Samuel Ryder Music Academy

Samuel Ryder Academy’s Music Academy offers an extra Sixth Form pathway for those with a passion for musical performance.

The Music Academy has two main goals: developing musical performance skills and achieving the Arts Award Gold qualification. Students have two timetabled lessons per week and are also expected to engage with extracurricular music activities in school for their chosen instrument. The academy falls in the E-block choice for Sixth Form and can be taken alongside traditional A-Levels, including A-Level Music.

Musical Performance Skills

The programme is adapted to suit the instruments and abilities of each cohort. Students develop their performance ability on their chosen instrument, exploring a wide range of genres to broaden their musical horizons. We will tackle new genres and playing techniques, as well as covering industry-specific musical skills. Over the two years, students will represent the school in a variety of performances and events, as well as taking on leadership roles within the music department.

Professional Development – Arts Award Gold

Students work towards the nationally recognised Arts Award Gold qualification, which carries 16 UCAS points. This qualification allows students to gain project-management skills and collaborate with industry professionals to gain a true insight into the working life of a musician.

• Year 1 – Personal Development:
  Students gain work experience by leading music clubs, supporting curriculum music lessons, collaborating with students from other art forms to create new works, researching careers in the arts, and interviewing professional musicians.

• Year 2 – Leadership and Performance:
  Students design and lead a large-scale performance either in school or within the wider community. They take full responsibility for every stage of the process, from planning, auditions and logistics to technical requirements and hosting the event.

Admissions

The Music Academy is open to any Sixth Form students who have a passion for musical performance. Students must be able to sing and/or play their chosen instrument to a Grade 5 standard. GCSE music is not a prerequisite of the course. As part of the standard Sixth Form application process, students can indicate that they would like to apply for the Music Academy.

If you have any queries regarding the academy, please contact Mr Fothergill: p.fothergill@samuelryderacademy.co.uk