Music

‘…music has a unique contribution to make to education and by that we mean the education of all children…the creativity at the heart of music-making can help raise attainment and motivate young people’ (Music Manifesto, Department for Education and Skills, 2004).

Arts workshops in primary schools
Instrumental lessons in primary and secondary schools
In-service training for primary schools
Music tuition in your home

Partnership with Dawkes Music, Sheargolds Pianos and Singletons

Edvantage recommends Dawkes Music, a specialist retailer of woodwind and brass instruments, Sheargolds Pianos and Singletons Sheet Music. Dawkes and Sheargolds offer instrumental rental schemes. Please click the logos to connect to their websites.

Services for primary schools

‘Pupils should be taught how to: play tuned and untuned instruments; explore and express their ideas and feelings about music using movement, dance and other expressive and musical language’ (The National Curriculum for England on KS1, Department for Education and Employment, 1999).

EDVANTAGE WORKSHOPS are suitable for medium to large groups of primary children. Our imaginative session in Indian music and dance introduces students to culture, movement and unfamiliar instruments such as the sitar, tablas and baja. Young minds are captivated through spirited participation with our presenter. Our dynamic steel pan workshop introduces children to Caribbean music, and Rockschool Roadshow concerns the history and performance of popular music. The spirited Big Easy Brass Band takes students, in similar fashion, on a journey to New Orleans in Mardi Gras. Aside from these exciting prospects, we provide sessions that focus on the broader musical development of children. Our Kodály session, for instance, develops children’s aural perception and vocal abilities. Zoltán Kodály (1882-1967) is widely regarded a key influence in the music education of our time. Children begin to understand pitch and sing accurately through specific hand signals. A systematic training of this nature can make a significant impact upon school choirs; nonetheless, it is suitable for all primary-age children. The eurhythmic techniques developed by Emile Jaques-Dalcroze (1865-1950) can also be introduced during this session. These use physical movement to develop an understanding of musical elements thus treating the body as an instrument for personal expression. We also cater for younger children, of course. Kindermusik is appropriate for children of seven years of age and below; this workshop introduces a spectrum of activities to nurture musicality at the very earliest stages.

EDVANTAGE INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS are also available in primary schools. We can provide lessons in a wide range of instruments (pianoforte, strings, brass, woodwind, percussion, Indian instruments) and voice. Weekly lessons occur during the school day and early evening. Schools are invoiced directly or, alternatively, parents charged thus removing any pressure from school budgets and administrators.

EDVANTAGE IN-SERVICE TRAINING is aimed at primary teachers with limited musical experience. We understand that the breadth of our National Curriculum results in many primary educators teaching music with limited background and subject knowledge. Our educational consultants can offer assistance. We can also train Music Coordinators in singing and choir directing.

Services for secondary schools

We provide instrumental tuition in secondary schools on a similar basis to primary establishments (please see above). We also offer a specialist vocal workshop, covering styles ranging from gospel to jazz improvisation, which is suitable for children with a modest amount of singing experience.

‘Pupils should be taught how to: sing unison and part songs developing vocal techniques and musical expression; perform with increasing control of instrument-specific techniques…’ (The National Curriculum for England on KS3, DfEE, 1999).

Music education in your home

EDVANTAGE AT HOME provides for a spectrum of instrumental pupils, encompassing beginners to advanced musicians seeking a career in music. Instruction is available in voice, strings, pianoforte, brass, bass guitar and Indian instruments. Our tutors can visit you on a weekly basis. Many of our instrumental learners undertake Trinity Guildhall or Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) examinations. The ABRSM programme of graded examinations necessitates passing a theory qualification before progressing beyond Grade 5. Consequently, our provision embraces music theory classes. Aside from individual instrumental tuition, we can support GCSE and A. Level Music studies through lessons in your home (incl. composition, harmony and counterpoint).

‘ABRSM graded examinations are accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) for England. This accreditation places them within the National Qualifications Framework in the United Kingdom. Passes at Grades 6-8 now attract points within the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service tariff. Consequently, these examinations now count towards applications for universities and colleges’ (source: ABRSM).