The range of subjects offered ensures that pupils at all stages are given learning experiences which fulfil their academic potential and successfully nurture their personal development.

ISI Report 2016