Oak National Academy Primary Music Curriculum
A resource for the nation
The Oak National Academy Primary Music Curriculum is a free, high-quality programme designed to support inclusive, joyful and ambitious music education for all primary pupils.
Created in partnership by Bristol Beacon and Cathedral Schools Trust, the curriculum offers a clear, progressive pathway for teaching music from Years 1–6. It supports pupils to develop their musicianship through singing, listening, composing and performing, while nurturing creativity, wellbeing and a lifelong connection to music.
Designed with teachers in mind, the curriculum provides ready-to-use lesson resources alongside guidance that supports planning, classroom delivery and curriculum development. Content is carefully sequenced and wide-ranging, reflecting diverse musical traditions, genres and voices, and exploring music’s role in storytelling, identity and social change.
On this page you can explore an overview of the curriculum, access links to the full set of teaching resources, sign up for email updates, and find out more about teacher training opportunities. You’ll also learn about the project partners who helped shape the curriculum, along with credits and acknowledgements.
This curriculum is for primary teachers, school leaders and anyone committed to ensuring every child can make, share and enjoy music.
Music curriculum resources
Music curriculum resources
Through performing, composing and listening, pupils build musicianship, explore diverse musical styles, and grow confidence, creativity and expression when making music independently and collaboratively.
Sign up for updates
Sign up for updates
Hear about our future teacher training packages and other Oak National Academy Primary Music Curriculum updates.
Upcoming Events
Sign up for updates
Sign up to hear about our future teacher training packages and other Oak National Academy Primary Music Curriculum updates.
Teacher Training
Music Curriculum Training for the Oak National Academy Music Resources
Music Curriculum Training for the Oak National Academy Music Resources
Teacher training for the Oak National Academy Primary Music Curriculum. Sign up to hear first about the training that will launch in Spring 2026.
Professional Development
Professional Development
CPD, training events and courses to support music specialists, non-specialists, assistants and leaders, helping them develop confidence and skills in primary music education.
New Initial Teacher Training
New Initial Teacher Training
Delivered by Bristol Beacon, Cathedral Schools Trust, Cabot Learning Federation and the Five Counties SCITT, these courses train primary teachers with a specialism in music and specialist music teachers for secondary education.
Project partners
Oak National Academy
Oak National Academy is the national publicly-funded provider of high-quality curriculum and lesson resources, used by one in three teachers in England.
Cathedral Schools Trust
Cathedral Schools Trust is an academy trust with a music specialism working with both primary and secondary schools. They have a passion for learning within and beyond their classrooms and a deep commitment to music and the creative arts.
Bristol Beacon and CST have been sharing expertise and collaborating for over 2 years on curriculum development. We are excited to have developed our partnership in collaboration with them, to co-create a curriculum which has accessibility and inclusion at its heart. We have also worked alongside leading national cultural organisations to utilise their expertise and resources as part of this project.
Credits
We would like to say a huge thank you to our project partners and everyone involved in creating these curriculum resources.
CST are a mature, ambitious, creative multi-academy Trust, across both Primary and Secondary schools, in the wider Bristol area. They are a family of schools who share a passion for developing learning within and beyond our classrooms, along with a deep commitment to music and the creative arts.
One of the UK’s most successful female music ambassadors, Debbie is in demand as a composer and conductor. Throughout the past 20 years, there are probably few people in the UK who have not heard a theme from one of Debbie’s films or television productions.
The Oak National Academy supports great teaching. They are an independent public body and work in partnership to improve pupil outcomes and close the disadvantage gap by supporting teachers to teach, and enabling pupils to access, a high-quality curriculum.
Composer, arranger and improviser; consummate soloist and generous collaborator; custodian of tradition and restless innovator, multi-award winning sitarist Jasdeep Singh Degun is an anomaly indeed. Unconstrained by genre, the Leeds-born virtuoso’s extraordinary skill and creativity are reshaping the musical landscape for his peers, and for generations to come.
Jason Singh is a multifaceted sound artist, nature beatboxer, producer, DJ, curator, facilitator, and performer. His life and work are deeply rooted in the art of listening. He embraces a multi-sensory and cross-species approach to sound and music, constantly exploring the relationships between humans, wildlife, and the environment through audio expression.
The London Symphony Orchestra is built on the belief that extraordinary music should be available to everyone, everywhere. From orchestral fans in the concert hall to first-time listeners across the UK, Europe and the world.
Today, they’re ranked among the world’s top orchestras, reaching tens of thousands of people in London, more on stages around the world, and millions through streaming, downloads, radio and television.
NCO empower children to uncover the joy of orchestral music, unleash their creativity, realise their ambitions and embrace a future filled with endless possibilities. Nearly 2000 children aged 8-14, from around the UK, connect with National Children’s Orchestras each year.
Paraorchestra is a groundbreaking musical experience like no other. They are a fearless collective of disabled and non-disabled musicians: a platform that pushes the boundaries of music-making to create art with passion and purpose. With a diverse ensemble led by the remarkable vision of their artistic director Charles Hazlewood, their performances are a fusion of emotion, innovation, and intrepid artistry.
Professor Nathan Holder is an award winning author, international speaker, musician and education consultant. With over a decade of experience, Nate has been advocating for inclusive and diverse music education globally through speaking engagements, writing, and consultancy.
The Royal Ballet and Opera is the home of world-class opera and ballet. We are a cultural powerhouse, bringing together two world-class performing companies, The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet, in one of the UK’s leading arts institutions, supported by a cast of more than 3,000 employees including technical staff, creatives, and freelancers.
Music in schools
Music in schools
We run a programme of creative learning reaching over 30,000 young people every year from Beacon Music Centre in Southmead and across 92% of Bristol’s schools.
Be Creative
Be Creative
We believe in the power of music to inspire, teach and transform lives. Find out how you can make space for music with us.
More community programmes
More community programmes
Our community programmes – Creative Health & Wellbeing, Care Experienced Young People, Music & Disability, Festivals & Events – bring people together through the power of music.