A Common Approach
A curriculum for vocal and instrumental teaching
A Common Approach is an online resource that supports music educators in their teaching practice and helps develop a holistic approach to music education. Relevant to all vocal and instrumental teaching, including individual, small-group, large-group and whole-class lessons, music educators at all stages of their career can use the support and shared learning found in A Common Approach.
Originally released as a printed publication in 2002, A Common Approach was fully revised and turned into a digital resource, launching on its 20th anniversary in 2022. Today A Common Approach continues to develop and expand to reflect the changing landscape of music education.
While the original version contained Programmes of Study for nine different instruments or disciplines, A Common Approach now contains material for sixteen different disciplines, supporting music teachers to work with a more diverse range of instruments (including digital music-making and production) and develop their practice in different contexts.
In the short video below, editor and coordinator Catherine Brentnall asks ‘what is A Common Approach?’ and demonstrates how you can use it in your teaching practice.
With A Common Approach continuing to expand, the full range of instruments/disciplines that are now available can be found by scrolling through the tiles under ‘Programmes of Study’ below.
For a quick walkthrough of the site and an introduction to the Programmes of Study, take a look at our other videos Exploring the A Common Approach resource and The Programmes of Study.
Where to start:
Programmes of Study
Each instrumental section explores the progression of musical skills in six interrelated areas of musical experience through five Programmes of Study, providing learning objectives and related teaching activities.
Additional Resources
Explore links to other resources to support instrumental and vocal teachers.
