York MMC Blended Listening List – York Music Education CIC ← Back to MMC Guidance
Curated by York Music Education CIC (YME). Last updated: 13 August 2025.
This York-specific listening resource blends the Barnsley list with additional structures and exemplars from Leicestershire (Active Listening Scheme of Work), Nottingham (Progression Framework) and Hertfordshire (School Music Development Toolkit). It is designed to support short, regular listening with context, clear progression from KS1 to KS3, and inclusive repertoire.
How to use this list
Daily/weekly structure
Adopt a simple 5-point weekly routine (inspired by Leicestershire): brief contextual intro, focused first listen, discussion prompt, second listen with target focus (e.g. pulse, texture), and a short pupil response (verbal/written/movement).
Progression
Each Key Stage suggests typical focuses and vocabulary. Build from simple contrasts (fast/slow, loud/quiet) in KS1 to form, harmony and production choices by KS3. See also your school’s curriculum map for alignment.
Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2)
Focus: pulse, steady beat, simple patterns, call-and-response; broad exposure to styles.
- Frère Jacques (traditional) – round FolkRound
Try a simple round in two parts; ask pupils to track the pulse by patting knees.
- Saint-Saëns – Carnival of the Animals: The Elephant Classical
Spot the low register; move to the beat like different animals.
- Kool & The Gang – Celebration Popular
Clap the off-beat; discuss instruments you can hear.
Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6)
Focus: rhythmic patterns, melody shapes, simple notation, forms; wider cultural styles.
- Chopin – Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9 No. 2 Classical
Describe melody vs. accompaniment; draw the contour of the tune.
- Duke Ellington – C-Jam Blues Jazz
Listen for 12-bar blues; identify instruments taking solos.
- West African drumming – djembe ensemble World/Traditions
Layer simple ostinati; compare master drum vs. support parts.
- Vivaldi – Spring (The Four Seasons) ClassicalProgramme music
How does the music paint springtime? Identify ritornello returns.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)
Focus: texture, harmony, form, production, stylistic devices; use DAWs for analysis/response.
- Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody PopularProduction
Form mapping; discuss multitracking and layering as production choices.
- Beethoven – Symphony No. 5, I Classical
Motif development; locate exposition, development, recapitulation.
- Jean-Michel Jarre – Oxygène (Part IV) Electronic
Texture and timbre; recreate a loop in your DAW and layer parts.
- Dave Brubeck – Take Five Jazz
Explore 5/4 metre; clap the ostinato and identify the form.
Downloads & playlists
Tip: if sharing with pupils, check your school’s safeguarding and platform policies first.
Credits & sources
Core inspiration: Barnsley curated MMC listening lists; additional structure and exemplars adapted from Leicestershire Music Hub (Active Listening Scheme of Work), Nottingham Music Hub (Progression Framework), and Hertfordshire Music Service (School Music Development Toolkit).
YME welcomes suggestions for local repertoire (York composers, ensembles and traditions) — please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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