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Review by David Ashworth, Teachingmusic/Musical Bridges Consultant

The introduction sets out the key issues that needed to be considered prior to planning an accommodation review, by looking at the current requirements for statutory entitlement and curriculum opportunities as laid out in the National Curriculum. A fit for purpose music department will need to provide effectively for these and a range of extra-curricular activities. In identifying the relevant issues and strands of debate, the key messages from a variety of reports have been taken on board. These include the DCMS Report Nurturing Creativity in Young People, Music Manifesto and Musical Futures materials. The introduction also contains a useful diagram showing how the core work in the classroom extends outwards to link with a wider sphere of musical activities including bands/orchestras, community use etc. I would have liked to see some consideration of how departments making connections to the extended community via the internet, but some thought is given to this later on in the book.

Good to see that a fundamental consideration as to how spaces can accommodate a range of pedagogical approaches to teaching and learning.

Section One starts with an overview, and considers the components that comprise a music department. It sets out some guiding principles for laying out spaces and how they may link to other parts of the school. Like the rest of the book, it is beautifully illustrated with clear technical drawings and diagrams that illustrate and support the arguments being made. It is good to see that ‘social space’ is catered for in these plans - which can be so important in helping to nurture a good vibe in a music department. It’s not just the buildings, it’s the people…

The next section goes into more details about the individual spaces and again, clear diagrams and commentaries map out a range of flexible scenarios. (Download ‘sample pages’ below which illustrate this). ‘Checklists’ are provided throughout the book which can be used to help key track of possible costings. Finally, a really useful feature of this section is a table which provides approximate dimensions for stored instruments which can help inform store room design.

Section 3 is the ‘boring but important’ chapter on furniture and equipment and includes very useful advice on siting, flexibility and recommended dimensions for bench and seating heights etc.

This is followed by a chapter on servicing considerations, including a detailed technical discussion of acoustics requirements (control of ambient noise, sound insulation, provision of a good musical acoustic) and the implications this has for heating/ventilation, lighting and ICT. Some discussion and guidance on the pros and cons of school-wide vs department-wide networking would have been useful as I know this can be an area of concern for many of our music departments. Again, excellent drawings and diagrams are used throughout.

The second half of the book is given over to what some of this might look like in practice. Five case studies covering a range of types of music department including two stand-alone, a large department shared with a community school and a special school with a sensory theatre. Each case study includes contextual background and highlights exemplary criteria. The briefs and subsequent design solutions include detailed timetabling and usage requirements, an acoustic analysis and an honest post-build assessment provided by the school. Each school concludes by providing some recommendations for others embarking on the design process.

In conclusion, a well structured book, beautifully presented with considerable attention to detail. The authors show a full understanding of the requirements of music department design. This book will not only be useful for those designing a new department from scratch – it will also be of considerable value for those who want to adapt and reconfigure their existing spaces to make them fit for purpose for 21stC. music teaching and learning.

Highly recommended.

Review in Building Engineer.

Review by Dave Phythian BA MSc FBEng MRICS. Building Engineer, December 2010

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