Music at SMITH

Music Development Plan

At S.M.I.T.H, we want every child to love music. Music is all around us – it connects us, inspires us, and brings joy to our school community.

Children take part in singing, playing instruments and creating their own music and, best of all, sharing it with others. From Show and Tell in the classroom to class assemblies, impromptu performances at break or lunchtime, and our big school concerts, pupils blossom in confidence and discover the real joy of performing.

Music at S.M.I.T.H brings us together and helps every child find their voice.

Model Music Curriculum

At our school, we follow the Model Music Curriculum, which provides a structured and progressive approach to music education. It outlines key areas of musical learning that work together to help our children grow as confident, skilled musicians.

The curriculum focuses on four main strands:

Singing – Developing vocal skills, confidence, and musical expression through a wide range of songs and styles.
Listening – Exploring and appreciating music from different times, places, and cultures, helping children understand and respond to what they hear.
Composing – Encouraging creativity by giving children the tools and opportunities to create their own music, both individually and in groups.
Performing / Instrumental Performance – Building instrumental skills and performance confidence, allowing pupils to share their music with others.

Through these areas, we aim to nurture a lifelong love of music while steadily developing musical knowledge, technical ability, and creativity.

Sing, Smile, Shine!

At our school, singing is at the heart of everything we do! Whether it’s raising our voices in joyful singing assemblies, performing with pride in our Early Years, KS1 or KS2 choirs, or bursting into song on the school yard – music brings us together and fills our days with energy, confidence and fun. There’s always a tune in the air and a smile on our faces!

Playing Instruments

Y6 Whole Class Singing Lessons

Our Year 6 pupils participate in the Singing Schools Programme (SSP), a dynamic initiative that brings professional choral expertise into the classroom. Led by Clary Taylor and Stephen Mannings, both experienced choral directors, the programme offers weekly sessions that blend vocal technique with performance skills. Students explore a diverse choral repertoire, fostering a deep appreciation for singing. These sessions culminate in public performances, providing students with valuable experience and confidence. The SSP is part of a broader effort to enhance music education and community engagement through singing.

Y4 Whole Class Brass Lessons

At our school, all Year 4 pupils have the exciting opportunity to learn a brass instrument as part of their music education – completely free of charge!

Lessons take place in the school hall and include a variety of brass instruments such as trombones, trumpets, cornets, and euphoniums.

These sessions are a fantastic way for children to develop their musical skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of making music together. It’s also a great foundation for those who wish to continue learning an instrument in later years. The brass tuition is led by Louise Hough from Resonate, Liverpool’s Music Hub.

Y3 Whole Class Ukulele Lessons

All our Year 3 pupils take part in whole class ukulele lessons, delivered by Bailey Wilson from Front Row Music.

Front Row Music provides dynamic, modern music education designed to make learning fun and accessible. Through these weekly ukulele sessions, children learn to play real songs they love, while developing key musical skills such as rhythm, pitch, and performance.

The lessons focus on building confidence, teamwork, and a genuine love for music—laying a strong foundation for future musical learning.

To find out more about Front Row Music, visit frontrow-music.com.

Y2 Whole Class Recorder Lessons

All Year 2 pupils enjoy whole‑class recorder lessons led by their class teachers. In these sessions, children learn basic fingerings, rhythms and simple tunes, building their ensemble skills and musical confidence together.

Violin Lessons

We are delighted to offer violin lessons to children across the school, taught by our experienced visiting music tutor, Lesley Davies.

Whether your child is a beginner or looking to build on existing skills, these lessons provide a wonderful opportunity to learn technique, develop musicality, and enjoy the discipline and creativity of string playing.

If you’re interested in enrolling your child, please contact the school office for more information on availability and lesson times.

Band Lessons

We are thrilled to offer Rocksteady Music School lessons at our school, led by the talented Conor Quin. Rocksteady provides fun and inclusive in-school band lessons for children aged 4–11, allowing them to experience the excitement of playing in their very own rock or pop band. No prior musical experience is necessary—just enthusiasm and a love for music!

During these weekly sessions, children can choose to play instruments such as electric guitar, keyboard, drums, bass, or take on the role of lead vocals. All instruments are provided, and lessons take place during the school day, making it convenient for families.

Rocksteady’s approach not only teaches musical skills but also boosts confidence, teamwork, and creativity, helping children to shine both on and off the stage .

For more information or to sign up, please contact the school office or visit the Rocksteady Music School website.

Performances

Performing for our King at Eurovision in Liverpool!

Playing at the Eurovision Camp!

Meet Our Music Lead – Mr Reid
Mr Reid leads music across our school with energy and enthusiasm. He has a real passion for music and absolutely loves to sing! Whether he’s leading a choir, conducting a performance, or simply singing in assembly, his joy for music shines through and inspires everyone around him.

Mr Reid believes that music should be fun, inclusive, and for everyone – and he works hard to make sure every child has the chance to enjoy and succeed in music.

Enhancements

Here at S.M.I.T.H, our musical journey extends well beyond the classroom, with endless chances for every child (and their family) to shine:

Celebrating National Nursery Rhymes Week
Taking part in the Save the Arts Campaign
Joining the Christingle Service at St Michael’s Church
Singing together on the school yard
EYFS & KS1 Nativity Show and KS2 summer musical
Rocksteady Music School band concerts
Year 6 SSP choir performance in the Anglican Cathedral
Brass showcases and ukulele & guitar recitals
Choir concerts for EYFS, KS1 and KS2
Inspiring trips to the Philharmonic Hall
Musical Theatre Club workshops and performances
Live music performances — Beatlemania Zoom collaboration with other primary schools, staff recitals, and special guest artists
Family learning sessions in the hall where parents join their child’s music lesson

…and many more fantastic opportunities to perform, create and grow in confidence through music at S.M.I.T.H!