Learning to play an instrument is a valuable skill, which can be a life-long passion. Not only is there enormous musical and social enjoyment, and artistic and expressive satisfaction, there is also a real sense of achievement which continues beyond school. It is a long process, which requires commitment and hard work but there will be many occasions to celebrate and enjoy which make it worthwhile.

Regular daily practice is better than occasional long sessions and, in addition to practising at home, the Music School is open from 8am until 5.15pm to assist pupils to do this. Practice rooms are more commonly available before or after school.

Joining an ensemble will help pupils to become better musicians and develop an important social skill. They should regard membership of a group as a fundamental part of their music education rather than an optional extra; it will improve their sight reading and aural skills as well as experience a greater range of repertoire than they would just in your individual lesson. We strongly encourage all pupils to take part in ensembles appropriate to their instrument/voice and level. All pupils are welcome to join ensembles whether or not they have individual tuition here in school. Priority is not given to those who do.

450 instrumental/vocal lessons are given weekly by the team of full time and visiting instrumental teachers covering piano, organ, singing, guitar, percussion, saxophone and all orchestral instruments.

All pupils in J1 (Year 3) will receive group tuition in one instrument (violin, cello, flute, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet or trombone) as part of their class music curriculum.

We are most fortunate to have an excellent team of visiting professional musicians who are specialists in their field as both teachers and performers.

Visit the Music Staff page for a full list of our employed and visiting teachers.

Exams are not essential to the learning process but can help as a means of measuring progress. Your child’s teacher is the best judge as to whether an exam should be taken and which grade should be attempted. It is a better experience for pupils to achieve good marks at one grade than to scrape a pass at a higher one.

There is no rush to get through the grades. It is helpful if parents reinforce this with their child.

Practical instrumental and vocal exams

Each term the school acts as a centre for practical instrumental and vocal exams for both the ABRSM and Trinity/Guildhall exam boards. 

• For pupils who receive their tuition in school, the instrumental staff will coordinate exam applications.
• Pupils who receive their tuition with teachers outside school are equally welcome to take their exams in school and they should make contact with Mr Kermode or Mrs Baumber to find out more.
• Entries are often made in the first two weeks of a term, and as much notice as possible is helpful. Pupils will be entered for public music examinations only with the consent of the teacher and parent.

Aural training

Aural training is offered in preparation for music exams at all levels and for higher grades is particularly recommended.

Theory exams & training

Pupils can also sit their grade 5 Theory exam in school on the single designated date each term set by the ABRSM. Theory classes are also held each week in preparation for this exam and pupils are encouraged to sign up for the classes in plenty of time as it can often take a number of terms to cover all aspects of the syllabus. Details of sessions can be found on the weekly rehearsal schedule (see Performance Music page).