Music

The Music Department at Colchester Royal Grammar School is for everyone. Our intent is to facilitate a broad and diverse curriculum supported by a host of extra-curricular ensembles which cater for musicians at various stages of their development. We aim to nurture a love of Music through quality teaching, led by a dedicated team of music specialists. Music is at the heart of our school culture and we provide many opportunities for young musicians to get involved including termly concerts; school productions and music tours. Our 'flagship' ensembles include our Orchestra and Choir, which continue to thrive and regularly perform both in school and at various external venues. In Summer 2025, 80 of our musicians went on tour to Barcelona.

All students will develop their performing, composing and appraising skills throughout their time here and we place great emphasis on a shared musical vocabulary and musical literacy. From their first weekly lessons in Year 7 (1.5 hrs per week), to their final A level lesson, they build upon prior skills knowledge and understanding and learn the value of a comprehensive music education is not all about summative grades, but the experiences that come with being part of a thriving and supportive musical community.

 

Summer Concert

 

Department Team

Mr R. Harrison - Director of Music
Mr S. Carbonero - Teacher of Music
Mrs L. Docherty - Music Administrator

 

Curriculum at a glance

Key Stage 3

In Year 7 students begin exploring the piano keyboard, resulting in solo performances at the end of the year. This lays the foundation for understanding notation, including time and key signatures. Alongside this, students have singing lessons and explore both African Drumming and Japanese music. In Year 8 students develop their composition abilities, for example composing music using notation-based software for a video game and also learn about musicals and the history of Blues music. This is further developed in Year 9 with the study of Rock and Roll alongside Hip Hop, and the analysis of soundtracks to films and further composition. Each year of Key Stage 3 has a theory and listening test at the end of the year.

 

Key Stage 4

GCSE Music

We teach the Edexcel 9-1 GCSE Music Course and much of the content builds on the strong foundations from Years 7-9. Students develop their performing, composing and listening/appraising skills over two years.

 

Key Stage 5

A level Music

We teach the Eduqas A level Music course, which builds on the knowledge and skill-base of GCSE, progressing to more advanced composition, performance, and score analysis. Having an A level in Music is not just desirable for a Music-related degree. The critical thinking and creativity support students in a wide variety of courses and careers.

Marima Club: Friday lunchtimes

 

Instrumental Learning and Enrichment

We are proud to be able to offer our students every possible opportunity for learning an instrument outside the classroom music curriculum. Individual and small-group lessons are arranged for students and provided by Essex Music Service tutors, taking place throughout the school day in the many teaching rooms in Elyanore House.

 

CRGS is an examination centre for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and tutors also arrange for students to be entered for Trinity Guildhall and Rock School exams where appropriate.

Music ensembles - both teacher and student-led happen on a daily basis and there are plenty of opportunities to perform throughout the year. Extra-curricular involvement is encouraged from Year 7, and all Year 7 students take part in the annual school musical production as the Ensemble.

 

To keep up to date with the latest performances from all our ensembles, follow CRGS Music on YouTube

Our concerts and productions are open to the public. You can purchase tickets via our box office here.

 

Choir: Wednesday after school