Keyboard Studies at Wells Cathedral Specialist Music School About Wells We are one of the four specialist music schools in England that are part of the government’s Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) for talented young musicians. However, we are different from the other three schools because we are the only specialist music school that is part of a proper day and boarding school. We believe that talented children should not be isolated from children with other interests, and conservatoire feedback suggests that our pupils cope extremely well with the challenges found in a high-level music
environment as a result. One of the oldest schools in Europe, we are located in an idyllic setting in the Mendip Hills. Our school attracts pupils from across the world, and our keyboard department enjoys an international reputation as a centre of excellence.
The Course Specialist schemes of study are available on piano and organ and offer: · Intensive conservatoire level training · Two hours principal study tuition a week, plus a second study and chamber music on a coached basis · Weekly performance classes following a wide curriculum including repertoire, technique, practice strategies, style and interpretation and sight-reading · Two masterclasses each term given by distinguished international performers and teachers · Twice yearly assessments with an external examiner · Timetabled practice periods within the
school day supervised by our team of graduate music assistants · Numerous performance opportunities, both in this country and abroad · Preparation for national and international competitions · Lessons on Steinway and Yamaha grand pianos. The school also owns several fine harpsichords and a two manual Peter Collins mechanical organ · For organists the unique link between the school and Wells Cathedral offers unrivalled opportunities for the study of choir training and involvement in cathedral services. They also have access to the Cathedral’s four manual instrument
The Faculty John Byrne, Professor of Piano at the Royal College of Music in London, heads a distinguished faculty, and the department has close links with many leading conservatoires in this country and abroad.
The Results Both musically and academically, our pupils consistently achieve outstanding results. In recent years, we have had a particularly strong presence in the BBC Young Musician competition with two concerto finalists and ten piano finalists. Academic results in all subjects, not just music, are no less impressive. In 2013, 83% of our A Level keyboard specialists received results at A star or A, and 88% of our GCSE keyboard specialists received results at A star or A. In the last two years, fourteen major scholarships have been awarded to Wells keyboard specialists by leading UK conservatoires as well as three Oxbridge places.
Recent Pupil Successes
Please visit our blog for full news from the keyboard department and to watch videos of our pianists in action, but here are some recent highlights: Dan Evans - Second prize Tel Hai International Competition, Israel Cyrus Cheng - Overall winner EPTA piano competition. Victor Lim - Piano finalist BBC Young Musician of the Year Freddie Bager - Gold Medal and first prize, Moray International Competition Kirsty Chaplin - Second prize Manchester International Piano Concerto Competition Lulwa Al Shamlan - Arab Young Talent of the Year
Find out more To find out more or to book a pre-audition, please contact us: Wells Cathedral School, Wells, Somerset BA5 2ST. Tel: ++44 1749 834213. Email: admissions@wells-cathedral-school.com www.wells-cathedral-school.com Please remember that you need a pre-audition soon in order to be invited back to our main auditions on Saturday 25th January when we consider candidates for our music and dance scheme scholarships and our other music awards.