“Music is the universal language of mankind.”  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Music plays a very important part in bringing people together and during this period of extended school closure the power of music could be transformational.  For teachers, parents and pupils, working from home brings about a new set of challenges.

Here are 6 FREE practical resources for parents, teachers and students, appropriate for secondary school pupils:

1. Digital Concert Hall (KS3-KS5)

A 30 day FREE subscription to the Berliner Philharmoniker digital concert hall.

Great for listening exercises and wider research of composers.

2. The Beat Goes On (KS3)  

Beat Goes On is a collection of body percussion videos.

The founder of this company, Ollie Tunmer (a former cast member of the hit show STOMP) will be streaming a live body percussion workshop every day at 11am on his YouTube channel. No instruments required!

3. Introduction to Music Technology (KS3 and KS4)

Introductory videos to music technology applicable to both KS3 and KS4 students.

4. Focus on Sound Pro

Designed for school teachers, Music First are offering FREE use of this cloud based platform during this period of school closure.

5. Writing a rap – Charanga – FREE resource and competition (KS3)

Practical resources for writing a rap and how to generate ideas.

Also includes details of how to enter a competition.

6. BBC Ten Pieces (KS3)

Explore the stories and secrets hidden in these classical pieces of music. 

For each piece you will find free teaching resources, exciting short films, lesson plans, arrangements and more.

Summary

We do hope you find these music resources helpful during this time. We have also collated a long list of resources in different subjects, including English, Maths, RE, wellbeing. Visit our Parent Resources page, here.

You might also be interested in the following blog posts:

• 8 Free Primary School Music Resources for Parents, Teachers and Pupils
• 4 Ways to Stay Mindful Whilst Working from Home
• 11 Tips For Homeschooling Your Primary School Children

At Services For Education, we are committed to supporting you through this troubling time, so over the next few weeks, we will be posting blogs and sharing resources with you via our website.

Stay safe and look after yourselves.

About the Author – Adam Hickman – BMus (Hons), PGCE, HonRBC

Adam graduated from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (formerly Birmingham Conservatoire) in 2008 with a BMus(Hons) degree where he studied classical guitar with Mark Ashford and Mark Eden. Upon graduation, Adam completed a PGCE in Primary Education at Birmingham City University and has since worked as a peripatetic music teacher and is currently Deputy Head of Music Service at Services For Education.

He has also worked as an External Examiner at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and coordinates and lectures on music education modules at both Birmingham City University and The University of Birmingham. In June 2019, Adam was awarded Honorary Membership of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in recognition for his work in the field of music education. Adam is also active as a conductor and ensemble director through his work with the Birmingham Schools’ Training Guitar Ensemble and the National Youth Guitar Ensemble.