Music Programme

At Sunderland School and College all students from Year 0 to Year 10 receive Music as a classroom subject. As of 2011, IGSCE and Cambridge A level Music will be available.

Music at Sunderland College is very much a practical experience. The Music department is equipped with percussion instruments, xylophones/marimbas, ukuleles, guitars and keyboards for students to use. Students learn how to read and write as well as composing their own pieces. The also learn how to critically review their own work.

The curriculum is designed to provide the basic musical skills that are required to perform and compose music accurately and confidently. Students are exposed to music from the Western Classical tradition as well as popular music. Music from other cultures is also investigated. Examples of topic covered:

Year 7 - Beat/Rhythm, Pitch, Animal Compositions, Japanese music, Maori music

Year 8 - Introduction to Classical Music, The Four Seasons, Introduction to guitar

Year 9 - 50's Rock and Roll, Keyboard Skills, Rap, Video Game music

Year 10 "“ The Beatles/Rolling Stones, Holst- The Planets, Punk, Dance

Itinerant Lessons and Co-curricular

There are a variety of opportunities for students to take part in Music lessons at Sunderland. Private or small group lessons are offered on flute, clarinet, harp, piano, guitar, bass guitar and drums. The following co-curricular activities are also available to students:

• College Choir
• Chamber Orchestra
• Rock Bands
• School Production

Staff

Daniel O'Connor is an experienced music teacher. His principle instruments are piano, guitar and bass. Daniel undertook his Bachelor of Music at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He spent five years in the United Kingdom teaching at a State Comprehensive School and has been living and working in New Zealand for the last five. He brings a great deal of enthusiasm and commitment to the Music programme at Sunderland.