Music and Dance Education Links
The links section aims to provide teachers, students and parents with access to the most important music and dance information available on the Internet. Please note, however, that a link in this page does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation of any kind. SPA are not responsible for the contents or reliability of the linked websites and do not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them.
Curriculum Teaching
National Curriculum Online
Teachers can look at the programme of study for music in all Key Stages along with attainment targets. This is supported by practical information using pupils work and case studies from the National Curriculum in Action site. There is also guidance on how to identify and teach the musically gifted.
QCA/DfES Schemes of Work
Schools can get further help with implementing the music curriculum through schemes of work that cover all Key Stages. The QCA Music Homepage site also has a wide variety of online resources, downloads and links for teaching music to 5-14 year olds and 14-16 year olds.
GCSE and A Level Music Examinations
OCR
General information and key document downloads are available for both GCSE Music and A Level Music as well as Performing Arts. There is also support for teachers and help and for students preparing to take OCR exams.
Edexcel
Their music page contains information on the range on Edexcel qualifications from GCSE to BTEC. The site also offers support for teachers and students.
AQA
The AQA site provides information on the full range of examinations including GCSE Music and A Level Music. Further support is aimed primarily at teachers.
Instrumental and Vocal Examinations
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
Information is available on all exams including syllabuses which can be downloaded. Teachers have access to a range of resources and forums. Parents can learn how to help with their child's learning and students themselves are offered general help and advice.
Trinity Guildhall Examinations
General information regarding exams, including complete syllabus and scale downloads, are available along with contacts for further help.
London College of Music Examinations
London College of Music examinations are awarded by Thames Valley University. Full information on exams and syllabuses can be found through the university site.
Higher Education
Conservatoires UK Admissions Service (CUKAS)
The website for the CUKAS provides links to Conservatoires throughout the United Kingdom. The service also enables prospective students to search and apply for available courses.
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
Similarly, the site for UCAS enables students to search and apply for music courses at universities throughout the United Kingdom.
Resources
Music Publisher's Association (MPA)
The MPA provides contact details and websites for British publishers of music and resources, many of whom have made their catalogues available online to purchase or even download from. If details are unknown, the MPA also offer assistance in locating pieces of printed music.
The MPA also promotes the better understanding of music copyright and provides advice to help students, teachers and schools with their activities.
Libraries
Libraries can provide a wide range of music and information. Staffordshire County Council's library service has a specialist Music and Arts team and an online catalogue to search for recordings, tutor books, sheet music and so on.
Information on other libraries can be found through Encore which is primarily an online database of of vocal scores and orchestral sets held by libraries in the UK. Material may be available to borrow through your local library service.
Music Organisations
General
Friends of Staffordshire's Young Musicians
The Friends support and promote the work of the Staffordshire Performing Arts Organisation and its students, ensembles, concerts and courses.
Making Music
The National Federation of Music Societies represents and supports over 2,000 amateur and semi-professional music groups throughout the country.
Music for Youth
The organisation provides educational and performance opportunities for young musicians through festivals and events nationwide.
Youth Music
Helps young people to achieve their musical aspirations by providing activities through Action Zones across the country. Staffordshire's Action Zone is Make Some Noise.
Make Some NoiseMake Some Noise provides music-making opportunities for young people around Staffordshire.
Drama Groups
Day-Star Theatre
This small theatre group writes and performs plays and provides workshops to schools and festivals.
Educational and Professional Organisations
Federation of Music Services
Represents the interests of LEA Music Services and promotes good practice in music education and instrumental teaching.
Incorporated Society of MusiciansProvides advice and services to professional musicians and aims to raise standards.
Music Education Council
Links all organisations involved with music education in the UK to provide a forum for debate and to decide an appropriate course of action.
Musician's Union
Negotiates with the major music employers and offers a range of services for professional and student musicians.
National Association of Music Educators (NAME)
NAME supports educators and aims to develop music education nationally by providing forums, resource materials and links.
Schools Music Association
Provides a network for music teachers and others involved with education through news updates, workshops, conferences and so on.
Bands and Orchestras
National Association of Youth Orchestras
British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles
National Youth Brass Band
National Youth Choir
National Youth Orchestra
National Youth Wind Orchestra
Instrumental and Vocal Associations
Choirs
Association of British Choral Conductors (ABCD)
ABCD aims to develop choral directors and standards of choral activity.
British Choirs on the Net
A comprehensive list of British choral websites.
National Association of Choirs
The site provides support services to British choral societies.
Sing for Pleasure (SfP)
SfP aims to encourage the enjoyment of choral singing by offering events and resources for teachers, conductors and young people.
Youngchoirs.net
Creates opportunities for young people to enjoy choral singing.
Woodwind
British Double Reed Society
Promotes and furthers the interests of all involved with the oboe and bassoon. It also provides links to other reed instrument websites.
British Flute Society
The site focuses upon flute playing in Great Britain and also provides links to other sites of interest.
Clarinet and Saxophone Society
CASS was formed for those interested in the clarinet or saxophone in the United Kingdom. The website provides further links, news and event details.
Society for Recorder Players
Provides information on the society's activities and links to other relevant sites.
Brass
British Horn Society
A site dedicated to horn playing which provides information on events, activities as well as links to other horn sites.
British Trombone Society
Founded to promote the trombone, its study and its music within the United Kingdom.
International Trumpet Guild
Promotes communication among trumpet players around the world and to improve the level of trumpet performance, teaching, and literature.
Strings
European String Teachers' Association (ETSA)The site of ESTA with details of its work in Britain and Europe.
Internet Cello Society
The society aims to promote cello playing and offers help and support for cellists around the world.
International Society of Bassists
The organisation is for those who enjoy the double bass and want to communicate with others globally.
European Guitar Teacher's Association
The site promotes classical guitar playing and aims to improve standards. There is also information on the National Youth Guitar Ensemble.
Keyboards and Percussion
European Piano Teachers' AssociationEPTA in the United Kingdom aims to improve piano teaching and performance and bring teachers and performers together.
Royal College of Organists
The site promotes the art of organ playing and choral directing with general links to other organisations.
National Association of Percussion Teachers (NAPT)
The NAPT site aims to encourage percussion playing and enable percussionists to share and exchange ideas.
The Percussive Arts Society
The society, based in the USA, promotes percussion education, research, performance, and appreciation around the world.
Music Mapping in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
Find out more about the Music Mapping Report.
If links have expired or you are aware of any sites that may also be of benefit to teachers or students, please email Staffordshire Performing Arts.
Last Modified:
14/11/2008 15:26:14
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