Music In Key Stage 1
The Model Music Curriculum (MMC) supports pupils in Years 1 and 2 by providing a structured, progressive framework that develops core musical skills through four key areas: Singing, Listening, Composing, and Performing/Instrumental Performance. It is designed to be accessible to both specialist and non-specialist teachers and aims to ensure that all pupils receive a high-quality music education for at least one hour per week. Maestro Music Primary takes this model curriculum and provides lesson plans to support the delivery of this content.
In Year 1, pupils begin by singing simple songs and chants from memory, developing pitch control through call-and-response activities. They explore rhythm and pulse using body percussion and untuned instruments, and they are introduced to basic musical concepts such as tempo and dynamics. Listening activities expose them to a wide range of musical genres, including classical, pop, and world music, helping them to develop musical vocabulary and appreciation.
By Year 2, pupils build on these foundations by singing songs with a wider pitch range and demonstrating greater control over dynamics and tempo. They begin to improvise and compose short musical phrases, often in response to visual or narrative stimuli. They also start to use simple notation systems, such as graphic symbols and stick notation, to record their ideas. The MMC encourages the use of both rhythmic and melodic instruments, supporting pupils in developing ensemble skills and musical confidence
