Music (MUS01‑03)
Basic skills

Oral skills in the music subject refers to the ability to be able to use one's voice in a variety of ways in singing and other vocal expressions to improvise, reproduce and present musical material. Oral skills also refer to finding words for and discussing one's own creative processes and being able to reflect on musical experiences and perceptions. The development of oral skills progresses from being able to present simple musical content to being able to present more complex musical expressions, and from being able to relate about one’s own experiences and using simple techniques to being able to describe more complex music-subject-related topics, aesthetic perceptions, musical techniques and the functions of music in more detail.

Writing in music refers to using various forms of analogue and digital notations which support performing, making and experiencing music, and supports the documentation of processes and results. This includes graphic notation, written music or written figures. The development in writing music progresses from becoming familiar with and being able to use simple notation techniques to using different forms of notation and written language to explore, document and present musical ideas.

Reading in music refers to interpreting and understanding different musical texts, including written musical notation and symbols and texts composed of several modalities, digitally and in stage presentations. The development of the ability to read progresses from being able to recognise, talk about and use simple signs and symbols to utilizing various forms of notation in musical interaction, and being able to understand and reflect on the use of music, dance and accompanying techniques in increasingly complex expressions.

Numeracy in music refers to understanding and using the basic elements of music, such as beat, time, rhythm, pitch, texture and form. It also refers to exploring and experimenting with patterns and structures, and being able to make calculations of time and space when music and dance are performed. The development of numeracy in music progresses from being able to make, perform and describe simple patterns and structures, and being able to make simple calculations of time and space, to deeper bodily and cognitive understanding of precision and complexity relating to the basic elements of music, patterns and structures, time and space

Digital skills in music refers to being able to use music technology to perform, make and experience music. It also refers to using digital tools creatively to make recordings, process and manipulate audio and use programming in creative work. Digital skills also refers to being able to judge digital sources and interaction. This means complying with copyright rules relating to one’s own and others’ music and demonstrating web ethics in interaction with others. The development of digital skills in music progresses from using simple digital tools for composing musical works, to using digital tools and technology strategically and with variation to achieve well-reasoned and creative musical expressions. It also progresses from exercising protection of personal information and web ethics in individual situations to demonstrating sound judgment and contributing to responsible interaction in musical environments. For pupils in Years 1 to 4, the use of digital devices should be especially cautious, and should not dominate teaching.