Introduction
Music forms part of the curriculum from Reception to Year 13 and is an integral part of life at NLCS Jeju, in and out of the classroom.
Whether students learn and play for fun, play to a high professional level or simply enjoy the music created by others during small recitals or whole school productions.
Music in the classroom
Our younger students are introduced to music through movement, singing and instrumental instruction, singing songs, speaking chants and rhymes and playing on tuned and untuned instruments. As well as listening to high quality live and recorded music.
This continues as they move through the School, as we introduce a range of genres through practical and theoretical tasks. Students are encouraged to be open minded risk takers, to experiment, create, combine sounds and to improvise and compose music.
We ensure that the exceptional skills of many of our students are challenged through performance, composition and analytical skills.
Students who select to study IGCSE or IBDP music will enhance their journey of musical enjoyment to a high and often professional level.
Beyond the Curriculum
We offer a range of musical opportunities for all students outside the classroom, the music department is eclectic and there is an opportunity for all students to learn and perform, regardless of their style or ability.
Co-curricular opportunities include; Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, String Orchestra, Strings Sinfonietta, Piano Ensemble, Electronic Dance Music Club, Wind Orchestra, Flute Choir, Oboe Choir, Viola Ensemble, Cello Ensemble, Jazz Band, Big Band, Music Composition, Rock Band, Vocal Arranging Ensembles, The Annual Musical Production, Korean Ensemble, String Quartets, Chamber Ensembles and Concerto Project. There is even a student-led music society – Sonitas – which provides a platform from which any students with a passion for music can express themselves, regardless of their level of proficiency. It strives to find the hidden talents around the School and give them the spotlight they deserve.
Further Music Opportunities
There are further opportunities through our Saturday Bryant programme, which allows students to work with visiting specialists, perform for the local community, rehearse for upcoming performances and prepare for ABRSM Ensemble exams.
With a number of regular and annual performances allowing students to showcase their talents and for the community to enjoy, including; Spring Concerts, weekly lunchtime concerts, Sonitas Action Week, termly showcase concerts, IGCSE and IBDP recitals, assembly showcase and the Piano Extravaganza. Students are also presented with opportunities to perform at School events, such as Admissions Information Days and are selected to perform at the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea (BCCK) flagship events, such as the King’s Birthday Dinner, the Summer British Embassy Garden Party, the Annual Choir and the Christmas Lunch.
With the showcase event being the annual Arts Festival. A week where all the NLCS Jeju arts come together to celebrate the remarkable talents of our students.
For students who wish to have group or private lessons, a team of experienced and talented peripatetic instrumental teachers are on hand to provide lessons during the week.
Students also have the opportunity to be part of the School’s Conservatoire which prepares and supports students for the globally recognised Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). The School serves as an examinations centre hosting official examiners every year who assess both Theory and Practical exams, from grades 1-8 and Diploma. Founded in 1889, ABRSM is the UK’s largest music education body, one of its largest music publishers and the world’s leading provider of music exams, offering assessments to more than 630,000 candidates in 93 countries every year.
“Music is a hugely enriching aspect of our School. From film music explored by our Year 1-to-3 orchestra, or our string ensemble touring Australia playing Finnish masterpieces, to Year 6 students learning in lesson time about the power of the hexachord, Music is a powerful force here at NLCS Jeju. It’s why we can count graduates of Oxford University’s Faculty of Music, Music Business at NYU and graduate musicians and producers of Berklee College and the Royal Academy of Music. Our staff are inspired each and every day, and I hope we can count your child as part of this thriving musical community.”
Harry Thorrington
Director of Music