The Model Music Curriculum
Added to website 26/03/2021. Updated 07/09/2023.
The Department for Education’s 2021 Model Music Curriculum (MMC) supports curriculum music in schools during Key Stages 1, 2 and 3. The curriculum development was teacher led, with input from leading musicians and education sector bodies.
The Department for Education’s Model Music Curriculum is a non-statutory resource that provides a practical framework through which the statutory requirements of the curriculum can be met. By setting out a model of how the curriculum can be delivered, it offers guidance and ideas for teachers, and provides a springboard from which to approach teaching.
The Model Music Curriculum complements the National Plan for Music Education and is intended to be used by specialist and non-specialist music teachers at Key Stages 1 and 2 (Primary level), building on an Early Years Foundation, and by specialist music teachers in Key Stage 3 (Secondary level). It has been developed with this in mind to provide a strong 5 core set of competencies and shared knowledge. Many schools will want to go well beyond this core and to use it to supplement current practice.
The Model Music Curriculum
Read Music Mark’s response to the publication of the Model Music Curriculum.
#CanDoMusic Discusses the Model Music Curriculum
On 26th April 2021, the partners leading the #CanDoMusic campaign hosted a free online session for primary and secondary music teachers to discuss the new Model Music Curriculum. Watch a recording of the webinar and download the supporting materials.
The Expert Panel and the Music Mark Consultation
Music Mark CEO, Bridget Whyte was invited to join the Department of Education’s Expert Panel for the development of the Model Music Curriculum. Music Mark prepared for and advertised a series of Member consultation opportunities to ensure Bridget could confidently represent the Membership in her role on the Expert Panel.
Following a series of consultations with members, Music Mark produced a Consultation Paper to inform the Department of Education’s Expert Panel for the development of the Model Music Curriculum. Read it here.
About the Provider
Department for Education
The Department for Education is responsible for children’s services and education, including early years, schools, higher and further education policy, apprenticeships and wider skills in England.
Music Mark
We are a membership organisation, Subject Association, and an Arts Council England Investment Principles Support Organisation (IPSO) advocating for excellent musical learning in and out of school.
