Lead Subject Mentor for Music Sarah Milligan
Overview
The Music course at CTTC is designed for passionate musicians who want to inspire creativity, confidence and musical understanding in young people. The course prepares you to teach music across Key Stages 3 and 4 (and where possible, Key Stage 5), developing pupils’ practical, theoretical and listening skills while fostering a lifelong appreciation of music.
You’ll explore how to teach music as both a practical and academic subject, balancing performance, composition, and listening/appraising. The course supports you to build inclusive and engaging lessons that enable all pupils – regardless of prior experience – to participate, perform and succeed.
Throughout the course, you’ll develop strategies for managing practical classrooms, leading ensembles and using technology to enhance musical learning. You’ll also explore how music supports pupils’ wider development, including confidence, teamwork, creativity and cultural awareness.
What You’ll Learn
- Planning and delivering practical music lessons across Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5
- Teaching performance, composition and listening/appraising
- Strategies for inclusive music-making in mixed-ability classes
- Using music technology (e.g. sequencing, notation and recording software)
- Assessment approaches for practical and written music outcomes
- Classroom and rehearsal management in practical settings
Placement Experience
You’ll complete placements in schools with established music departments, gaining experience teaching classroom music as well as supporting instrumental work where available.
Opportunities may include:
- Leading practical lessons and ensemble work
- Supporting choirs, bands or instrumental groups
- Preparing pupils for GCSE or A-Level music performances and compositions
- Observing how music contributes to wider school life through concerts and events
Your subject mentor will support your development in both pedagogy and musicianship.
Recommended Reading
- Teaching Secondary Music by Gary Spruce
- Music Education in the 21st Century by Lucy Green
- Sounds of Intent by Adam Ockelford (particularly useful for inclusive practice)
- GCSE and A-Level Music specification materials
Useful Websites
