Year 7 to 9 Music

Our junior music programme builds confidence, curiosity, and foundational musical skills through practical, hands-on learning. Students develop their abilities in performance, composition, and listening, while gaining an understanding of the elements of music through real musical contexts. The programme is carefully sequenced to support all learners, including those with no prior experience, while also extending students with existing musical backgrounds. Each year level introduces new skills and contexts, preparing students for senior music pathways and active participation in the school’s musical life.

Year 7

Students begin with a percussion unit, developing a strong sense of pulse, rhythm, and ensemble awareness through group performance. They then move to ukulele, where they learn chords and strumming patterns, working towards a class performance. In the second half of the year, students explore songwriting, creating their own music while learning about structure and the creative process.

Year 8

Students begin with music production, developing skills in digital composition and recording. They then complete an Aotearoa composition unit, creating original work inspired by local musical contexts. Alongside this, students develop their performance skills on ukulele and keyboard, working both independently and in small groups.

Year 9

Students explore soundtrack creation, learning how music supports storytelling for film and media, before composing their own music to a visual brief. They also take part in a rock band unit, developing ensemble skills, instrumental technique, and rehearsal practices, with opportunities to perform.

All junior students receive three lessons per 10-day cycle.