Specialised teaching spaces for music at year 1–8
To complement general classrooms, an alternative and specialised music teaching space is important, especially at year 7–8.
This space will probably be larger than a general classroom, and will need:
- good acoustics (including a carpeted floor and suitable material on walls and ceiling)
- good-quality sound equipment with speakers that are well placed and good enough for quality reproduction
- dedicated furniture or no furniture at all (easily moved tables, not desks, or just chairs)
- easy access for classroom instruments (possibly a ramp if the instruments are on trolleys)
- easily accessed storage for each class's own collection of instruments – in a large cupboard that opens directly into the room or, if the room is secure, on open shelves and hooks to hang them around the walls.
Halls and gyms
The traditional school hall is unlikely to be suitable as the alternative music teaching space. It probably has poor acoustics and is too large for a single class.
Alternative music teaching spaces are sometimes shared with non-arts activities, most commonly physical education and assemblies. Similar design and usage problems arise as well as acoustics, and the security of music equipment is an issue.
Multi-purpose spaces
In some schools the alternative music teaching space will be a multi-purpose space.
A multi-purpose performing arts space (also suitable for dance and drama) would seem to be a good idea. Integration of the arts is more likely, and sound equipment, instruments, and even lights and staging can enrich all of the arts.
But after the first few year levels, dance should be taught in a completely empty room with no carpet, and drama is likely to need curtains and rostra. These needs might not suit the music programme.
Ideally, alternative music teaching spaces will be reserved for music, but many schools also use them for compatible activities like small performances, speeches, drama and dance for younger students, and breakout rooms (so long as instruments are securely locked away).
Some schools have adapted a large general classroom or joined two prefabs, sometimes with sliding doors between. Teachers say they prefer light, airy, attractive music rooms with good heating and ventilation control.