Music

At Cranleigh Abu Dhabi our aim is to develop a vibrant and thriving musical environment whereby music-making is both enjoyed and respected.

Music helps to boost self-confidence, self-discipline and creativity, giving children a powerful medium through which to communicate and express themselves. In their Music lessons, children are provided with the opportunities to develop their personal musical understanding through the strands of performing, composing, and listening. 

Music has the power of producing a certain effect on the moral character of the soul, and if it has the power to do this, it is clear that the young must be directed to music and must be educated in it.

Aristotle,
Politics

Music in the Pre-Prep

Music lessons are an integral part of the Pre-Prep curriculum where the seeds of musical knowledge are sown.  Lessons are exciting, fun and engaging and children attend weekly music lessons which cover a wide range of age-appropriate learning activities. 

The curriculum covers singing, playing classroom instruments, listening with concentration and experimenting, creating and combining sounds.

Music in the Prep School

Music lessons in Years 3 - 8 are timetabled once a week and the curriculum builds on the continuation and development of the foundation musical skills that the children have been introduced to in Pre-Prep.

Through various topics the curriculum covers the core strands of performing, composing and listening where the children develop an understanding of musical elements and structures. To further support our musicians, the Prep School academic music classrooms are equipped with music technology areas and keyboards to offer an enriching curriculum for all pupils.

Music in the Senior School

Year 9 classes have weekly timetabled music lessons where they consolidate their learning from earlier years; by researching and listening critically to various styles of Music, they develop a deepening understanding of music, it’s history, role and purpose in society.

Musicians can opt to study Music in Years 10 & 11 by following the Edexcel GCSE Music syllabus. Pupils will have the opportunity to explore the historical development of Music and to develop their performing, compositional and listening skills. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi also offers Edexcel A-Level Music, which focuses on an engaging range of Set Works to nurture an in-depth musical understanding. All Key Stage 4 and 5 lessons are delivered in the department’s Studio, which features industry standard equipment.

Discover more about the Senior School

Independent instrumental lessons are available which support and enhance the music curriculum. Click here  to find out more about independent instrumental music lessons. 

The teaching of music develops skills and attitudes which can support learning in other curriculum areas, such as listening and critical analysis, concentration levels, perseverance, self-confidence, creativity, responsibility, respect and sensitivity towards others. At Cranleigh, we aim to encourage our children to experience a wide range of musical experiences through which they can build and develop a life-long love of music.