Inspiring Young Minds Through Music

Specialists In Whole Class Music Teaching & Whole School Music-making In Primary Schools

About

Dragon of the North offers a fun, comprehensive and inspiring music curriculum to whole classes in primary schools. We often deliver this through PPA cover.

Our teachers have extensive experience in whole class teaching and ensemble leading, as well as being professional musicians in their own right. They get regular training, helping to ensure that every child can enjoy learning the fundamentals of singing, listening, co-ordination, reading music, composition, improvisation, and instrumental technique.

Dragon of the North will showcase music in your school and provide clear testimony to the school’s commitment to a broad curriculum, to the arts and to creativity.

We frequently incorporate school choirs, orchestras or bands into music assemblies. Our approach can knit together all your school’s music-making, and is equipped to meet all of Ofsted’s criteria for excellence in music. The Dragon of the North syllabus includes and exceeds National Curriculum requirements for music for Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Our Method

We teach the fundamental elements of music using the voice and body first, before transferring to instruments.

Using the mimetic systems of the body, we use games and activities to keep learning simple and fun.

Understanding Pitch

Students learn the solfege system to physicalise pitch and develop understanding of how scales are used to make melodies.

Using the body as a diagnostic tool, students can understand rhythmic notation through movement.

Testimonials

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Denise Kennedy, Head, Hammond Academy

“Dragon of the North has had a massive impact on the music curriculum within the whole school, providing a wide range of high quality musical experiences for the children which has certainly made the school a musical school! The entire team have extensive subject knowledge and deliver the curriculum in a fun and engaging way - it's the highlight of the children's week when they are taught music!”

Meet The Team

Dan Mitchell, Director

Daniel is a bassist, composer and educator. He grew up in Hertfordshire and benefited from the Counties Music Service playing in a variety of music and jazz ensembles.

He studied music at Salford University majoring in composition and performance. After graduating, Daniel co-founded the community arts organisation “Umbrella” before founding Dragon Of The North in 2003. Daniel has worked extensively in music education with organisations such as;

Manchester Metropolitan University (teacher training)
Sure Start
IOU Theatre Company
Bolton Youth Service
Stockport Youth Service
Salford Youth Service
Unity

“The entire team have extensive subject knowledge and deliver the curriculum in a fun and engaging way..”

Denise Kennedy, Hammond Academy

Will Street

Marc Rapson

Carley Broom

Workshops

Whole School

Interactive String Quartet
Interactive Jazz Quartet
Interactive Band (Pop/Function)

Class

• Early years/ Ks1 interactive storytelling
• Movement – Understanding rhythm through movement.
• Voice and body percussion – call and echo, feral choir, conducting, simple ensemble (2-3 parts)
•Junk Percussion – call and echo, conducting, simple ensemble (2-3 parts), improv
•Doctor Oscar