Studying Music at Central High is about practical music making: singing, playing, composing.  It is about working with others to create something new and exciting.

Music is taught in a modern, purpose built and well-equipped Music School.  The main areas of study are composing, performing, listening and appraising. 

From Year 7 onwards, we listen to a diverse range of music from around the world, studying its key elements, and making it our own through performance and composition.  In Years 7 to 9 we study many topics, including mediaeval music, Britten, Stravinsky, chord progressions and intervals, Chinese music, spirituals, blues, reggae and ragtime.  We balance popular styles with world music and the western classical tradition.  We focus on practical skills through singing and keyboard work, and encourage the use of other instruments in the classroom.

At GCSE, girls cover four areas of study: Repetition and Contrast in Western music, 1600-1900; New Directions in Classical Music, 1900 to the Present Day; Popular Song in Context; and Scales, Modes and Rhythms from Around the World.  A listening paper is balanced by a requirement to produce two substantial compositions and three performances, including at least one ensemble.  The GCSE course appeals equally to the classically minded student and to the less traditional musician and girls are encouraged to follow their interests in performing and composing.

The AS and A2 courses offer more opportunities.  At AS level girls study three set works from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods, and  a less traditional 20th Century topic.  They continue to compose, and produce a recital of ensemble music.  At A2 girls study a 20th Century set work and undertake research into two pieces of music that interest them.  From this comes a composition.  A recital of solo music takes place near the end of the course.

Music is taught in a lively way.  Listening work is challenging and girls compose and perform, both individually and in groups.  Girls’ work is regularly recorded digitally.  Technology plays an ever increasing part; our dedicated suite of computers runs the Sibelius program, a high level composing tool.  We also have a digital recording studio which uses Cubase SX 2 software.

We can provide individual tuition in all orchestral instruments, plus piano, saxophone, guitar and drum kit.

Beyond the classroom we offer a wide range of activities to suit all tastes, ages and abilities.  These include a Choir, Gospel Choir, two orchestras, a Jazz Band, Recorder Consort and Baroque Chamber Group.  We hold several concerts per year.  Recent performances include Concerti by Telemann and Mozart, symphonies, large choral works, jazz and a CD.  Music at Central High is vibrant, varied and fun.