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How to find the ideal curriculum scheme for your school

With the increasing emphasis on delivering a broad and balanced curriculum in primary schools, music education has once again come into the spotlight. For many schools - especially those without a specialist music teacher - commercially produced music schemes offer an accessible way to provide structured, progressive music lessons across all year groups.

But with multiple schemes available, each promising curriculum coverage, engagement, and ease of use, how do you decide which one is right for your school?

Here are key factors to consider when choosing a music curriculum scheme that will work for your school’s context, staff confidence, and pupils’ needs.

First and foremost, ensure that the scheme is aligned with the National Curriculum for Music. Look for schemes that clearly map out curriculum links and progression, offer long-term and medium-term plans across KS1 and KS2, and integrate performing, listening, and composing & improvising across each year group.

Schemes that provide a visible progression of musical skills, vocabulary, and understanding from EYFS through to Year 6 will support whole-school consistency.

Any chosen scheme must be user-friendly and confidence-building. Is the interface easy to navigate? Are there video tutorials, backing tracks, and examples to support teaching? Do the lessons include detailed step- by-step guidance? Are there flexible options for adapting lessons to suit different classroom situations or teacher experience? Schemes that offer clear, structured lessons with supporting media can make all the difference to teacher confidence and lesson quality.

A strong music scheme should expose children to a wide range of musical genres, cultures, and traditions. This supports the National Curriculum aim of developing a love of music while also promoting cultural capital. Some questions worth asking are: Does the scheme include diverse musical examples from around the world? Is there a balance between modern and classical music? Are the songs age-appropriate, varied, and engaging? Does the scheme include opportunities to explore both tuned and untuned instruments? Variety in repertoire ensures that all pupils find something they connect with, while also broadening their musical horizons.

Good curriculum design includes not only what to teach but also how to know if it’s being learned. Assessment in primary music should be manageable and meaningful. Look for schemes that offer clear learning objectives and outcomes for each unit, include formative assessment ideas or simple tracking tools, and allow for reflection, peer feedback, and opportunities to revisit and consolidate key skills. Some schemes include end-of-unit performance tasks or optional summative assessments that make it easier to report on progress without excessive workload.

Music should be accessible to all children, regardless of ability or background. The scheme you choose should offer adaptations for pupils with SEND, include a range of entry points for different abilities, and encourage inclusive participation, especially for children who may lack confidence in performing. Consider whether the scheme also provides resources for EAL learners or includes accessible notation formats (e.g. graphic scores or colour-coded notation).

Budgets are tight in most schools, so cost is a practical consideration. When comparing schemes, check what the licence includes (e.g. whole school access, CPD, updates), consider whether it’s a one-off fee or an annual subscription and be sure to ask whether the cost includes extras like instrumental schemes, singing assemblies, or digital tools. Some platforms also provide free trials or sample units - take advantage of these to explore content before committing.

A good scheme should support teacher development as well as pupil progress. Investigate whether the scheme includes: online or in-person training opportunities, ongoing support (e.g. forums, helpdesks, or CPD webinars) and materials for subject leaders to support monitoring and development. Schemes that invest in teacher learning help create a stronger, more sustainable music offer across the school.

Finally, think beyond the classroom. A scheme is most effective when it supports your school’s wider vision for music. Does it support whole-school singing or performance opportunities? Can it be linked with peripatetic instrumental lessons or extra-curricular music? Will it prepare pupils for further musical engagement at secondary level?

Choosing the right music curriculum scheme isn’t just about finding the “best” platform — it’s about finding the best fit for your school.

Take the time to explore different options, involve staff in the decision-making process, and consider your school's unique needs and ambitions. With the right tools in place, every primary teacher can feel confident in delivering high-quality music education and every child can find joy in making music.