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Special Talent: Music
MUSIC
Expectations
Music scholars are expected to demonstrate regularly their enthusiasm, commitment, and leadership in music-making. They make the most of the many opportunities offered by the school’s musical activities and are prominently involved in several ensembles. This is usually 3 per week, with an emphasis on their first instrument.
Music Scholar schedules will be arranged and reviewed by the Director of Music to provide the best programme for each individual.
Assessments for Award:
Candidates will be assessed for musicianship, technical skill, musical awareness and musical potential. These musical skills are normally reflected in high quality passes in music examinations; where a pupil has not taken formal examinations, the school will look for a high quality of musicianship on the assessment day.
The continuation of a music scholarship is conditional upon the maintenance of satisfactory musical and academic progress. All Music scholars are expected to choose Music as an option for Year 9, and GCSE. Sixth Form music scholars are usually expected to choose Music as an A Level option.
All candidates must provide a written report from their current Music teacher on their technical ability, musicianship, commitment and general musical ability, demonstrated through activities such as choirs, orchestras or bands. The Director of Music is pleased to meet prospective candidates and their parents at any time during the year to discuss the awards in more detail.
For all candidates, an interview is arranged during a visit to the Music Department, providing an opportunity for the Head of Music or other Departmental staff to talk with the potential scholar. Candidates will need to prepare a number of pieces.
Year 7: Prepare:
First Instrument:
•Two pieces of a contrasting nature. The standard should be in the region of Grade 5, although it is most important for candidates to • show musical potential. Candidates will be given a piece for sight reading. Second Instrument (if available): • • one piece (sight reading on this instrument will be optional). Aural/Musicianship Tests: as appropriate to the standard of • performance being offered. Candidates may also offer a song of any choice (if Voice is not one of the instruments offered above), although this is optional. On the assessment day all UK candidates will be expected to attend together for a series of practical assessments.
Year 9: Prepare:
First Instrument:
•Two pieces of a contrasting nature. The standard should be in the region of Grade 6, although it is most important for candidates • to show musical potential. Candidates will be given a piece for sight reading.
Second Instrument (if available): • • one piece (sight reading on this instrument will be optional). Aural/Musicianship Tests: as appropriate to the standard of • performance being offered. Candidates may also offer a song of any choice (if Voice is not one of the instruments offered above), although this is optional. Sixth Form: Prepare:
First Instrument:
•Two pieces of a contrasting nature. The standard should be in the region of Grade 7, although it is most important for candidates to • show musical potential. Candidates will be given a piece for sight reading.
Second Instrument (if available): • • one piece (sight reading on this instrument will be optional). Aural/Musicianship Tests: as appropriate to the standard of performance being offered.
Overseas candidates MUST submit photographs, digital files etc to provide evidence of work which is supported by a reference from a Music teacher at their current school. Candidates awarded a Special Talent Scholarship based on photographic or recorded evidence, will have their skills tested on arrival.
