Can I see some samples?

Click on the link here FREE SAMPLE MATERIAL to see a selection of resources from Key Stage 2/Primary and Key Stage 3 units.  All users can access the “unit pages” showing the selection of resources available for each unit, although only subscribing members will be able to view and download the specific resources.

Why does each resource have a code instead of a name?

With over 1000 resources now online, and more to come, a system has been devised to “code” resources for easy storage and reference.  Most resource codes begin Y* denoting the Year group, followed by U* denoting the Unit number, followed by the type of resource SP/W/A/VID/CH/SS/S (see home page for descriptions) and then a number e.g. Y7U11SP4 - Year 7, Unit 11, Starter/Plenary Activity 4.  These can be renamed by yourself at download or using the “rename” feature on your computer.

I’m having problems with the Audio & Video Files

There are a multitude of different media formats available, but for consistency and ease of use, MP3 files have been used on all Musical Contexts Audio Files and have been uploaded with the file extension .mp3 and MPG files have been used on all Musical Contexts Video Files and have been uploaded with the file extension .mpg.   Most of the video files (subject to copyright), used on the site are also available on the Musical Contexts YouTube®  Channel— click HERE to subscribe!

If you’re having problems downloading the Audio or Video Files, try right-clicking on the file icon or description and selecting “Save Link As….”  or “Save Target As….” , depending on which browser you are using to view the site, and select a location on your computer where you would like the file to be downloaded to.  Now try opening the file direct from your computer.  If you need to convert the Audio Files to a different format, there are a number of free software applications available to do this.  I would recommend WavePad Sound Editor for Audio File conversion and Any Video Converter for Video File conversion and VLC Media Player for a generic Media Player - all available free by clicking on the links.

If you’re using Firefox® you can install the “Down Them All!” add-on which will speed up the downloading process!

I’m having problems with the Zipped “Lesson Bundle” Files

Like Audio Files, there are a number of different applications available to compress and zip files.  For consistency and ease of use, Winzip® has been used on all Musical Contexts lesson bundles across the site and have been uploaded with the file extension .zip.  If you’re having problems downloading the Lesson Bundle Files, try downloading the latest version of WinZip® by clicking on the link.  Select the “Download WinZip®” button to download your free copy.  If you’re using a Mac, then click on the following link for WinZip® and then click on “Try Free”.  For reasons of size and storage on the Musical Contexts servers, video files which accompany any lessons have NOT been included in the zipped “Lesson Bundle” files and will need to be downloaded separately or from the Musical Contexts YouTube®  Channel.

Can I change my username and password?

Unfortunately, due to the initial set up of the site, users are sadly unable to change their username and password given at the time of subscription.  This is a feature that may be changed in the future should the web hosting provider begin to offer this feature as part of their web hosting package.  I can only apologise for any inconvenience caused. 

Why do the Key Stage 2/Primary Units still relate to the ‘old’ topics?

With regard to the new “Primary Curriculum” -  sadly the new ‘topics’, such as “The Stone Age”, “Islamic Civilisations” and “The Indus Valley” do not ‘lend’ themselves to ‘musical connections’ as well as the previous ones.  Therefore, Musical Contexts has retained the previous Key Stage 2/Primary ‘topics’ as a basis for units, as some schools are reverting back to these ‘tried and tested’ units which have more of a natural music-focus.  Should more ‘music-friendly’ units appear within the Primary Curriculum in the future, new units will be added. 

Are there any plans for Key Stage 1 or A-Level Resources?

I advertise Musical Contexts as ‘Tried and Tested Music Resources’ and as such, all of the resources have been used within my teaching experience between Key Stages 2 and 4.  As I don’t have any Early Years/Key Stage 1 of post-16/Key Stage 5/A-Level teaching experience, sadly there won’t be any resources being added for these age ranges. 

Can I purchase ‘individual units’ instead of a ‘full subscription’?

Only the eleven Primary/Key Stage 2 units can be purchased individually as stand-alone units.  Please see the Musical Contexts homepage for further information.  “Full site” subscriptions allow users access to the entire site. 

Can I copy, share or distribute the resources once I’ve paid my subscription?

Please feel free to copy and use these resources for your own use, with your students and pupils and within your own school or college, but please use the resources responsibly and ethically, as irresponsible free sharing of paid resources to groups and forums is not only a breach of copyright, but will only sadly see the demise of sites such as this which rely on the support of teachers for their future development.

I have a question that’s not covered by any of the topics above? How do I contact Musical Contexts?

Please contact Musical Contexts by clicking on one the icons below which best matches your query.

Enquiries

Contact Musical Contexts to obtain further details on how to set up your own username and password for full access to all of the resources or any other general enquiries or feedback

Support

Contact Musical Contexts with any technical support problems or issues

(also see the Frequently Asked Questions page)

Payments

Contact Musical Contexts with any payment or invoice enquiries