Scholarships 2011

SCHOLARSHIPS 2011

lassical

MUSIC

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A passion for music ■

State-of-the-art new music school

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Generous music scholarships and bursaries available

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A Levels or International Baccalaureate

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Co-educational, boarding and day, ages 13-18

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A stunning 80 acre site in a North Essex village

As chosen by

Young Drummer of the Year Richard Rayner

Contact: James Lowry Director of Music on 01371 822687 or Email: jdl@felsted.org www.felsted.org

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CONTENTS EDITOR

Alex Stevens DEPUTY EDITORS

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HEAD OF PRODUCTION

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PRODUCTION DESIGNER

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HEAD OF ADVERTISING

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SCHOLARSHIPS 2011

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

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HEAD OF MARKETING

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10 YAMAHA SCHOLARS

VIRTUAL REALITY Now in its fourth year, South West Music School has one big difference – it isn’t made of bricks and mortar Yamaha’s awards for young musicians: celebrating 20 years of grant giving

15 LOCAL HEROES Scholarships checks out the country’s many community trusts, foundations and music competitions

18 PREPARE FOR SUCCESS A scholarship audition could be crucial, but what can pupils do to take the prize?

27 POP UP NORTH The RNCM and Access to Music’s Foundation Degree in Popular Music Practice comes with some juicy bursaries

31 ROYAL TREATMENT ABRSM doesn’t only run exams: it also provides four of the most generous and prestigious scholarships out there

36 CLIFFTOP COMMUNITY Set in the rolling hills of the South Coast, Lancing College maintains its broad musical heritage with a number of scholarships and bursaries

22 THE SCHOLARSHIPS PROCESS Profiling the types of scholarship on offer at independent schools – and what department heads are looking for

Front cover: A young musician at Orwell Park School, Suffolk Photo by Ted Blackbrow

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WESTMINSTER UNDER SCHOOL

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

IAPS Day Preparatory School for Boys 7 - 13 years

Up to 50% of fees, or almost 100% in conjunction with a bursary

Choral and Instrumental Awards

Our vibrant, cosmopolitan location, in some of the most beautiful grounds in Surrey with a rich cultural heritage, creates the perfect environment for this first-class music department.

In collaboration with the London Mozart Players and with regular visits from distinguished musicians – including Sir James Galway, Tasmin Little and Sir Willard White, we aim to provide all pupils with a unique and exciting musical education. > Regular concerts in major venues including The Royal Albert Hall, The Royal Festival Hall, St John’s Smith Square, Goodwood House and The Royal Pavilion, Brighton > Outstanding academic achievements and inspirational classroom and instrumental teaching > Regular choral scholarships to Oxford and Cambridge > Opportunities for outstanding musicians provided by the Whitgift Chamber Orchestra > Numerous orchestras and ensembles for all levels > Concert tours worldwide, including strong links with Japan For further details please contact Mrs R C Whitfield, Whitgift School, Haling Park, South Croydon CR2 6YT • Telephone 020 8688 9222

Music Scholarships of up to 25% fees with free instrumental tuition are offered annually for boys at age 11.

Choristerships are offered in connection with St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey.

Further details may be obtained from The Registrar Westminster Under School, Adrian House 27 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2NN Tel: 020 7821 5788 Fax: 020 7821 0458

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REPTON SCHOOL Outstanding opportunities for young musicians of real potential • Generous Scholarships at 13+ and Sixth Form • Inspiring instrumental and academic tuition • International Concert Series, Summer Schools and resident quartet • Newly refurbished facilities at the heart of this vibrant boarding school

The Director of Music, John Bowley, is always happy to meet parents and prospective Scholars at any stage

Repton School Derby DE65 6FH Tel: 01283 559222 www.repton.org.uk

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DOWNE HOUSE

Independent Girls’ Boarding School

Music Scholarships and Exhibitions available at 11+, 12+, 13+ and 16+ entry Cold Ash, Newbury, Berkshire, RG18 9JJ t 01635 200286 e registrar@downehouse.net www.downehouse.net DOWNE HOUSE is a registered charity No. 1015059

Hampton School Independent HMC day school for 1202 boys 11-18

• Music Awards of 25% or higher at the Headmaster's discretion • Instrumental Scholarships and Exhibitions at 11+ and 13+ • Choral scholarships at 11+ in conjunction with the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace • Orchestras, Choirs, Choral Society, Jazz Bands, Wind band.

• A strong tradition of Chamber Music • Professional workshops and masterclasses • National competitions • Tours abroad • Extensive programme of concerts, many performing opportunities.

• High academic standards.

• Strong academic music throughout the curriculum.

The Director of Music, Iain Donald, is pleased to meet and advise prospective candidates and their parents.

For further information please contact the Music Administrator, Hampton School, Hanworth Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 3HD Tel: 020 8783 4200 Email: music@hamptonschool.org.uk www.hamptonschool.org.uk Charity no: 1120005

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south west music school

Virtual reality Founded in 2007 as a Centre for Advanced Training, South West Music School uses its lack of actual premises as a virtue, tailoring courses to the musical and social needs of its students. Clare Stevens finds out more about an unusually flexible institution

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t is not always easy to persuade teenagers to speak eloquently about their music making, much less about their musical education, no matter how committed they may be to the subject. But the two young musicians who gave up part of their rehearsal time to talk to me about the benefits of belonging to South West Music School (SWMS) could not have been more articulate or enthusiastic.

‘Wonderful’ was the word that cropped up most often as Tobie Tripp, 18, and Ben Weedon, 17, described how SWMS has transformed their musical lives.

It was Ben who expressed most vividly what it is that makes SWMS different from even the best specialist music schools. Because it’s a ‘virtual’ school – not based in any one centre – and doesn’t have a fixed curriculum or team of tutors for each discipline, it really is possible to draw up an individual plan for each student and, crucially, to find a teacher who will suit their needs. ‘So you don’t have that situation that you get in schools where a student gives up an instrument that they might be really good at because they can’t relate to the teacher,’ explains Ben. ‘The people who run SWMS have such fantastic contacts in the business that they will find a teacher who is just right for you.’

SWMS is one of the Centres for Advanced Training that were set up by the Department for Children, Schools and Families under the Labour government to address the imbalance in provision of specialist music and dance tuition that existed around the UK. Some areas, such as the southeast and north-west of England, were well served by established institutions such as the Purcell School, the Yehudi Menuhin School, Chetham’s and the junior departments of the conservatoires in London, Manchester and Cardiff while talented young people in Yorkshire, the north-east and the south-west had to travel many miles to a centre of excellence. So the government’s Music and Dance Scheme was expanded to embrace the Sage Gateshead’s weekend school; London’s Centre for Young Musicians, which serves a different geographical and social demographic from the junior

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Ben Weedon

Tobie Tripp

Chief executive and artistic director Lisa Tregale

conservatoires; the Hammond School, Chester; Yorkshire Young Musicians; and several dance schools. Meanwhile, it established three entirely new music schools in Sheffield Academy of Music, Aldeburgh Young Musicians, and SWMS. When it was set up in 2007, SWMS’s chief executive and artistic director Lisa Tregale was ‘handed two sheets of A4 and told to get on and create it’. She could call on the resources of the school’s founding partners – the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the south west branch of the Federation of Music Services, Wells Cathedral School, Wiltshire Music Centre and Dartington – but essentially she was working on her own, from home. Three years later Tregale has two assistant administrators – programmes co-ordinator Sophie Holden and projects manager Sophie Swainger – and, as of this term, SWMS has ceased to be a sub-department of Arts at Dartington, becoming an independent charity.

Fifteen students were enrolled for the first year, but the school is now up to its full complement of 45, with a further 30 young musicians registered for the one-year feeder programme – established by Tregale to cater for the large numbers of students who have expressed an interest in the training SWMS can offer but who cannot be accommodated on the core programme.

‘It’s a sort of “try before you buy” idea,’ she says.

‘Students on the feeder scheme get six workshops a year on topics such as improvisation, performance practice, listening and rhythm, and performance health. They also receive mentoring on what other opportunities are available for them, and they are assessed and monitored on their musical development, contribution and engagement.’

Fees for the feeder scheme are £200 for the year, covering all activities, and in case of need, can be covered by a bursary from the Department for Education. Means-tested bursaries are also available for up to 100% of the annual fee for the core programme, currently £3,577.

Students can audition to join South West Music School from the age of eight to 16 and can stay

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South West Music School: ‘Open to all instruments and all genres’

on the programme until they are 18 years old.

Applications usually open in late January, with a deadline in May and auditions in June. Initial applications are followed by an audition day for selected candidates. This involves performing to a small panel, having a one-to-one conversation with a music mentor, and taking part in a group workshop. ‘We try to keep it really relaxed and to include a range of activities so that we can get a real feel for each student’s potential’ says Tregale. ‘Some may be extremely advanced technically but have little experience of creative music, whereas others may not play particularly well but show real flair and musicality.

‘SWMS is open to all instruments and all genres of music. We have had baroque recorder specialists working alongside heavy metal drummers and singer/songwriters working with classical violinists.

We do not look for specific grades, but for musical talent and potential. Some of our students have grade 8 in multiple instruments, others are completely selftaught. What they have in common is a passion for music and a real musicianship that cannot be taught.’

The core programme includes three compulsory residential weekends in the school holidays but otherwise is tailored specifically to each student’s needs, objectives and other commitments. The schedule is planned on the basis of regular meetings with their mentor, a musician or arts professional who works in a relevant area of the business. SWMS does not take over payment for lessons they may already be receiving, but can pay for extra lessons with their existing teacher and for masterclasses or consultation lessons with someone else. The school also sets up a wide range of performing opportunities, including showcase concerts in venues around the south west and collaborative projects with professional musicians, actors or dancers.

Liz Lawrence prize of £1,000 towards his musical studies has enabled him to buy a new bow.

But classical violin is not Tobie’s only musical passion. He also plays jazz piano, composes, sings and beatboxes. ‘If I just concentrated on classical music I’d go a bit mad!’ he says. ‘SWMS has really helped me to explore all my other interests and take part in all sorts of performances.’ Meeting other young people who share his enthusiasm is another plus point. ‘There’s a wide age range but because we all have the same interests we get on very well. One of my best friends, Harry Smith, actually lives quite near me but I would never have met him if it hadn’t been for SWMS. Another kid, Martin Skews, is composing a violin sonata for me; I’m really looking forward to playing it.’

“We have baroque recorder players working with heavy metal drummers” Tobie Tripp, one of the first intake and now one of the first graduates, had reached the limit of what he could learn from his violin teacher when his mother found a reference to SWMS on the internet. Asked for the highlights of his experience, he cites simply being able to make a huge amount of progress on his violin, with the help of his new teacher Richard Ireland and his mentor Penny Tweed, a violinist with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. ‘SWMS has helped make my dream of studying the violin become a reality,’ he says, a process which included arranging for him to take A-level music with a tutor from Junior Trinity College of Music. He was offered scholarships to both the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and Trinity College of Music (he has chosen the Royal Welsh) and winning the

Ben Weedon, also primarily a violinist and violaplayer, and his younger brother Alfie, who plays double bass, have been home-schooled for most of their lives. ‘SWMS has been brilliant for Alfie and me,’ says Ben, ‘because it has catered for us as a duo as well as on an individual basis. We’ve been making up songs and playing folk, jazz and world music together for years and years. SWMS has understood that and encouraged us to develop it. For example, we had the opportunity to go out to Senegal to study with the kora and djembe player Seckou Keita, whom we’d met at a world music festival. The people at SWMS didn’t make any objections about missing residential or anything, they just said “go ahead”, and then when we got back they arranged for us to record a CD of new work inspired by our trip at the State of Art stu-

dios in Portishead, which was amazing. SWMS also helped me to find a wonderful teacher, Katy Latham, who has taken me right back to the basics of posture and how to hold the violin and so on – it’s been just what I needed. I’m working with her on unaccompanied Bach, and I’m generally not a classical player at all, but I’m loving it.’

Ben does not plan to go down the music college route, but he and his brother are taking BTEC music technology courses at Bridgwater College in order to help them communicate with the sound team at gigs and to do their own recordings. Then he says he might apply for the street arts course at Winchester University or the acting and musicianship course at Rose Bruford College in Kent, ‘or perhaps we’ll just go for it and concentrate on performing’.

Lisa Tregale’s aspiration is that all SWMS graduates should be equipped as Ben and Tobie have been for the next steps on their musical career paths, wherever those paths may lead. ‘I take the word training very seriously,’ she says. ‘This is not school. Once their individual learning plans have been drawn up it’s up to them to sort out lessons, masterclasses, and everything else with their tutors. They have to organise their diaries, juggle commitments, find their way to venues, reply promptly and politely to emails and be 100% articulate. These are crucial skills. And they have to be able to express their creativity in the best way for them.

In the past, all that would have been separate from technical development, but we aim to nurture our students in the whole craft of being a musician.’

The SWMS website includes audio and video recordings of student performance as well as information about how to apply for a place in 2011. www.swms.org.uk

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Musical Excellence Music is part of everyday life at the Royal Hospital School.

Everyone can choose to play one or more instruments, perform in a choir, orchestra or band, or simply develop a love and appreciation of music.

This commitment is emphasised by our investment in a brand new £3.6m state-of-the-art Music School.

Recently opened by John Rutter, the new facility houses a 200 seat recital Hall, 18 practice and specialist teaching rooms, a technical suite and ‘rock room’.

“The new Music School is magnificent - one of the finest music facilities I have ever seen” John Rutter

Choral & Music Scholarships awarded, for more information please contact: Admissions on 01473 326210, admissions@royalhospitalschool.org Director of Music: Peter Crompton G.R.N.C.M An independent co-educational boarding and day school for 11 to 18 year olds

www.royalhospitalschool.org The Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 2RX

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Registered office: 57 Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1DB. Registered in England No. 307622.

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Encouraged to Excel Whatever your talent is, we will help you develop it Co-educational Boarding and Day (13-18) Co-educational Boarding and Day (13-18)

• • • •

Boarding available from the age of 7 Scholarships offered for those who have discovered their talent Opportunities abound for those still looking International Baccalaureate and A-Levels offered in the Sixth Form Come and meet our students – every day is Open Day!

Outstanding co-education for 3 to 18 year olds

Senior School • 01227 763231 Junior School • 01227 762436 www.kentcollege.com

WESTMINSTER SCHOOL

Music MusicScholarships Scholarshipsavailable available Up to six music scholarships of 25% of the boarding or day fee are awarded annually to boys who enter the school at 13+. Further assistance up to 100% of the fees may be available for those in financial need.

Choice Choice of of IB IBand andA-levels A-levelsininthe theSixth SixthForm Form For a prospectus or to arrange an individual family visit For a prospectus or to arrange please contactanusindividual family visit

For more information telephone 020 7963 1017 or email musicoffice@westminster.org.uk.

please contact us t: +44 (0)1684 581 515 e: registrar@malcol.org t: +44 (0)1684 581 515 e: registrar@malcol.org

www.malcol.org www.malcol.org

Westminster School is a charity (No. 312728) established to provide education.

Registered Charity No. 527578 Registered Charity No. 527578

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ery few names are as well-known as Yamaha’s in the music business. As well as serving as one of the world’s largest manufacturers of musical instruments, they have seen to it that they are supporting and investing in some of the world’s best young and talented musicians.

To conduct this support successfully, Yamaha Music Foundation (YMF) was established in 1966 in its headquarters in Tokyo. The purpose of the foundation was to stimulate interest in the playing and enjoyment of music among people from all over the world.

In order to develop this welcome support for musicians, branches of the foundation were since established in strategic parts of the world, including the Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe (YMFE).

Since its inception in 1990, YMFE has awarded support in the form of scholarships to the tune of €1m. This has given over 850 musicians extra funds with which to advance their studies and to develop their musicianship. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, YMFE has launched a dedicated website to make it easier to find out more about the scholarships and how to apply.

YMFE’s president, Masato Oike, makes his vision of the foundation clear with a bold statement on its homepage: ‘The Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe is the perfect possibility for talented musicians

which YMFE accepts applications changes from year to year. 2010/11 will welcome applications from pianists alone, although in other years, applications are invited from brass or woodwind players, vocalists, string players and percussionists.

Speaking to Bill C Martin, music education manager at Yamaha Music Europe, he explains what makes the scholarship foundation so special: ‘At Yamaha we place great store on supporting young musicians who have exceptional talent, to help ensure their trajectory is not interrupted and that they complete their full-time music education and go on to have successful musical careers. We know from speaking to our past scholars that their awards have made a big difference to them, especially when confronted with the high cost of tuition at a top-level conservatoire. Each year we discover some incredible young performers and we are now also keeping in touch with them through our Yamaha More Music programme, finding ways we can work with them which will in turn inspire the next generation of young musicians.’

APPLICATIONS YMFE scholarships are open to full-time students who must be no older than 25 at the time of application. This year, 37 scholarships will be awarded in 25 different countries.

Scholarship amounts differ depending on the country in which the applicant is studying. However, for students applying in the UK, three £2000 scholarships will be awarded this year. These funds are designed to cover one year and are to be used largely at the music student’s discretion, as long as it is related to the

YAMAHA scholars Over the past two decades, the Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe has supported hundreds of talented musicians fund their studies. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Claudine Nightingale provides an insight into this high-profile organisation

“I am so grateful to the YMFE for their support” Kathryn Rudge, YMFE 2007 scholarship winner

to prove themselves, get professional feedback and – if awarded – to benefit from financial support.’ And to assure those who might feel intimidated by the grand claims of a scholarship foundation that can propel you to a professional music career, Oike stresses the inclusivity of YMFE: ‘I invite every music student to take this chance. A chance that could be the starting point to a promising career’. An encouraging statement from Oike, which would seem to suggest that YMFE scholarships really are open to all who sit within its application guidelines.

Each year a number of scholarships are given, though the discipline for

advancement of their musical studies.

Students will be evaluated by the initial submission of a recorded performance. If they succeed at this stage, a live performance audition will follow, upon which the final candidates will be chosen. Application forms are available to download on the YMFE website (ymfe.yamaha-europe.com), where contact information specific to the country from which you are applying can also be found. As well as the application form itself, a recording of the student performing two pieces must be included.

Specific instructions about the nature of the recording are given by YMFE: applicants should send their recording on a CD, DVD or MiniDisc and

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YAMAHA MUSIC FOUNDATION OF EUROPE both pieces should not exceed 20 minutes in length.

Reassuringly for those who lack access to technical recording facilities, the foundation states that the sound quality of submitted recordings does not influence the selection process.

London and I learned so much from the experience. I was absolutely thrilled to have been selected to receive the scholarship, and the funding proved invaluable in enabling me to put into place firm plans for my postgraduate vocal and opera studies at the RNCM. I am so grateful to the YMFE for their support.’

A WORTHWHILE PROJECT Katie Bedford, a flautist awarded funds in 2006, All of the past award-winners of the project are very has since gone on to have a very successful career: grateful for the support and opportunities that the ‘Becoming a Yamaha woodwind scholar remains a extra funds allow them to achieve throughout their highlight for me as a student. Winning one of these scholarship year. The Yamaha education department prestigious scholarships enabled me to continue has set up its own YouTube channel, which includes, my studies at the Royal College of Music where I among other things, videos of some of the was awarded a place on the postgraduate award winners talking about their orchestral pathway course. This then experience of the scholarship led to my appointment as coprogramme. principal flute of the English Kathryn Rudge was one National Opera. I am very of the 2007 vocalists who grateful to the Yamaha was awarded a scholarFoundation for their genship: ‘I was 20 years erous support and am of age and in my third honoured to have been undergraduate year of vogiven this opportunity.’ cal studies at the RNCM Graham Caskie was when I was selected to one of the first to be perform for a YMFE vocal awarded a scholarship scholarship award. This was from the YMFE for his piano Graham Caskie my first opportunity of performstudies. ‘Like any student, funds ing in a national competition in and allowances seemed to run out

all too quickly, especially in London’, explained Caskie, ‘and were it not for awards like that of the Yamaha Scholarship, it simply would not have been possible for me to study in the way I did – with confidence.

“We are supporting musicians who have exceptional talent“ Bill C Martin, Yamaha Music Europe ‘What I found very interesting as a student at the Royal Academy of Music was to see how my peers were all working so differently. What was common to us all however, as “budding artists”, was the need to have some space, some reasonable periods of time and most importantly, some financial security to plan ahead and allow for meaningful and unrushed study and practice, in order to find our own individual ways. A musician will of course be studying for life, but those few years as a student are critical as a foundation and I am very grateful to Yamaha for its invaluable support.’ ymfe.yamaha-europe.com

Developing Musical Talent � Flexible exam structure � Clear and detailed mark scheme � Choice of supporting tests � Exciting repertoire lists � UCAS points at Grades 6–8 … Just some of the ways we help candidates achieve success

From Percussion to Piano, Saxophone to Singing, we provide a wide range of Grade, Certificate and Diploma exams designed to nurture musical development at every level

www.trinityguildhall.co.uk/music photo: Tas Kyprianou

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Seaford 124x85 BWv1 Ad:Layout 1

THE KING’S SCHOOL ELY

GIRLS AND BOYS 3–18, DAY AND BOARDING FROM AGE 8

SEAFORD A

R E P U T A T I O N

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COLLEGE F O R

E X C E L L E N C E

Founded in 1884 and set in a 400 acre park at the foot of the South Downs, Seaford College is an independent HMC co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 10-18.

A truly inspirational environment which nurtures all creative talent The Chapel Choir has performed at Cathedrals around the country, including Chichester, Winchester and York Minster.

Tuition is available in all standard and popular instruments and the College has a number of thriving rock and blues bands.

Choral and instrumental awards and bursaries of up to 40%.

Annual organ scholarship.

MAGNIFICENT MUSIC DEPARTMENT, with recital room, computer room, nine sound-proofed practice rooms, separate class and keyboard rooms, music technology studios, plus new course in music technology.

‘Music is the beating heart of King’s.

It lifts our regular worship; punctuates the rhythm of the school year and provides the golden thread that binds our community together.’

Head, Mrs Sue Freestone

‘Be a Chorister Day’: Saturday 20 November 2010 Boy Chorister Auditions: Saturday 15 January 2011 Girl Chorister Auditions: Saturday 5 February 2011 Charity No. 802427 (pre-auditions available)

Telephone:

01798 867456

enquiries@kings-ely.cambs.sch.uk www.kingsschoolely.co.uk

Hurst

Fax: 01798 867606 email: JMackay@seaford.org web: www.seaford.org

Outstanding day & boarding education for boys & girls aged 4 - 18

Scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available for exceptional candidates seeking to join the Prep School at 11+, Senior School at 13+ or Sixth Form at 16+ New for 2011 Sixth Form entry: Hurst is applying to offer IB Diploma alongside A levels For more information, for details of our Spring 2011 Open Mornings or to arrange a personal family visit, please telephone Admissions on 01273 836936 or email admissions@hppc.co.uk Hurstpierpoint College

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College Lane

Hurstpierpoint

West Sussex BN6 9JS

www.hppc.co.uk

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First all-Steinway independent school in Europe

Brand new Steinway concert grand pianos – December 2009 Outstanding musicians flourish at Loretto.We welcome applications throughout the year from talented instrumentalists and singers.

We offer generous music scholarships and means-tested bursaries (up to 100%) to help pay fees.

The only independent boarding and day school in East Lothian for children aged 3 – 18 years.

Loretto

Musselburgh, Edinburgh EH21 7RE. T 0131 653 4455 admissions@loretto.com www.loretto.com

Charity SC013978

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I PSWICH S CHOOL

INDEPENDENT DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AND BOYS AGED 3 TO 18 Generous Music Scholarships available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ Dynamic and high-achieving department Excellent academic results An enjoyable learning environment Robed Chapel Choir: Cathedral visits, Annual tour, Oxbridge choral and organ scholars Three Orchestras, three Choirs, Big Band, numerous Chamber Ensembles 27 specialist Visiting Music Teachers Two fine concert halls Annual Summer Music Course Annual Festival of Music Ipswich School, Henley Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3SG. Tel: (01473) 408300 Fax: (01473) 400058 Email: registrar@ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk www.ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk Ipswich School is a charity (reg no 310493) educating children

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Artistic PhilipDukes Dukes ArtisticDirector: Director: Philip Artistic Director: Philip Dukes

“...an outstanding musical opportunity for a talented young musician.” ( Julian Lloyd Webber)

outstanding musical opportunityfor foraa talented talented young ( Julian Lloyd Webber) * A“...an significant number of music scholarships available “...an outstanding musical opportunity youngmusician.” musician.” ( Julian Lloyd Webber) * Professional orchestra-in-partnership: Southbank Sinfonia

* * * * * *

* A* significant number of music scholarships available The String Scholarship for outstanding violinists, offering up to 85% of the fees A significant number of musicFund scholarships available * Professional orchestra-in-partnership: Southbank Sinfonia * State-of-the-art facilities including purpose built practice rooms and three concert halls Professional orchestra-in-partnership: Southbank Sinfonia * The String Scholarship Fund for outstanding violinists, up at touniversity 85% of the fees * A unique music programme offered to those preparing tooffering read Music or conservatoire The* String Scholarship Fund for outstanding violinists, offering upthree toWebber, 85% of the fees (Head of * Artistic Advisors and Visiting Consultants: Tasmin Little, Julianand Lloyd Ronan State-of-the-art facilities including purpose built practice rooms concert hallsO’Hora Keyboard, Guildhall School of purpose Music andbuilt Drama), James (Head ofuniversity Brass, Royal of Music) State-of-the-art facilities including practice rooms and at three concert halls * A unique music programme offered to those preparing toWatson read Music or Academy conservatoire A unique music programme offered to those preparing to read Music at university or conservatoire * Artistic Advisors and Visiting Consultants: Tasmin Little, Julian Lloyd Webber, Ronan O’Hora (Head of Tel. +44 (0)1672 892300 Email: admissions@marlboroughcollege.org www.marlboroughcollege.org Keyboard, Guildhall School of Music and Drama), James Watson (Head of Brass, Royal Academy of Music) Artistic Advisors and Visiting Consultants: Tasmin Little, Julian Lloyd Webber, Ronan O’Hora (Head of

Keyboard, Guildhall School of Music and Drama), James Watson (Head of Brass, Royal Academy of Music) Tel. +44 (0)1672 892300 Email: admissions@marlboroughcollege.org www.marlboroughcollege.org

Tel. +44 (0)1672 892300 Email: admissions@marlboroughcollege.org www.marlboroughcollege.org Marlborough College.indd 1

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Community funding

Local heroes

W

hen a gifted student needs funding, the answer can sometimes be closer than they might think. Even in our current austere arts landscape, there is help out there for those who know where to look, and the big-name national foundations aren’t the only ones awarding grants and prizes to promising young musicians. All around the UK are private trusts, local government organisations and local competitions which offer financial help to deserving cases in their area. And while these organisations may have smaller budgets, they’re also more likely to take a personal interest in budding talent from their own part of the world.

Access to these funding sources varies widely: for some it involves a formal audition process, while others prefer recommendation from a trusted local teacher and a chat over tea and biscuits. For some grant-makers applications are welcome all year round while others have a strict closing date each year. The aims of each organisation also differ. Some are looking for future stars while others want to enable young people of all abilities to enjoy the wider benefits of music education.

Different parts of the country present different challenges for young musicians.

For Emma Campbell of the Radford Trust, a Cornwall-based charity, ‘the problem is that we’re so far away from everywhere and costs really can be prohibitive. Sometimes a grant of just £50 to help someone travel to an audition or consultation lesson can make all the difference’. The trust was founded in 1970 with money from two sisters wellknown in the area for their passion for music.

It provides financial assistance for Cornwallbased young people (or, in the case of undergraduate or postgraduate study, those resident in the county until the age of 18) in purchasing instruments or music, attending courses and meeting tuition and travel costs.

In addition, it has a collection of instruments which it lends out to those needing a hand at the start of their musical life, and runs workshops and courses for players of all abilities.

22-year-old Tom Bassett, a composer from Porthleven who is heading to the Guildhall

Across the country, small trust funds and foundations are supporting a host of young musicians. Clarissa Payne assesses the local landscape

ÐÐ

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Music scholarships and up to 100% bursaries available

Scholarship application closing date: Friday 3 December 2010 Scholarship day: Thursday 27 January 2011

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COMMUNITY FUNDING School of Music for his master’s degree, received £500 to help him buy a laptop. ‘It made a huge difference ‘, Tom told me. ‘Now I can have my music with me wherever I go, Crossover soprano Joanna Marie Skillett which means I need never lose any opportunities’.

Also in the West Country is the Felicity Belfield Music Trust, which focuses on wind and brass players. According to the redoubtable Felicity her Trust is currently ‘inundated’, so it’s worth bearing in mind that applicants from the region take priority – though in recent years the trust has made grants to young people from all over the UK and also overseas.

Meanwhile, the region’s instrumental balance is redressed by the Dulce Haigh Marshall Trust, which makes awards to Devon-based string players under the age of 25.

Further north, the Hutchinson Award, administered by Derbyshire Community Foundation and set up by a local couple with a strong passion for supporting musical talent in young people, makes up to four grants of £250 and under each year. Established to benefit the local community as a whole, priority is given to those applicants who engage with music in their area – for example by playing in a school band or singing in a church choir. The awards are run in conjunction with the county music service, enabling teachers to ‘target’ the funding to the pupils who would benefit most.

One such pupil is Emily Beswick, a 13-year-old viola player from Buxton who received £250 from the foundation. Emily, who plays in her school orchestra, the county orchestra and a quartet, told Scholarships: ‘I’d wanted a new viola for ages.

I saved all my pocket money and did ironing so I could make my own contribution. And now I’m really, really happy – the tone is so much better’.

Other trusts raise their own funds as well as giving them out. Richard Ely of the Richard Ely Charitable Trust told me that, as they have no endowment, ‘We have to raise everything we give out in grants as we go along. As a music charity we have the great advantage that when we’re fundraising we can direct market our own product.

Young musicians, especially those we have helped, are only too glad to play for us at fundraising events; we also get tremendous support from adult groups who will turn out for us free of charge. We have been fortunate to have Sir Neville Marriner, Natalie Clein and Jennifer Pike (all with local connections, and all patrons of the Trust) do events

for us. We have no dedicated premises and very low overheads, and last year over 96% of all our Local trust and competition guide expenditure went directly on grant support.

‘Being a small charity is a hard slog, but it does  Radford Trust www.radfordtrust.org have its advantages! We support all kinds of young musicians, from 5-year old beginners and students  Felicity Belfield Music Trust 3 French Mill Rise, Shaftesbury SP7 8HS with learning difficulties to high-flying music college students. Of course we rejoice in the success of the  Dulce Haigh Marshall Trust The Secretary, Heathercoombe, Inner Ting high-fliers, but our mission is to give opportunity Tong, Devon EX9 7AO to those who would otherwise be denied, and this absolutely includes those who don’t get very far and  Hutchinson Award www.derbyshirecommunityfoundation.co.uk/ those who give up.’ grants/Hutchinson_Music_criteria.html Unlikely though it may seem at the moment, many of the UK’s 326 district and county councils,  Richard Ely Trust www.therichardelytrust.org.uk unitary authorities and metropolitan boroughs have funds available to individuals seeking a small  Harrogate Centenary Grants www.harrogate.gov.uk/immediacy-4003 grant. I remembered receiving £50 myself from the district council as a teenager, and decided to ring  Rosalie Inskip Music Trust children&youngpeople@shropshire.gov.uk around the country to find out about the situation today. Perhaps, in the current climate of arts cuts  Essex Young Musician of the Year www.ongarmusicclub.org.uk it might not be as rosy as in the past – and indeed Full details in the British Music Education my first call ended in disappointment: Hambleton Yearbook, available at www.rhinegold.co.uk District Council in North Yorkshire had just had to cut its ‘Talented Young Musicians’ scheme.

Many other councils aim their small grants at com- competition experience is soprano Joanna Marie munity arts organisations and exclude individuals Skillett: crossover star, holder of a reported £1m (though a lot of local ‘Young Musician’ competirecord contract and the 2009 Essex Young Musitions receive some local government funding), cian of the Year. The competition has been going while others offer an advisory service only. since 1984 and got off to a good start – the first However, there are still some local authorities winner was violist Anthony Marwood, now of the that fund young players and singers. Harrogate Florestan Trio.

Borough Council’s Centenary Grants As Skillett told Scholarships: ‘After finishhave helped 500 young people ing my masters at the Royal Academy since they were set up in 1984 of Music, I was looking really hard for performance opportunities and are still going strong. in my home county, and it was Meanwhile, Shropshire is my piano tuner who told me represented by the Rosalie Inskip Trust. Established about the competition – how with a bequest to the it was a great, friendly experiCounty Director of Music ence with a very high standard of performance. The prize in 1991, the trust has a money made a huge difference wide remit, helping chilas it enabled me to record and dren to start learning as well Composer Tom Bassett as assisting advanced musicians. send off a demo CD – now I’ve just ‘The Trust is not large,’ says Robin signed a recording contract.’

Chowdhuri, the trust’s secretary, ‘but will Competition organiser Janet Pope added: consider most projects that fulfil Ms Inskip’s ambi- ‘It is very important we take every opportunity to tion for furthering the love and appreciation of encourage young people to become involved and music, whether it’s a new bow for a young violinist achieve a high standard. We hope the competition, or a new amp for a budding rock god.’ with its cash prizes and opportunities for giving One way for young musicians to get not only recitals, will do this.’ cash but experience too is to enter one of the Whether your deserving student needs a first hundreds of local competitions around the UK. instrument, a first competitive experience, or an These are often partly or wholly funded by private advanced instrument and travel to a high-pressure trusts or local authorities. Ranging from large-scale audition, it’s worth starting the search on your events such as Texaco Young Musician of Wales own doorstep. The UK’s grant-making organisaand Scottish Young Jazz Musician of the Year to tions may soon be in more demand than ever, but home-town competitions, there’s plenty of scope they’re still working hard to help young musicians for pupils wanting to cut their competitive teeth.

– you just have to know where to find them.

One young musician who benefited from her

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Prepare for

success Winning a scholarship can be crucial to a young student’s future – but how should they prepare for the audition? Rhian Morgan finds out from the teachers who know

W

e’re all feeling the financial pinch, so if our children, who are generally rather better known for taking money out of the household than bringing it in, finally manage to swell the coffers with a scholarship or bursary there is indeed cause to rejoice.

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) estimates that its schools now provide more than half a billion pounds in financial assistance, with 32.5% of ISC pupils receiving help with their fees. There are music, art, sport, technol-

ogy, all-rounder and academic scholarships on offer. So, as the entrance exam season gets into swing, what are the schools looking for?

Martin O’Brien has been director of music at Orwell Park School, a prep school in Suffolk, for eight years. On his watch, 36 pupils have been awarded music scholarships to Ampleforth, Christ’s Hospital, Haileybury, Ipswich, King’s Canterbury, Oundle and Uppingham schools.

‘There is very clear advice, via the Music Awards Directory, on what senior schools are looking for on the day,’ says O’Brien, who is a

strong advocate of the system. ‘Scholarships enrich the musical life of both senior and prep/ primary schools, provide fantastic musicmaking opportunities for those who might not otherwise be able to afford it and reinforce a continuous process of musical development and achievement.’

Before an audition O’Brien says it’s critical that both the parents and the child understand that along with the status, and (often relatively modest) financial gain offered, scholars are making a real commitment to be fully involved in the school’s musical life.

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SCHOLARSHIPS SUCCESS we Or

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go off to senior schools.

‘The sort of person I want is very much at ease with what they are playing,’ says Brown. ‘They take time for technique and they are not at the limit of their ability. Even in very simple pieces, they offer moments of beauty. Too often I hear pieces which are just too difficult and there is no soul in them.’

Like Eton, which says ‘we shall look more for high marks than high grades’, Brown would prefer a candidate who has ‘been learning for three years and can play beautifully at Grade 5 than one who started at three and managed 105 in Grade 7.’

Blackbrow l/Ted

‘Children who are talented in several other disciplines, as well as music, may well not realise that they can be told, firmly, by their new Director of Music that they will be at choir or orchestra practice, and cannot choose extra hockey training sessions.

‘The candidate needs to be aware that the scholars will make up the backbone of the music department, and reliable and punctual presence at rehearsals and concerts will be taken for granted from the outset. Most schools will expect pupils to opt for GCSE Music but there is free choice at AS and A2.’

O’Brien hopes that pupils will be guided towards a realistic scholarship attempt.

‘Academically selective schools with a cathedral school intake may well be hearing Grade 7 or Grade 8 repertoire, and it might be sensible to lower the sights’ he suggests.

‘Generally, an orchestral instrument is essential; piano-only awards are very unusual. There is a popular conception that minority instruments offer a more sporting chance but this has not been my experience. However, I have noticed that boys who sing, and moreover sing well and enthusiastically, get a warm reception.’

The boy choristers of King’s College School in Cambridge have an admirable record in achieving scholarships. The school achieves a ‘double figure number of awards each year’ and sends its charges off to its sister school, Eton, to local schools at The Perse, The Leys and Ely, and slightly further afield to Oundle, Uppingham and Oakham.

Simon Brown, head of music at King’s for more than a decade, is in no doubt as to what he is looking for when he auditions a child, and he ensures they have the same to offer when they

cian he or she will have to cope with academic studies too. ‘Musical children can often learn up to three instruments, as well as perhaps joining the choir, jazz band and orchestra, so they must be able to keep up with the academic pace of the school, taking into account that much of their spare time will be taken up with musical activity.’

So, the audition’s done and the waiting begins. ‘This can be frustrating’ admits O’Brien.

‘Parents need to remember that schools have one pot of money, from which they will have to award all scholarships. While most schools will communicate decisions within two weeks, a wait of two months is not unheard of.’

‘Auditions can put horrendous pressure on children’ says Simon Brown at King’s. O’Brien agrees and emphasises that a pupil must not be made to feel it ‘really matters’ that they succeed: ‘The reality is, of course, that it may well be crucial; but my role, together with parents, is to create

“Take time for technique. Offer moments of beauty. Too often I hear pieces which are too difficult and there is no soul” Simon Brown, Head of Music, King’s Canterbury Commitment and dedication are words which feature frequently from teachers everywhere. In Cardiff, the head of music at Kings Monkton School, Sian Murphy, looks mainly (after a certain standard has been reached) for commitment and a desire to join in.

‘Obviously, we want good players, some ability on a second instrument and we look at aural and their other interests too, but what I really like to see is that keenness to participate which shows a real love of music.

‘We’ve had one girl here who, quite remarkably, has played in ensembles for every GCSE session from when she joined in Year 7 to Year 13. That’s participation for you!’

Most schools require candidates to play two contrasting pieces on their principal instrument and one piece on their second instrument, to read at sight, and to do ear tests and scales appropriate to their technical standard. Good prep school and experienced teachers should be able to guide parents and pupils through the maze but external advice is sometimes needed.

Educational consultancy Gabbitas provides independent school advice for parents from both the UK and overseas. According to the company, ‘nurturing talent is something at which independent schools excel’.

For music, says Catherine Stoker, Gabbitas’s managing director, however talented the musi-

a process which is musically and emotionally positive and as enlightening, interesting and inspiring as possible. ‘ Another reality is that the auditions process demands time, effort, and money – a recipe for stress for children and parents. But while you don’t want to push children into certain failure, Catherine Stoker believes the race can sometimes be as important as the results: ‘If at all in doubt,’ she says, ‘why not have a go and apply? Experiences of success and failure are both valuable in assisting a child in learning to cope with the challenges of life beyond school.’

Contact

 www.gabbitas.co.uk  www.isc.co.uk  www.kcs.cambs.sch.uk  www.kingsmonkton.org.uk  www.orwellpark.co.uk The British Music Education Yearbook has extensive listings of private schools and their music awards, and is available from www.rhinegold.co.uk

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Sandy Lane, Cobham, Surrey KT11 2ES www.reeds.surrey.sch.uk

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

• HMC Independent School • HMC Independent School • 11-18 Day and Boarding School for Boys Day and Boarding School • 11-18 • Co-educational Sixth Form

for Boys

• Co-educational Sixth Form

Music Scholars become involved in: Reed’s Orchestra School • HMC Independent Chamber • 11-18 Day Orchestra and Boarding School for Boys Chapel Choir Sixth Form • Co-educational Reed’s Choir Reed’s Choral Society Jazz Orchestra Jazz Ensemble Saxophone Choir Wind Quintet Guitar Ensemble Rock Band ……… and many more!

Highlights of 2010-2011 include the Carol Service in Guildford Cathedral, the Dorking Halls Gala Concert and a visit to sing evensong at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.

A number of Music Scholarships are offered annually with auditions held in November (Sixth Form), January (11+) and March (13+).

Please contact the Registrar, Richard Gilliat on 01932 869001 for further information. Do also visit the School’s website www.reeds.surrey.sch.uk.

Entry levels are normally at 11+ 13+ and 16+.

06/10/2010 10:33:40

Please contact the Registrar, Richard Gilliat on 01932 869001 for further information. Do also visit the School’s website www.reeds.surrey.sch.uk.

Entry levels are normally at 11+ 13+ and 16+.

‘The Royal Academy of Music is internationally known and recognised as representing the highest musical values’ Daniel Barenboim, 2010 ‘The Academy’s teaching is outstanding. So is the value it adds. It rolls out musicians who are highly employable’ The Guardian, 2009

Study at Britain’s senior conservatoire: www.ram.ac.uk

020_SCHOLS_2010.indd 20

President: HRH The Duchess of Gloucester GCVO Principal: Prof. Jonathan Freeman-Attwood

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more success Scholarships in music To find out more about the scholarships available at Taunton School, contact:

01823 703703 registrar@tauntonschool.co.uk www.tauntonschool.co.uk

Music scholarships

27th & 28th January 2011 (closing date 14th January)

acadeMic scholarships 13+ 28th February – 2nd March 2011 (closing date 28th January)

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(closing date 28th January)

Bursaries up to 100% availaBle

Telephone 01439 766863 email: admissions@ampleforth.org.uk www.college.ampleforth.org.uk

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The scholarships process Westminster School

For a young talented musician, gaining a music scholarship can provide a window of opportunity and the chance to study at one of the UK’s leading independent schools. Hazel Davis shares some helpful hints for those thinking of applying

I

t is pretty much a given that a student will be of a high standard to be in with a chance of bagging a music scholarship. Many independent schools have specific scholarships for sport, dance and music with many offering up to half the value of the school fees, so competition is fierce.

So before you send little Freddy or Sally off to their audition with Ravel’s Tzigane under their arm, read on to find out exactly what the audition boards are looking for.

Ralph Allwood, director of music at Eton College, says they are looking for something else. ‘Our applicants have to be committed and devoted to the musical cause as well as being good at it,’ he says, ‘The most important thing I have learned about being a music teacher is that the part of the brain for making music is quite separate from the part of the brain for appreciating music. So there are plenty of people who are good at music but don’t particularly like it. Having reached a certain stage, those pupils tend to progress slowly, if at all, to everyone’s dismay.

We are looking for those who love it so much that there would be no question of ever losing the spark.’

The value of the Eton scholarship without extra bursaries is 10% of the fees, but, says Allwood, ‘once we have given a scholarship we make sure that a boy can come by giving a means-tested bursary up

to the value of the full fee. Many scholars have had their entire fees paid.’ In all respects, an Eton music scholar is a full member of Eton College and gets all the academic, sporting, pastoral and co-curricular benefits that any other boy would. ‘We feel that we are able to offer all the musical benefits that a specialist music school would, but in addition to that, first-class academic work and a huge array of other activities, all to a very high level.’

If you are looking to get into Eton, be warned.

‘We are in the happy position of being able to choose a very high standard of musician to receive our scholarships,’ says Allwood. ‘We don’t make academic allowances for entry, as that would be unfair to a boy who might struggle. All boarding schools, in giving scholarships, have to be sure that a pupil is self-motivated to a strong degree. But we are able to take only those who are so keen on their music that they will inspire and lead those around them.’

Eton takes singing very seriously, particularly in its two chapels. Therefore, says Allwood, ‘we are looking for some boys who will still be able to sing treble in our College Chapel Choir. These tend to be ex-choristers from cathedrals and Oxbridge chapels.’

And what do you play at the Eton audition?

‘Simply, the right pieces,’ says Allwood. ‘They

need to be just challenging enough to show them off at their very best without sounding untidy. We do get through an enormous amount of music here, so it helps if their reading is good.’

Scholarship students at Essex co-educational independent school Felsted can apply for fee remission and free tuition on two instruments for the duration of their study at the school.

Scholarships are available at entry into Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 and auditions take place from late January to early February for entry the following September. Bursaries are available to supplement any fee remission and the school has a small number of choral scholarships available.

James Lowry is director of music. ‘We’re looking for potential and willingness to engage and be enthusiastic,’ he says. ‘When a candidate actively seeks to get involved in music and wants to improve and do well, then we’re interested.’

As a rough guide for teachers, says Lowry, ‘we’d be looking at around grade 3 to 4 or equivalent for 11+ entry, grade 5 to 6 or equivalent at 13+ and grade 7 to 8 at 16+. However, I can’t stress enough that it’s potential and enthusiasm that we seek more than anything else as these are the types of people we can get the most out of.’

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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Each year, Westminster School awards six music scholarships up to the value of 25% of the current boarding or day fee. Scholars also receive free tuition on two instruments. The school is also able to offer bursaries of up to 100% of the fees in cases of financial need. There are also a number of major music exhibitions which offer free tuition on two instruments. Minor exhibitions are awarded to candidates who have a great deal of potential but have not quite reached the appropriate standard for a scholarship or major exhibition.

Tim Johnson is music director at Westminster.

‘The really special thing about a Westminster education is our link with Westminster Abbey. A former headmaster was once asked to complete a questionnaire about the use of school facilities. In answer to the question ‘Apart from school services, what else is your chapel used for?’ he answered simply, ‘Coronations’.

The school week starts and ends with services in the Abbey and many of our concerts are held there. It’s a very unique and special part of school life here.’

Music scholars at Westminster have the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of instrumental ensembles and choirs. Over the year they get to perform in venues including St John’s Smith Square and the Barbican. But the academic benefits of being at Westminster are considerable and 40%-50% of pupils go on to Oxford and Cambridge each year.

A good Westminster scholarship candidate will have a ‘real and genuine enthusiasm for music,’ says Johnson. ‘We’re looking for people who are going to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities available to pupils and who will make for good musical role models.’

“We’re looking for potential and willingness to engage – then we’re interested” Johnson says that most of the candidates awarded scholarships in recent years have been of a grade 7 to 8 standard, although, as he says, ‘I don’t like judging a candidate’s ability level purely on graded examinations. We are, of course, also looking for the potential for future development, with special consideration being given to cathedral choristers who, due to their singing commitments, may not be as advanced on their instruments.

‘The main mistake scholarship candidates make is to play music which is just a little bit too difficult for them. The temptation is to play the flashiest

piece they can in an attempt to “wow” the panel.

While technical proficiency is certainly important it’s unlikely that someone playing right on the edge of their technical ability will be able to produce a musically convincing performance in a potentially stressful situation.’ He adds, ‘It’s also worth doing a lot of work on sight reading. In a competitive field it’s the candidates who have good sight reading skills who really stand out.’

Whichever school your students are thinking about applying to, it is important to go and talk to the director of music before the audition day. Most directors of music are happy to meet candidates for pre-auditions. ‘This can be an excellent opportunity to get some helpful feedback and tips for the audition itself,’ says Johnston. ‘It also means that the real audition will be less intimidating, as you’ll already have seen the room and met the people you’re going to play to. And when you go for the pre-audition it’s worth asking about the nature of the aural tests as these may differ from school to school.’

However, all the advice in the world cannot make up for old-fashioned gut feeling. ‘I would encourage prospective scholarship candidates to visit a number of schools,’ says Johnson. ‘Because, although this can occasionally give rise to dilemmas, you’ll probably find that one of the schools will just feel “right”.’

Boys 13 -1318- ·18Boarding andand DayDay border Boys border · Kent/M25 · Boarding · Kent/M25 “One“One of theofvery best,best, outstanding in everything that that reallyreally counts” The Good Schools GuideGuide the very outstanding in everything counts” The Good Schools OverOver 70 Music Scholars 70 Music Scholars All scholarships can be up toup 100% according to financial need.need.

All scholarships cansupplemented be supplemented to 100% according to financial

Music is an isintrinsic part part of theofSchool.

A music staff staff of eight full-time and forty Music an intrinsic the School.

A music of eight full-time and forty visiting teachers help help create unlimited opportunities for high quality music-making visiting teachers create unlimited opportunities for high quality music-making For further information or to arrange an appointment with the Director of Music, MarkMark Forkgen, For further information or to arrange an appointment with the Director of Music, Forkgen, pleaseplease contact the Admissions Office:Office: 0173201732 304297 or admissions@tonbridge-school.org contact the Admissions 304297 or admissions@tonbridge-school.org

www.tonbridge-school.co.uk www.tonbridge-school.co.uk Untitled-1 1

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MUSIC is one of KGS’s many strengths. The range of musical experience for its pupils has embraced a piano masterclass to workshops by Maroon Town, Bang On! and Earthsong. The Smike Recording Studio enables expertise in music technologies.

KGS also offers music scholarships at 11, 13 and 16 which can be augmented by means-tested bursaries, plus free tuition on one instrument. String players are particularly welcome.

• Facilities for music, including the 14th century Lovekyn Chapel, have been enhanced by a new Performing Arts Centre • Ensembles include three orchestras, three choirs, Concert Band and jazz groups • Concerts, recitals, workshops and a biennial tour Further details are available from the Director of Music Moritz von Freyhold Kingston Grammar School London Road Kingston upon Thames KT2 6PY

For general admissions enquiries, a prospectus or to arrange a visit, visit our website, www.kgs.org.uk or telephone the Admissions Office 020 8546 5875

Tel 020 8939 8832 Fax 020 8974 5177 twatkins@kgs.org.uk

A company limited by guarantee, Registered in England No. 3883748 Registered Charity No. 1078461

“The School successfully fulfils its aim of providing a broad and challenging academic curriculum to enable all girls to achieve high levels of achievement” ISI Inspection Report Day school for girls aged 9 to 18 years. Joint teaching with Abingdon School for some Sixth Form subjects. Excellent opportunities offered in art, drama, music and sport. Music scholarships are available at 11+, 13+ and 16+.

01235 530593

admission@shsk.org.uk

www.shsk.org.uk

Shirley Park, Croydon CR9 7AT Tel: 020 8656 9541

www.trinity-school.org Independent Day School for Boys 10-18 Shirley Park,Shirley Croydon Park, CR9Croydon 7AT CR9 7AT Tel: 020 8656 Tel: 9541 020 8656 9541

www.trinity-school.org www.trinity-school.org

“Musical opportunities are exceptionally rich and extensive”

(Independent Inspection Report 2008)

• Generous music scholarships up to 50% of fees available at 10+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ • Internationally renowned Trinity Boys Choir regularly performs both home and abroad including BBC Proms, Royal Opera House and Glyndebourne Festival Opera • Associate musicians – London Mozart Players and Maggini Quartet • World class concert hall and recording venue - completed 2009 • Regular masterclasses by international artists including Raphael Wallfisch, Peter Katin, Crispian Steele-Perkins, Remus Azoitei, Michal Kaznowski • Two symphony orchestras, four string orchestras, three concert bands, three big bands and an extensive chamber music programme • Five full-time, three administrative and over thirty visiting music staff • Record number of boys in national ensembles

Trinity School is part of the Whitgift Foundation, a registered charity providing education for children

Trinity School isTrinity part ofSchool the Whitgift is part Foundation, of the Whitgift a registered Foundation, charity a registered providing charity education providing for children education for children

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King’s College School Wimbledon

University College School Hampstead

Music thrives at UCS

• Orchestras, bands, choirs; also international tours

• An extensive range of orchestras, bands, chamber groups and choirs • Tuition on all orchestral instruments • Strong jazz programme • Diverse performance and touring opportunities • Purpose built music block • Music Awards • Means tested fee assistance

• Music scholarships at 13+ (boys) and 16+ (boys and girls) • Sixth form organ scholarship

Auditions November 2010 for 16+, February 2011 for 11+ and 13+ See website for further details. Contact John Bradbury, Director of Music at john.bradbury@ucs.org.uk or 020 7433 2315 for additional information.

Senior School - Boys (Entry 11+, 13+) Sixth Form - Coeducational (Entry 16+) University College School, Frognal, Hampstead, London NW3 6XH

w w w. u c s . o r g . u k

• Entry requirements from: 020 8255 5352 (admissions@kcs.org.uk) Southside Wimbledon Common London SW19 4TT www.kcs.org.uk

Freedom to Succeed

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• Further information on music awards from: 020 8255 5386 (b.howard@kcs.org.uk)

07/10/2010 11:19:52

Merchant Taylors’ School

Music Scholarships (worth up to 50% of fees)

Available at 10+, 11+, 12+, 13+ and Sixth Form plus an Organ Scholarship Queen’s College has a purpose built Music Department attached to the Queen’s Hall. A 360 seat multi-purpose auditorium with a Steinway Concert Grand Piano and 2-manual pipe organ. Queen’s College is a boarding and day school for boys and girls 3-18.

For further information contact: Admissions Secretary, Queen’s College, Trull Road, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4QS Tel: 01823 340830 Fax: 01823 338430 E mail: admissions@queenscollege.org.uk Website: queenscollege.org.uk

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Music Scholarships at a ‘Top 10’ boys’ school

Next Open Morning May 14th 2011, 10–12.30 The Director of Music, Richard Hobson, is happy to meet prospective candidates and audition potential music scholars at any time • Music Scholarships for boys at 11+, 13+ & 16+ for Instrumentalists and Singers • Full programme of orchestras, bands, choirs and Choral Society • Frequent concerts and tours of Europe • Large specialist Music staff: state-of-the-art department Please contact Penny Wright (Admissions Secretary) Merchant Taylors’ School Sandy Lodge Northwood Middlesex HA6 2HT +44 (0)1923 845514 admissions@mtsn.org.uk

15/10/2010 12:30:02

The Oratory School

Music

All Boys’ Catholic Boarding/Day School (11 to 18 years)

A foundation for the future

at Monkton

New £2.5m Music Centre opening in 2011 Music Scholarships at Year 9 and Year 12 Choral workshops Chapel Choir Big Band String Ensembles Founded by John Henry Cardinal Newman in 1859, the school offers all the musical opportunities expected of a senior school music department: a strong choral tradition with twice-weekly choral services, plenty of individual specialist attention, a strong emphasis on small ensemble work and generous scholarships.

Please contact our Director of Music, George Bevan if you would Please Director Music, George would like to contact find out our more about of scholarships and Bevan music ifatyou Monkton. like to find out more about scholarships and music at Monkton.

t: 01225 721129 e:bevangd@monkton.org.uk www.monktoncombeschool.com

The Director of Music is happy to see prospective scholarship candidates at any time by appointment.

t: 01225 721129 e:bevangd@monkton.org.uk www.monktomcombeschool.com

01491 683500 · enquiries@oratory.co.uk · www.oratory.co.uk

ST PAUL’S SCHOOL Lonsdale Road Barnes London SW13 9JT

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music school tel: 020 8746 5424

www.stpaulsschool.org.uk

St Paul’s music aims to be inclusive as well as ambitious.

We offer music scholarships to outstanding musicians, so they can thrive individually and as part of a team.

The music department runs a full programme with frequent opportunities for performance.

We possess a state-of-the-art music school and concert hall.

We offer music scholarships and exhibitions each year for boys aged 13+ and 16+.

If you would like to arrange an individual appointment or book a place on our annual open morning in November, please contact: Peter Gritton, Director of Music pwg@stpaulsschool.org.uk For information on instrumental awards (11+) at St Paul’s Preparatory School, Colet Court, please contact: Philip Berg, Director of Music pjb@stpaulsschool.org.uk

For general information about entry requirements contact the Registrar on 020 8748 9162.

St Paul's School is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England at Lonsdale Road, London SW13 9JT. Registered Company Number 6141973. Registered Charity Number 1119619.

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RNCM FOUNDATION DEGREE

POP up north A foundation degree in popular music is attracting a new intake at the RNCM. Matthew Hammond gives an insight into the course and how one scholarship is helping its most talented students

W

ith a reputation as one of the most fertile cities for popular music over the last few decades – with bands from The Smiths and Oasis, through to current indie consummates Everything Everything coming through its music scene – Manchester can be seen as on of the top destinations for any young musician aspiring to make it in the pop industry. The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) is the latest institution to capitalise on this, having offered a course in practical popular music studies for the past two years alongside its respected degrees in classical music.

Promising a conservatoire-standard education, the two-year foundation degree has been developed

by Access to Music in partnership with the RNCM for musicians whose main focus is performance, and is aimed at developing students into professional session musicians. As well as focusing on technical, aural and composition skills, the course tackles other abilities necessary to session musicians, such as music business practice, self-management and interpersonal skills.

“The best thing by far about the course is the tutors” Being self-sufficient and promoting oneself as a session musician are some of the hardest challenges in a career in music, so from early on, students are taught strategies – such as creating show-reels and websites – for getting themselves known and easily accessible. Other lessons focus on the business end of freelancing: creating a personal business plan; marketing and identifying the marketplace; and learning about tax, cash-flow and profit-and-loss forecasting. Practical information about institutions and societies that distribute funding for musicians and how they work will

help students to find their feet in the real world of professional musicianship.

Nonetheless, the main focus of the course is on practical musicianship; the bulk of students’ time is spent on developing a high level of technical and communicative skill across the wide range of musical genres necessary for a professional session musician. Students work in both solo and ensemble contexts, in studio and live performance, and as well as developing instrumental, sight-reading and improvising skills, will focus on the psychological and physical skills necessary to work as a performer. Technical skills are developed through oneon-one, weekly instrumental lessons and occasional masterclasses.

Other modules focus more on academic skills, but in a way that is designed to give students knowledge that will also inform their work on a practical level.

Artists and Audience Relationships explores the methods that musicians use to interact with audiences through live performance, recording and the wider media, and the Change in Popular Music module examines the relationships between the music industry and the wider cultural environment in which it exists.

As you would expect in a city with such a buzzing professional music scene, the course makes use of local studios and other facilities to give students experience of working in a professional environment.

Associations with Blueprint Studios and The Cutting Rooms allow students to work in respected profes-

sional studios that have seen bands such as Doves, Oasis and The Charlatans lay down tracks, and the School of Sound Recording provides a purpose-built environment in which to learn the technical skills of recording, production, editing and working with live sound hands-on.

The course developer, Access to Music, is one of the leading UK organisations providing popular music education. Since 1992, it has offered vocational training from musicians who are mainly still active in the commercial environment. Course leader Andy Stott had enjoyed a long career working as a session drummer and musicals producer before pioneering the foundation degree programme, and other tutors have a wealth of continuing experience as composers, songwriters, session musicians and live performance alongside their teaching work.

In line with other institutions, the RNCM awards bursaries to UK and EU students of up to £1,050 depending on individuals’ financial circumstances. There is also a scholarship available to one student each year who displays outstanding ability and potential at audition – students who have received this scholarship have been awarded sums between £1,000 and £1,500.

William Unger, who holds the scholarship in 2010/11, is looking forward to moving to Manchester, and after having worked as a musician in Dublin, is aiming to set himself up with some paid gigs to supplement the scholarship. He said: The scholarship is definitely a huge help and will go a long way to making life that bit easier over in Manchester.’

Meanwhile, Alan Sanderson, holder of the scholarship in 2008, told me: ‘The best thing by far about the course is the tutors. All of them have a great deal of experience in doing exactly what the course sets out to train young musicians to do.

‘I also really appreciated how open-minded the tutors were regarding the running of the course and its content – since it was a new course they were always open to suggestions to help develop and improve the course for the future.’ www.rncm.ac.uk

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Open Mornings Saturday 9 October 2010 Sunday 6 February 2011

- Meet staff and pupils - View our new boarding accommodation - Hear some of the outstanding musicmaking that characterises life at this internationally renowned school

A boarding and day school for talented young musicians A rounded education with music at its heart Government scholarships available up to 100% Entry from age 9 Outstanding academic results The Purcell School holds the UNESCO Gold medal in recognition of its unique contribution to music, education and international culture

For further information please contact: Karen Gumustekin The Purcell School Aldenham Road Bushey Herts WD23 2TS T: 01923 331107 E: k.gumustekin@purcell-school.org Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales President: Sir Simon Rattle CBE Registered Charity No 312855

See our website for details and an Open Morning registration form: www.purcell-school.org

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A friendly boarding and day school in the heart of Edinburgh for boys and girls aged 7-18 Thriving Music Department offering a wealth of performance opportunities Very strong Choral element • Specialist tuition on all instruments Music scholarships available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ Please call our Music Department on 0131 311 6706 music@fettes.com www.fettes.com

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Know a child who loves singing?

Salisbury Cathedral Choir offers a wonderful opportunity in a spectacular setting Be a chorister for a day Saturday 13 November Open day for prospective choristers in School Years 2,3 and 4 and their parents

Voice Trial Workshop Saturday 4 December Voice Trials 2011 School Years 3 & 4

Saturday 22 January (boys) Saturday 5 February (girls)

Informal Pre-auditions any time by arrangement

Is your son cut out for great things?

Located in the heart of the city, we offer boys an outward-looking, forward-thinking education that prepares them for life.

Music and Academic scholarships are available at 11+, 13+ and 16+.

For furthur information, please contact the Director of Music, Paul Harrison

All children are educated at Salisbury Cathedral School Scholarships and Bursaries available

Further details: 01722 555148 s.flanaghan@salcath.co.uk www.salisburycathedral.org.uk

 020 7489 0291  admissions@clsb.org.uk www.clsb.org.uk

e xte nsi ve pro gr a mm e of co nc ert s at Ha ile pre sti gio us Lon do n ybu ry wid e var iet y of ven ues •sp eci al sup po co nc ert s he ld in rt for tal en ted mu sic & for eig n to ur s to ma ian s •re gu lar CD rec gn ifi cen t ven ues •Al l or din gs jus t 20 mil es fro m Lon •fi ve ch oir s •th ree do n, 30 mil es fro m Ca or ch est ras •tw o win mb rid ge! d ban ds •th ree jaz z ban pro gr a mm e •e xte nsi ve ds •th riv ing ch a mb er pro gr a mm e of co nc ert mu sic s at Ha ile ybu ry •w ide var pre sti gio us Lon do n iet y of co nc ert s he ld ven ues •sp spe eci cia al l sup po rt in for & for eig n to ur s to ma tal en ted mu sic ian s •re gn ifi cen t ven ues •Al l gu lar CD rec or din gs jus t 20 mil es fro m Lon do n, 30 mil es fro m Ca mb rid ge!

.. . c i s u m e k i l u o If y

! y r u b y e il a H e v o L l l ’ u o Y ...

Haileybury is a co-educational boarding school for 11-18 year olds which has quickly established a reputation for itself as having one of the country’s most exciting senior school music departments.

Scholarships are available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ to boys and girls who are enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated to furthering the Music Department and, supplemented with bursaries, can value up to 100% of fees.

The Director of Music, Quentin Thomas, would be pleased to meet prospective music scholars. Please contact him on: Hertford SG13 7NU | www.haileybury.com Tel +44(0)1992 706264 |

• Five choirs • Three orchestras • Two wind bands • Three jazz bands • Thriving chamber music programme • Extensive programme of concerts at Haileybury • Wide variety of concerts held in prestigious London venues • Special support for talented musicians • Regular CD recordings & foreign tours to magnificent venues

just 20 miles from london, 30 miles from cambridge 028-030_SCHOLS_2010.indd 29

14/10/2010 11:40:25

ARDINGLY college Music Scholarships 11+, 13+ & 16+ • An extraordinary musical education • Regular programme of concerts and tours • Thriving instrumental and vocal groups with regular coaching from leading professionals • Music@Ardingly concert series 2010/11 includes The Sixteen, Voces8 and David Briggs • Prestigious association with Voces8 • Just 45 minutes by train from London

For further information, to arrange a visit, or to attend an open day please contact registrar@ardingly.com or phone 01444 893000 Ardingly College, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH17 6SQ

www.ardingly.com

DCS - Music Scholarships Guide 2010 / 11 (118 mm x 92 mm )

Exceptional Opportunities and New Scholarships for String Players following the exciting appointment of the Carducci Quartet in 2011

Scholarships Guide advert:Layout 1 06/10/2010 19:49 Page 1

Ignite your passion for music at Uppingham School A national centre for musical excellence Former pupils include Andrew Kennedy, Toby Spence, Robin Blaze and Elizabeth Atherton Various scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available

Music scholarships of up to 40% are available with the possibility of means tested bursary assistance up to 100% Shelburne Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL51 6HE T: 01242 258044 E: registrar@deanclose.org.uk W: www.deanclose.org.uk

co-educational | day and boarding | ages 11 - 18

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Uppingham School An independent boarding school for boys and girls aged 13-18 Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9QE Tel: 01572 820611 admissions@uppingham.co.uk www.uppingham.co.uk Uppingham is a registered charity (No 527951)

14/10/2010 11:48:39

ABRSM Sky high: The Sacconi string quartet, whose players have benefitted from ABRSM scholarships

Venetia van Hoorn Alkema

l a y Ro

treatment

A lesser-known side to ABRSM is the number of scholarships it offers to students at the UK’s four royal conservatoires. Matthew Hammond learns more

W

ith their impressive rosters of teachers, locations, facilities and long histories, studying at one of the four Royal Colleges of Music in the UK is the highest aspiration for many young musicians. But while living costs may be less of a problem at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester or the Royal Scottish Academy in Glasgow, the London-based Royal College of Music and Royal Academy of Music can be prohibitively expensive for many youngsters.

One potential source of assistance is an organisation familiar to all musicians but not usually thought of as a source of funding for studies – ABRSM, as part of its work in opening access to music, offers a selection of scholarships to help musicians at the Royal Schools through their studies.

Many musicians who take ABRSM graded exams are unaware of the wider purpose of the organisation.

According to Penny Milsom, ABRSM’s UK operations director, ‘The exams are a means of ensuring the good health of music education and maintaining standards, but any proceeds that we make are ploughed back into music education through scholarships, prizes and sponsorship of organisations such as Music for Youth and the National Association of Music Educators’.

The most valuable of these bursaries are the four UK undergraduate scholarships available each year – one at each of the Royal Schools – which provide £3,000 per annum over the four years of the course, for recipients to spend in any way they choose.

Eligible students will normally have taken ABRSM grades and/or diplomas, or their equivalents and will usually have DipABRSM or a grade 8 distinction. But criteria for awarding the bursaries are left to the individual colleges to decide – ABRSM sees its role as primarily to provide the funds that enable the scholarships. Milsom says that most recipients find the award helps them to concentrate on instrumental practice and performing, as they won’t neces-

sarily have to take a part-time job to finance their studies and living costs. None of these scholarships are means tested in any way – they are awarded on the basis of talent alone.

There are around 80 ABRSM scholars across the Schools at any one time and the board is currently developing projects to involve ex-scholars in musical education. Two members of the upand-coming Sacconi string quartet, Ben Hancox and Robin Ashwell, were ABRSM scholars while at the RCM and the board has retained strong links with them. The quartet has been involved in the forthcoming string quartet book in ABRSM’s Spectrum series and has performed some of the pieces in concert.

‘These scholarships are particularly valuable to students for whom this kind of provision is not available in their own country, and there isn’t necessarily the means to come to the UK for their study’, says Milsom.

Postgraduate scholarships are also available for UK/EU and international graduates. Nominees do not have to have studied at a Royal School previously, and must not have previously received an ABRSM award. Composers and conductors may also be considered, but again will normally have followed ABRSM grades/diplomas – international candidates must be LRSM standard and at least 21 years old.

And for students studying at the institutions prior to university, each School also offers a scholarship of £600 for one year to a student in the junior depart-

“The award helps them to concentrate on instrumental practice and performing” They have also directed several workshops for Music Medals candidates – Milsom is particularly proud of this initiative, which takes ‘talented young professional musicians, at the top of their game, and puts them in direct contact with eight to ten-year-old students taking their first steps in music’.

Four international undergraduate scholarships (one at each School) are also available to non-EU students, covering the full cost of course fees plus £5,000 towards living costs while studying and travelling to and from the UK. In contrast to the UK scholarships, these must be applied for directly via ABRSM in conjunction with the candidate’s application to one of the schools. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age, of DipABRSM (performance) standard or equivalent, and have been living or studying in the UK for less than a year preceding the 31 January in the year of entry to the course. Students that are EU citizens are eligible for the UK scholarships, rather than the International ones.

ment every year. Applicants should have taken at least one ABRSM grade exam and be under 15 years of age at the time of nomination.

Flautist Ben MacDougal studied as an undergraduate at the RCM from 2006 to 2010 and received an ABRSM scholarship after excelling at his audition.

He told me that the best thing about the bursary was that it helped him to focus on his studies. ‘I didn’t have to spend my whole time worrying about my bank account. It also enabled me to travel, study with teachers outside the college, repair my instrument when I needed it and towards the end of my degree, I was able to buy a fantastic new flute to work with.’

Ben is now studying for a Master’s in Composition for Screen at the College and is ‘unbelievably grateful to ABRSM for all the support. It would have been a very different experience without them.’ www.abrsm.org

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St P Choristers ad 124x85mm 11/10/2010 11:25 Page 1

Let your voice be heard at St Paul’s

400 music lessons per week on 20 different instruments

Being a Chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral is the experience of a lifetime. St Paul’s Choristers sing in one of the most famous and beautiful buildings in the world, perform in concerts around the world and receive a first-class academic education at the Cathedral School.

Boys are not expected to have fully developed voices or much formal singing experience – enthusiasm, intelligence and musical potential are the keys.

The Dean and Chapter of St Paul’s provide up to 100 per cent scholarships for all Choristers.

If you or a member of your family would like to audition to become a Chorister or if you require any further information, please contact: Clare Morgan St Paul’s Cathedral School Secretary Tel: 020 7248 5156 admissions@spcs.london.sch.uk

• Vibrant department with inspirational Classroom and Instrumental teaching • Regular programme of Concerts and Overseas Tours • Association with the London Chamber Orchestra • Professional Workshops and Masterclasses • Music Scholarships at 13+ and 16+ headmaster@bradfieldcollege.org.uk Tel: 0118 964 4510

Sedbergh School is a Registered Charity No. 1080672

BE TOP OF THE SCALE

Top co-ed boarding school

• New music centre with recording studio, auditorium. Dedicated brass centre.

Tuition in 40 instruments • Pupils regularly pass Grade VIII exams, achieve ATCL and LTCL diplomas • 10 ensemble groups, regular concerts and tours • Co-educational, 4 to 18 years, day and boarding options Sedbergh, Cumbria LA10 5HG • Scholarships and bursaries available www.sedberghschool.org

Assessments for music scholarships are conducted in January and February. For information please contact: 015396 22211 or admissions@sedberghschool.org

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14/10/2010 17:12:47

Why should a musical boy come to harroW school?

• Because Harrow is a full boarding school that offers an exceptionally wide range of activities at the weekends, including music.

• Because Harrow is achieving a remarkably high standard of musical tuition and performance across a wide range of musical styles and genres.

• Many of our teachers are Professors at Conservatoires and many are to be found playing with London’s top orchestras.

• Because Harrow is achieving excellent exam results without becoming a crammer.

• Because, with 10% of the pupils being Music Scholars, there are plenty of outstanding musicians to provide musical leadership.

• Because Harrow encourages musical boys to take a full part in all other aspects of School life.

“The School is incomparable in relation to opportunities offered to musicians and artists. We perform frequently; we have the best teachers; we are respected for our contributions and we have amazing facilities.

What more can a schoolboy ask for?”– A pupil in the Upper Sixth

Find out more

Click on Admissions at www.harrowschool.org.uk • Come to an Open Morning at Harrow Contact Mr David Woodcock on 020 8872 8231 or email on music@harrowschool.org.uk MILL019 Music Teacher and Classical Music scholarship supplement 187mm x 124mm:Layout 1 11/10/2010 16:16 Page 1

You know your child is unique.

We agree.

Prep Music Scholarship Day Friday 21 January 2011

Senior Music Scholarship Days 31 January – 1 February 2011

Millfield Preparatory School Ages 2 - 13 Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 8LD T: 01458 832446 E: admissions@millfieldprep.com www.millfieldprep.com/scholarships

At Millfield, our aim is to discover the vital spark which makes each child unique and enables them to achieve their full potential.

032-035_SCHOLS_2010.indd 33

Millfield Senior School Ages 13 - 18 Street, Somerset BA16 0YD T: 01458 442291 E: admissions@millfieldschool.com www.millfieldschool.com/scholarships

14/10/2010 17:13:35

Life

An Education for

Prior Park pupils’ A Level grades resulted in a leap up the league tables as published in The Times and The Telegraph, placing the school as the leading academic co-educational Roman Catholic Independent School in the UK. O P E N D O O R DAYS Friday 18 March 2011 and Friday 6 May 2011

13-18 Boarding 11-18 Day HMC Established Co-educational Catholic Senior School

T: 01225 831 000 E: admissions@priorpark.co.uk www.thepriorfoundation.com

Radley College MUSIC

The Portsmouth Grammar School

Music Scholarships 13+ and 16+

AwARdS

Needs based awards of up to 100% of full boarding fees Scholarships and Exhibitions available at 13+ Choral, Organ and Instrumental Scholarships at 16+ Choristerships for boys from local schools aged 7 -12 years

For details: The Registrar, Radley College, Abingdon OX14 2HR Tel: 01235 543174

www.radley.org.uk

032-035_SCHOLS_2010.indd 34

• Regular programme of Concerts and Overseas Tours • Professional Workshops and Master Classes • Extensive programme of Commissions with International Composers • Prestigious association with the London Mozart Players • Broadcasts on National TV and Radio • Three full-time, two part-time and 30 visiting music staff

ore!

PGS of fers so much m • Nursery (2½ - 4 yrs) • Junior School (4 - 11 yrs) • Senior School (11 - 18 yrs)

023 9236 0036 www.pgs.org.uk

14/10/2010 17:14:01

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14/10/2010 17:14:20

LANCING COLLEGE

N

othing can quite prepare the first-time visitor to Lancing College for the sight of it: a cluster of Gothic revival buildings that suddenly appears on a steep bluff above the River Adur as the road from Shoreham station rounds a bend.

The view backwards from the school, along the river estuary, the South Downs and the Sussex coast towards Brighton is pretty spectacular too.

The core of the college is a sequence of grey stone quadrangles, dating from the 1850s, which have been adapted and enhanced to provide all the facili-

Alumnae of the college include the singer Peter Pears, life partner of Benjamin Britten; the composer and pioneer of music education David Bedford and his conductor and pianist brother Steuart; and the conductor and harpsichordist Nicholas Kraemer.

Britten wrote his cantata St Nicolas for Lancing’s centenary in 1948, and the school’s 150th anniversary in 1998 was marked by another prestigious commission, Triodion by Arvo Pärt, premiered by the school’s SATB choir in Westminster Abbey.

Music at Lancing today is run by a characterful duo: Neil Cox, who has been director of chapel

ties required by a modern school with minimal loss of character. But the site is dominated by the soaring sandstone buttresses of the chapel, believed to be the largest school chapel in the world.

Lancing, a co-educational boarding and day school, was the first of 11 schools for the middle classes founded by Anglican priest Reverend Nathaniel Woodard with the aim of providing an education based on ‘sound principle and sound knowledge, firmly grounded in the Christian faith’. The Christian ethos is maintained today, and the musical life of the college is closely linked to the chapel. Attendance at the weekly choral Eucharist is compulsory and the influence of liturgical music can be felt in the college’s strong choral tradition. It is a popular destination for former cathedral or collegiate choristers and many Lancing pupils go on to become cathedral lay clerks or Oxbridge choral and organ scholars.

music since 1978 and Ian Morgan-Williams, who has been in charge of everything else since 2001. They describe their department as ‘relaxed and ever-so-slightly eccentric’. Both are active composers; Cox’s liturgical works have been performed by several cathedral choirs as well as at Lancing, while Morgan-Williams has written extensively for youth and community theatre.

He wrote the incidental music for Lancing’s recent production of Lorca’s Blood Wedding and is currently working on an opera about the Norse communities in Greenland. Unusually, MorganWilliams came to Lancing from the state sector, having taught for 16 years in Wales, where he returns each year to direct the Wrexham Youth Orchestra. Neil Cox is an artist as well as a musician; a recent (very fine) CD of SATB choral music performed by the school choirs features not only

With centuries-old buildings set in the rolling hills of the south coast, Lancing College is certainly stunning. But it also has excellent facilities and offers a number of scholarships which support a thriving musical tradition. Clare Stevens takes a tour

Clifftop community

his setting of the Magnificat and his motet ‘O Maria, vernans rosa’ but one of his oil paintings on the cover.

A lunchtime recital early in the summer term demonstrated the range of music-making nurtured

by Morgan-Williams, Cox and their colleagues, and the congenial atmosphere in which it takes place. These weekly recitals are open to the public, provided that (free) tickets are booked in advance, and are well attended by pupils and by staff who are not attached to the music department. They are very informal – one member of the school’s percussion ensemble, which made its debut with an arrangement of Mozart’s Mirror Canon on the day I visited, was dressed in cricket whites and was whisked off by car as soon as he had finished playing to catch up with his team mates at an away match. But the students are expected to give short introductions

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19/10/2010 11:02:06

A production

of West Side

Story

to their performances and the standard is high. Pianist Will Diep performed a Toccata by Khatchachurian from memory with great assurance; two members of the college’s rock group Whistlejacket, despite being somewhat depleted in numbers, performed a convincing cover version of the Oasis song ‘Half the world away’; and oboist Poppy Ewence gave an extremely impressive performance of ‘Pan & Phaeton’ from Britten’s Six Metamorphoses after Ovid. Meanwhile, all-male a cappella group The Polysonics, directed by sixth-former and countertenor Henry Kimber, displayed astonishingly secure tuning (especially given their low average age) and an imaginative range of instrumental effects as they imitated a Duke Ellington-style Big Band in ‘Creole Love Call’.

Touring the college, I was told that recent cross-curricular activities had included a sequence of Venetian music performed in the light, almost cathedral-like spaces of the art department to a backdrop of paintings and drawings inspired by the city. I heard a young organist playing Bach on the Frobenius choir organ in the chapel, recently installed to complement the four-manual Walker instrument in the gallery, rebuilt in 1986 from a 1914 original. And in the design technology workshop one pupil’s completed project for the term caught my eye: a fully-functioning electric guitar, made out of several different types of beautifully-turned wood together with all the essential components of steel and plastic.

‘We want everyone at Lancing to enjoy music,’ says Morgan-Williams.

A highlight of the musical year is the inter-house music competition in the Lent Term, which features around 450 individual performances, assessed by a panel of distinguished external adjudicators in classes ranging ‘from the conventional to the downright bizarre. If you are a pupil at Lancing College and have ever touched a musical instrument (or anything else that produces a sound, for that matter), you will be involved.’

This reflects the school’s aspiration to offer an education that goes beyond academic success. ‘Our pupils have performed very well at both GCSE and A Level examinations in recent years, despite the fact that we are not a particularly selective school,’ says headmaster Jonathan Gillespie, ‘but we believe in exposing them to an exceptionally wide range of experiences and opportunities and we have the necessary facilities, the time and the commitment so to do. Our pupils continue to prove that it is possible to have both breadth of opportunity and excellence of achievement.’

Music scholarships at Lancing of up to half the annual school fee are available at 13+ and 16+ entry and include the Professor H K Stanton Scholarship for a chorister from Salisbury Cathedral School, or any other cathedral school if there is no Salisbury candidate. Auditions are held in February of the year of entry. www.lancingcollege.co.uk

FLAIR

s

DISCIPLINE

s

ACADEMIC RIGOUR

REGI

REGI

BROMSGROVE SCHOOL FOUNDED 1553

MUSIC & DRAMA International Baccalaureate and A Levels offered.

Music and Drama at Bromsgrove is vibrant and inclusive.

Music Scholarships available at 11+, 13+ and 16+.

For more information or to arrange a visit please contact Admissions, telephone: 01527 579679 email: admissions@bromsgrove-school.co.uk

www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk Co-educational, Boarding and Day 470 pupils aged 7 - 13, 880 pupils aged 13 - 18.

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Forest School A leading co-educational HMC school at the edge of Epping Forest.

1250 pupils, 4 - 18 A happy school of high academic attainment which understands the rich inter-relationship between the curricular, the co-curricular and the pastoral.

Outstanding Music Department with excellent purpose-built facilities 4 orchestras | Big Band | 3 jazz bands |14 choirs (including 3 Chapel Choirs) | 40 visiting staff teaching more than 800 lesson per week | regular visits and masterclasses from professional musicians and groups

A generous number of Music Scholarships and Exhibitions available at 11+ and 16+ The Director of Music, Mr James Sanderson, would be pleased to meet prospective scholars and their parents at any time.

T: 020 8509 6568 E: music@forest.org.uk W: http://www.forestmusic.org.uk

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Rendcomb College and Junior School A co-educational boarding & day school for 3-18 year olds

VOICE TRIALS for boys aged 7 & 8

6 November 2010 Substantial scholarships are awarded and choristers enjoy the superb and extensive facilities of St Edmund’s School.

The Master of Choristers, David Flood, is always pleased to meet and advise parents and their sons.

“The Performing and Creative Arts lie at the heart of the Rendcomb Experience”

For further details please telephone

Academic, Music, Drama, Art & Sports scholarships & bursaries available

e-mail: davidf@canterbury-cathedral.org

t. 01285 831 213 | www.rendcombcollege.co.uk Nr Cirencester | Gloucestershire | GL7 7HA

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01227 865242 Canterbury Cathedral is a registered charity: X7369

15/10/2010 12:58:16

“Music stunning ... Hard

to fault.”

Good Schools Guide 2010

Bursaries are available for all Pro Corda courses

A range of music scholarships is available at 13+ and 16+ entry.

Means-tested bursaries may be worth up to 100% of fees.

All bursaries are means tested.

Please fill in the form on our website to apply for a bursary for one of the following courses: International Chamber Music Academy Courses: A progressive programme offering five levels of high quality chamber music courses for ages 8-18

Pro Corda Plus Courses: Pro Corda Plus: Cello Pro Corda Plus: Viola Pro Corda Plus: Opera Pro Corda Plus: Piano NEW! Pro Corda Plus: Jazz Pro Corda Plus: Da Capo

For more information on all of Pro Corda’s programmes, please contact us: t: 01728 831 354 e: mail@procorda.com w: www.procorda.com

INSPIRE

SUCCESS

CREATE

KNOWLEDGE

MOTIVATE

SPIRIT

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Inspiring Success Wells Cathedral School provides an inspiring education set in a musically alive, beautiful environment as a brilliant foundation for life.

Applicants for the specialist music course should be of exceptional ability or considerable potential.

Specialist music awards are available on all instruments and voice types under the DfE Music and Dance Scheme. They are subject to parental means testing and may be up to 100% of fees in some circumstances.

Candidates who do not qualify for a DfE music award may be accepted into the specialist music scheme. They may be eligible for other music awards.

To apply for forthcoming auditions and for further information please contact Admissions on 01749 834252 or email: admissions@wellscs.somerset.sch.uk

15/10/2010 12:58:36

gordonstoun Fully co-educational boarding for ages 8-18

Rewarding Talent It is no surprise that gifted musicians often choose Bedford School for its breadth of opportunities, as we take our music very seriously. Each Scholar is personally mentored, with a programme individually tailored to challenge and inspire him. Our stunning Music School provides an inspirational setting and our orchestras, bands, choirs and ensembles perform concerts across the country and even internationally. The standard and variety is breathtaking.

We offer exceptional opportunities and funding for talented boys to enter the School at 11, 13 and 16.

Music scholarships available from age 8

For more information and an informal discussion, please call us on:

bedfordschool.org.uk

t: 0800 432 0084

Gordonstoun Schools Ltd. Scottish Charity No SC037867

MUSIC

www.gordonstoun.org.uk

St Mary's Music School

IMAGINE ASPIRE ACHIEVE

Scotland's specialist music school and the Choir School of St Mary's Cathedral

Specialist music and academic education for talented musicians, aged 9-19

Music Scholarships 2011 Music Scholarships are awarded to girls entering years 7, 8 & 9, and the Sixth Form.

For more information please contact the admissions office on 01392 355998 or admissions@maynard.co.uk

We welcome audition applications throughout the year from talented instrumentalists, composers and singers.

Scottish Government funding (up to 100%)

Denmark Road Exeter, Devon EX1 1SJ 01392 355998 maynard.co.uk

Scholarships Guide 2010-11.indd 1

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Coates Hall, 25 Grosvenor Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 5EL Tel: 0131 538 7766 Email: info@st-marys-music-school.co.uk

15/10/2010 11:07:12

18/10/2010 14:04:17

CLIFTON COLLEGE Independent boarding and day school for girls and boys aged 3–18 years

Come and discover

Clifton

• New Music School opened 2009 with state-of-the-art facilities including Recital Hall, recording studios, technology classrooms and a broad mix of practice rooms.

• 20+ established ensembles and many performance venues • 10+ pupils per year to Oxbridge • Top level Sport and Extra Curricular activities • A beautiful location in one of Europe’s most dynamic cities

Thriving Music Department with state of the art Recording Studio and Music Technology facilities Music Scholarships and Bursarial support available at 13+ and 16+ Visit our website for details of our Open Events Girls and Boys 13-18 w: www.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk t: 01372 373000 e: admissions@stjohns.surrey.sch.uk Epsom Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8SP

Browse our website for Bursary/Scholarship details plus much more

www.cliftoncollegeuk.com t: 0117 315 7000 e: info@clifton-college.avon.sch.uk

Passion - Enthusiasm - Purpose

Designing music and drama spaces for education that exceed expectations without exceeding budgets.

(Left) Menuhin Hall, Yehudi Menuhin School, Surrey. Burrell Foley Fischer Architects. Photo: Dennis Gilbert (Right) The Egg Children’s Theatre, Bath. Haworth Tompkins Architects. Photo: Philip Vile

2 St. George’s Court, 131 Putney Bridge Road. London SW15 2PA Tel +44 (0) 208 877 5860; Fax +44 (0) 208 877 9385 info@ampcstudio.com; www.ampcstudio.com

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15/10/2010 17:18:26

NATIONAL OPEN DAY

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SATURDAY 20 NOVEMBER Birmingham . Brighton . Bristol . Lincoln London . Manchester . Norwich .York

Find out about our exciting range of FE/HE courses and apprenticeships.

Tuition is free for 16-18s and those on benefits. Apply online!

accesstomusic.co.uk 0800 28 18 42 . info@accesstomusic.co.uk Advert 137x215:Advert 137x215

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MUSIC EDUCATION & PERFORMANCE EQUIPMENT • Music stands, music chairs & carts • Choral & orchestral music folders • Instrument & sheet music storage • Staging & risers

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For a full colour brochure or to buy online:

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14/10/2010 16:31:42

pianostreet.com - the website for pianists, piano teachers and students

Thousands of classical piano pieces to download and print

The world renowned Piano Forum - full of valuable information, knowledge, fun and friendship

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Recordings of easy/intermediate and famous piano pieces

E-books on piano technique

14/10/2010 16:36:23

music teacher sherborne:Layout 1

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Page 1

‘An outstanding new music school together with the beauty of Sherborne Abbey’ 590 BOYS « 24/7 BOARDING « 17 NEW PIANOS « 120 SEATER RECITAL HALL « 4 ENSEMBLE ROOMS 20 FULLY SOUNDPROOFED PRACTICE ROOMS « 2 STATE-OF-THE-ART RECORDING STUDIOS GLASS ATRIUM « 2 FULLY EQUIPPED MUSIC CLASSROOMS WITH THE LATEST AUDIO TECHNOLOGY REGULAR CHORAL SINGING AND ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS IN SHERBORNE ABBEY

MUSIC AWARDS Music Awards are available at 13+ and 16+ Sixth Form applicants are particularly encouraged For further details please visit www.sherborne.org/musicawards where an application form, photos and audio files are available in addition to details of the many ensembles and groups which meet on a weekly basis – including a robed choir which sings two choral services in the Abbey each week.

For more information please contact: THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC, SHERBORNE SCHOOL, ABBEY ROAD, SHERBORNE, DORSET DT9 3AP T: 01935 810518 E: jhenderson@sherborne.org www.sherborne.org

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