Academic Subjects

    Music (academic)

    Bryanston has a remarkable and brilliant musical tradition. Music is at the heart of school life in every aspect – socially, academically, and spiritually.

    A focus on participation and performance ensures that music touches the lives of the whole school community.

    Inclusion as well as excellence is a core value, and to achieve this every pupil in the first year has instrumental or singing lessons for the entire year.

    Music pupil playing percussion
    Playing guitar in music recording studio

    State-of-the-art music facilities

    Dedicated practice rooms allow pupils to refine their skills and master their craft. We also have an amazing 280-seat concert hall where pupils can proudly show their talents.

    Our recording studios are equipped with the latest technology, enabling professional-level audio production and music composition. They support those studying music for GCSE, A level and IB and allow pupils taking instrumental exams or forthcoming auditions the chance for self-appraisal through listening to recordings of practices.

    Sixth form pupils can opt for a Humanities course, in which they are taught about recording and mixing techniques, as well as having the opportunity to play as session musicians. Younger pupils also have the opportunity to take on the role of recording assistant, working with our full-time Sound Recording Engineer, in day-to-day sessions.

    Listen to examples of the pupil’s work – both performed and engineered.

    Achieving musical excellence through music scholarships

    We offer music scholarships to talented pupils pursuing their passion for music. These scholarships provide a pathway to excellence, enabling pupils to receive exceptional music education and guidance from experienced professionals.

    Music scholars can access dedicated resources, personalised tuition, and exclusive performance opportunities. They also benefit from accompaniment periods and the valuable opportunity to access the Alexander Technique to enhance their performance skills.

    Our dynamic music curriculum

    All pupils are introduced to music in Year 9 and learn to play a musical instrument of their choice. Our music lessons are always fun, and creative, with plenty of practical opportunities to give our young musicians a true understanding and appreciation of music.

    • GCSE Music

      We study the Edexcel exam board for GCSE Music, which consists of a written paper (40%), composition (30%) and performance coursework (30%).

      For the written paper, pupils must analyse eight set works and an unfamiliar listening question, looking at how the elements of music are used. For the composition coursework, students must write two compositions, one as a free composition and one to a brief produced by the exam board. Within performance coursework, students need to perform a solo on their instrument and an ensemble piece, both of which should be of a grade 5 standard.

    • A Level Music

      We study the AQA exam board for the A Level. Like GCSE, there is a written paper (40%), performance coursework (35%) and composition coursework (25%).

      The written paper involves studying music for media, pop music and western classical tradition. For the performance coursework, pupils prepare 10 minutes’ worth of music which is recorded and sent to the exam board. Within the composition coursework, pupils must write two compositions, one free and one to a brief written by the exam board.

    Pupil with violin

    Inspirational Bryanston music alumni

    We take immense pride in the extraordinary accomplishments of our former music pupils. Renowned for his exceptional talent, Sir John Eliot Gardiner conducted the music at King Charles’ coronation, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

    Conductors Sir Mark Elder, Mark Wigglesworth and Simon Standage also significantly contribute to the classical music world. Composer Robert Saxton has received significant acclaim for his compositions.

    Vocalists Amy Carson and Kate Royal have achieved remarkable success in the opera and vocal performance arena, whilst Fiona Cross (clarinettist) and Ruth Rogers (violinist) have established themselves as prominent musicians, further exemplifying the exceptional musical journey of our former pupils.

    However, not all musicians at Bryanston have gone directly into music related fields. The skill sets music provides in terms of creativity and discipline are applicable in an enormous range of other fields from medicine to business.

    Extra-curricular music opportunities

    See our extra-curricular music page to find out more about extra-curricular performance opportunities at Bryanston.

    Music

    Music teaching with passion and expertise

    Our music teaching staff, supported by over 30 Visiting Music Teachers, bring incredible passion, expertise, and knowledge to their roles.

    Through over 600 individual music lessons a week, pupils are mentored and inspired to reach their full musical potential and talented pupils are stretched as much as possible.

    Academic Subjects