FAST4MUSIC guidelines 2016/17

FAST4MUSIC enables Key Stage 2 pupils to experience up to a year of whole class music tuition on the same instrument. This is one of the core roles of music hubs as part of the National Plan for Music Education and is funded by the Arts Council for England. The expectation is that the project will run for a whole year with a single year group as this provides the strongest musical outcome for the school and gives the pupils an excellent base to start their musical journey.

What instrumental projects are available?

Bristol Plays Music offers a wide range of high quality instrumental music projects, delivered by experienced and skilled tutors. Each project has a scheme of work specifically developed to engage whole classes of Key Stage 2 pupils.

How many classes can be involved, and what does it cost?

Schools are entitled to 10 FREE sessions delivered over a double term, which can be extended to 30 sessions over an academic year at a subsidised rate of £150 per class, per double term. The number of classes able to participate depends on the total number of Key Stage 2 classes in the school:

1-5 classes1 class per week

6-9 classes2 classes per week

7-10 classes3 classes per week

11+ classes4 classes per week

A project can be delivered in three ways:

  • 10 sessions of 45 minutes delivered over a double term to each class in a year group
  • 30 sessions delivered over an academic year to every class in a year group
  • 30 sessions of 45 minutes delivered over an academic year to three different classes

(each receiving 10 sessions)

Which classes can participate?

You can choose any of your Key Stage 2 classes to take part. Some projects are more suitable for older pupils, due to the size and complexity of the instruments.

What else do I need to know?

  • The class teacher mustbe present during the sessions and actively participate
  • Sessions cannot be used to cover a class teacher’s PPA time
  • You must continue with the same instrument for the duration of the project in your school
  • Each new project must begin with a planning session between the Bristol Plays Music tutor and the relevant class teacher(s) and music co-ordinator. It is important that specific pupil needs, particularly relating to SEND, are identified to the tutor at this point
  • Sessions must take place during the school day
  • Bristol Plays Music will provide instruments that must remain at the school for the duration of the project. Adequate storage space for the instruments must be available in the school
  • The school will be asked to provide statistical information about the pupils participating, and teachers will be asked to complete a short evaluation at the end of each project
  • All FAST4MUSIC tutors are experienced in whole class delivery and have professional support and training, and hold enhanced DBS clearance and Public Liability Insurance

To apply for a project for the 2016/17 academic year please complete theapplication form overleaf. Where possible we will try and deliver your first choice of project in the term(s) requested, but some projects are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. We will contact you towards the end of the term preceding the start of your project to arrange a suitable time and day for the sessions to take place.

FAST4MUSIC Projects

Please note that some projects are only appropriate for Years 4, 5, 6.

African Drumming

A very accessible project that uses traditional African ‘djembes’ as an effective way of building musical confidence in pupils of all ages. Pupils will explore the history and social context of African music, learn beats and rhythms, and progress through basic and complex songs. Pupils will learn to interact with other players in the class, utilising listening and improvisation skills, assisted by voice and other percussion instruments.

Brass

This project gives a great introduction to pupils in Years 4, 5, & 6 to a range of traditional brass instruments, including cornet, French horn, trombone and tuba.

Guitar

Suitable for pupils in Years 4, 5 & 6, this project introduces one of the most popular instruments amongst young people. Starting off with basic chords and strumming, pupils will progress to more complicated techniques and songs whilst playing within an ensemble group.

Harmonica

The Harmonica is known as ‘the people’s instrument‘ and is the highest selling instrument in the world, probably because it’s fun, easy to play, very inexpensive and fits in your pocket. The instrument has ‘piano white notes’ so children learn to play tunes, chords, rhythms, melodies and improvisation which they perform at the end of each term.

Harmonium

The harmonium is a small keyboard instrument, popular in South Asia. Keyboards offer a solid foundation in all aspects of music, as well as helping pupils develop their mathematical ability. This project uses the approaches of Kodaly, Curwen and Dalcroze, together with konnakol rhythm syllables. Pupils learn to sing note names. This is the approach used by great musicians from Beethoven to Ravi Shankar. By the end of the project pupils should be able to read and write music, playing simple keyboard melodies in ensembles. This prepares them to take up instruments in any genre of music.

Recorder

Suitable for all ages, the recorder’s simplicity allows pupils to achieve results in a short space of time and is perfect for generating enthusiasm and interest in music. The project will develop from songs using a maximum of 3 notes to group compositions and two and three part playing. The project will be supported through singing, clapping and interactive resources, as well as some composition work.

Rock Band

A great opportunity to experience an exciting mix of modern music making. The class will use a combination of electric, bass and acoustic guitars, drums, keyboard and voice to form a true band (complete with name and drum artwork). Elements of small group working will be brought together to perform contemporary songs in termly performances. Because of the size of some of the instruments this project is restricted to year 5 or 6 pupils.

Samba Drumming

This project introduces the selection of traditional drums and percussion instruments popular in South American culture, including the surdo, caixa and tamborim. Over the course of the project pupils will work towards playing a range of samba rhythms, arrivals and breaks in a structured performance.

Steel Pans

This very popular project uses specially designed mini steel pans to create authentic sounding calypso music. Pupils will learn a mix of traditional and contemporary songs, supported by singing and additional percussion as the project progresses. Drawing on rhythm, timekeeping and team work, the end result is hugely impressive and has proven to spark musical interest in pupils of all ages and abilities.

Stomp Class Percussion

Stomp percussion uses a wide range of instruments in harmony with everyday objects (including brooms, brushes, dustbins and tubes), body percussion and voice. Movement and improvisation form a key part of this project. As the project develops pupils will compose their own increasingly complex rhythms, culminating in a whole class performance.

Strings (Violin/Cello)

The violin is one of the oldest stringed instruments and is still one of the most popular. Pupils will learn the beginnings of good violin and cello techniques and gain an understanding of music reading and rhythm work. A programme of entertaining music and exercises has been developed for this project, and by the end pupils should be able to play two or three songs as a group.

The project is suitable for pupils in Years 4, 5 & 6

Tabla

Originating from South Asia, the tabla is among the most melodic and magical of drums. Pupils will learn to say rhythms and then play them. The more precise the strokes, the more beautiful the sounds produced, and this helps cultivate a passion for excellence among the pupils involved. Enjoyable rhythm games are used to develop steady time-keeping, with melodic chants and movement. By the end of the project pupils should be able to play tabla grooves in an ensemble, and to accompany attractive melodies.

This project is suitable for pupils in Years 5 & 6

Taiko Drumming

This project will offer pupils the chance to experience this unique form of Japanese ensemble drumming. Using authentic large wooden drums hit by sticks (bachi) this is an impressive mix and sound and movement. Due to the size of the drums this project is only suitable for pupils in Years 5 6

Ukulele

A hugely popular project, the ukulele is a four-stringed instrument originating from Hawaii. Starting with simple rhythms and strumming, pupils will progress to more advanced chords, including reading chord charts, assisted by singing and call and response. The size and simplicity of the instrument makes it suitable for all ages, and the perfect introduction to stringed instruments.

Wind Band

Bringing together brass and wind instruments, this project is specifically designed to give pupils a taste of a wide range of traditional orchestral instruments. The project includes tuba, trombone, euphonium, cornet, French horn, flute, clarinet and saxophone. Pupils will progress from learning how to hold and blow the instruments to playing up to 7/8 notes of the scale and reading music.

The project is suitable for pupils in Years 4, 5 or 6

Woodwind

Made up of mainly clarinets, with some flute and saxophone, this project will allow pupils to explore the instruments through listening, playing and composing activities. Designed to develop both individual and group playing skills, over the course of the project pupils will also develop the basics of learning to read music.

Information is also available from

FAST4MUSIC application 2016-17

Please refer to FAST4MUSIC guidelines overleaf before completing this application and return completed form by Friday 25th November

School Address /Tel
Class Teacher Name & Email
Finance/Administrator Name & Email
Please indicate the number of music sessions you are eligible for each week, based on the number of
Key Stage 2 classes in your school.
1-5 classes1 class per week7-10 classes3 classes per week
11+ classes4 classes per week6-9 classes2 classes per week

Indicate your choice of project(refer to FAST4MUSIC guidelines for options and suitability)

First choice project / Do you have your own instruments for this project?
Second choice project / Preferred days/times
Please be as flexible as possible
Project choices
African Drumming : Brass : Guitar : Harmonica : Harmonium : Recorder : Rock Band : Samba : Steel Pans : Stomp : Strings : Tabla : Taiko Drumming : Ukulele : Wind Band : Woodwind
Duration of project / Terms 1&2 / Terms 3&4 / Terms 5&6
1 double term FREE - 10 sessions
Indicate preferred terms /  / 
Continue in Terms 5&6
Charged at £150 per class, per double term /  / 

Participating year groups

We strongly recommend tuition is for a whole year, with the same year group, for instrumental projects such as Wind Band, Strings and Brass.

Terms 1&2 / Terms 3&4 / Terms 5&6
Year Group
Number of classes in year group
Number of pupils in each class

Authorisation

Signed / Position in school

Please return your completed application to: Chris Green, Senior Education Programme Co-ordinator (Schools)

Bristol Plays Music, Stanton Road, Southmead, Bristol, BS10 5SJ

0117 2047139