Education

The Magic of Music Making

Clive Marriott, Head Master of Salisbury Cathedral School and current Chairman of the Choir Schools Association, talks to Test Valley Magazine about his strong belief in the importance of a musical education and how Salisbury Cathedral School entwines the magic of music seamlessly into everyday school life.

Music is a vital subject in the school timetable, it should not be a ‘nice to have’ or an extra. My own education, as well as my educational career, has taught me that schools need to carve out space within their timetables for music and, perhaps more importantly, place a value on the importance of learning music. As a child I drew much pleasure and strength from singing in choirs and I remember how it used to take all the worries out of my mind. I became engrossed in the activity and regularly found a lightness of heart that helped lift my mood and attitude. Looking back, I see how regular musical practise helped build deep rooted self-confidence which has set a strong foundation for my life.

Now, at the other end of the process, as a Head Master, I see the children in our care similarly flourish as they find their own voices, both literally and metaphorically. This is the foundation of my belief that all schools need to re-embrace the wonderfully mindful, restorative, and social benefits of regular music practise, in groups such as choirs or ensembles as much as learning individual instruments.

The way we build a culture of music at Salisbury Cathedral School is twofold: we ensure children start enjoying music as young as possible and also create a variety of opportunities to cater for all tastes and abilities. Here at Salisbury Cathedral School, our younger pupils learn spellings and times tables through song, it’s both effective and fun. It’s also important for all children to have opportunities to stand up in front of an audience. Musical performance naturally provides this. As children prepare to perform, they learn about delayed gratification and the rewards possible from steady work, practise, and a determination to improve.

Moving up to the prep school, more than 85 per cent of our pupils learn an instrument and every genre of music is covered, from classical to folk to jazz. There are five school choirs, two cathedral choirs (boys’ and girls’), 13 ensembles and at least 25 music concerts a year. Each choir sings different types of music with varied complexity and regularity. This opens opportunities for all children to join in at a level which appeals to them. It also means nearly every child is in at least one choir. It is more unusual to not sing than to be the boy or girl who attends choir. By building this rich culture of music making, in many forms, regular singing and playing becomes just a part of the everyday for pupils. Creating frequent and diverse opportunities allows all pupils to feel involved and valued. We also schedule informal concerts as well as formal performances so taking part, learning, and trying is cherished as highly as accomplishment. Last but not least, we always have an eye on making it fun. A small treat, a hot chocolate in town or a little party at school, after a concert is always enjoyed by everyone!

Salisbury Cathedral School www.salisburycathedralschool.com