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Developing creativity within music

What is the most effective way of developing creativity within the KS2 music curriculum?

Creativity is a problem.

It is a problem when we seek to define creativity, and it is a problem when we seek to encourage and develop it in children.

Is making a sequence of sounds that has not been made before a creative event? In one sense perhaps it is, but from a musical perspective it doesn’t seem to be particularly interesting unless there is some musical understanding of what is going on.

Which is perhaps why creativity is something that all of us can sometimes approach with extra caution. And it is why David Stoll’s KEY STAGE 2 COMPOSING was produced.

This volume is designed to reference, use and fulfil the requirements of the curriculum in a way which allows everyone teaching in a primary school (not just music specialists) to encourage and develop creativity in their pupils.

The lessons and projects are fully described with practical notes and explanations, thus aiming to offer a rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone taking part.

Based on listening and analysing sounds and then making patterns and stories out of them, they are, in fact, an excellent back-up for lessons in all subjects, as the book covers every aspect of primary school creative music making.

Each lesson in the book is broken down into five and ten minute blocks, with each step fully detailed and accompanied by explanatory notes for the teacher. As well as a complete set of lessons there are several short- and long-term composing projects for the pupils to work on.

Though full of strategies and tips for teachers with a music background, KEY STAGE 2 COMPOSING is specifically written for teachers who have no knowledge of music theory at all and little confidence in teaching music.

The book is copiable throughout which means it can be shared by KS2 teachers throughout the school.

David Stoll is the well-known composer of SEALSONGS as well as concert, theatre and television music. He was commissioned by the DfES to run a project investigating how composers may work with teachers in primary schools, and to write a handbook for schools and composers: Building music (DfES 2005). David regularly runs composing workshops and delivers INSETs in schools and for LEAs around the country.

Sample pages of the book may be downloaded from http://www.pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/primary/T1752.pdf

Publisher’s catalogue number T1752emn; ISBN: 978 1 86083 714 2

Prices

  • Book or CD: £24.95 plus £3.95 delivery
  • Book plus CD: £31.94 plus £3.95 delivery
  • Download from the on-line shop: £16.95

Methods of ordering – please quote catalogue number T1752emn