Welcome to the Music Department at The Petchey Academy.

The Department is housed in purpose-built accommodation comprising three main teaching
rooms, six practice rooms, a music technology suite and a recital hall.

The recital hall is our principle performance space, with folding doors and a tiered seating system which offers perfect listening for a large audience.

Extra-Curricular Music

The Petchey Academy offers a wide range of opportunities for extracurricular music making. Pupils of all abilities are encouraged to join one of our groups
which normally meet on a weekly basis, at lunch-time or after school.  Music Scholars have automatic right of membership.

Extra-curricular groups include:
Orchestra
Junior Strings
Choir
Recorder Group
African Drumming Society

All our extra-curricular groups perform at a wide range of concerts throughout the year, both in and out of school.

There are generally two large concerts a year, a range of Chamber and Soloist Concerts and an annual inter-house music competition.

We have strong links with a wide range of external music organsiations and have enjoyed a variety of workshops with The Barbican Centre, The English Touring Opera, Handel House and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Academic Music

All pupils in Years 7 & 8 have one music lesson a week in which they explore elements of music through
composition,listening and performing, covering a wide range of musical styles. Music is taught using a very practical approach, with pupils having regular access to pitched and non-pitched instruments as well as music technology in order to enhance their understanding of the subject.

We follow the EDEXEL music GCSE course which is divided between the three disciplines as studied throughout Years 7, 8 & 9. Pupils continue to study a wide range of musical styles both classical and popular, through composition, listening and performance – the latter being an essential part of the course. A Practical Musicanship Qualification is also offered from the Royal Schools of Music as an alternative to GCSE, making music accessible to all abilities within the academy.

Instrumental Lessons

The Petchey Academy Music Department has growing team of instrumental teachers who offer lessons on a wide range of instruments. Pupils in the Lower School come out of academic lessons on a rotational basis.

Instruments currently offered are:

Violin
Piano
Voice

Those pupils who accept music scholarships of any description are expected to take a full and active role in the many musical opportunities offered by the department – these being one of the main advantages of holding a scholarship.