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The music department’s aim is that all pupils at King’s Worcester should be given the opportunity to discover and explore their own musical talent and interests, to enjoy making and listening to music made by others, and to appreciate the enrichment that music can bring to their own lives at and beyond school.
Music is a core component of life at the school and supports the talents and interests of all its pupils. The Music Department has long been a centre of excellence and maintains strong links with the music of Worcester Cathedral and the musical life of the town. Through an active programme of class music, practical music examinations, co-curricular activities, and over twenty concerts a year, the department has supported many pupils who have become professional performers, composers, or conductors in both classical and popular music. The Music Honours Board in the Music School lists many of these former pupils. Links with Oxbridge colleges and music conservatoires are well established.
Performance Opportunities
The termly ensembles concert gives the senior groups: the Choir, three orchestras, Wind Band, and Jazz Band an opportunity to showcase their talent in College Hall. There is also a wide range of solo concerts each term demonstrating the skill of many pupils including the Music Scholars.
Our very popular Open Mic Nights are established highlights in our calendar and give an outlet for the many talented pop musicians to perform. These generally take place once a term in the Michael Baker Boathouse or in our beautiful gardens in the summer term.
It was really fascinating to discover how music has evolved and then use the new artistic techniques I had learnt about in my own composition.
The King’s Music School
The Music School is housed in Castle House, and includes a range of teaching rooms and practice rooms. The Elgar Room is the main teaching space for Fourth Form to Fifth Form lessons and includes twenty-five workstations with Cubase and Sibelius software. In addition, all workstations can be controlled by the teacher and displayed on the main screen, with facilities to record any work directly into the teacher’s computer. There are a further two classrooms as well as a rehearsal space, drum studio, and twelve teaching and practice rooms. Near to the Music School, the Chappel Memorial Room serves as the main rehearsal space for ensembles.
The department has the use of a harpsichord, three organs, a wide range of percussion, and a collection of instruments for hire. The department is also well equipped with a large public address system, microphones, amplifiers, and a sixteen-channel mixer for use in the termly Open Mic Night. The department is served by a Director of Music, Head of Strings, Music Assistant, Music Administrator, and twenty-five instrumental teachers.
Over the course of the year, over one hundred and fifty pupils take practical music exams. Between ten and twenty pupils achieve Grade 8 each year. Exams for Trinity and Associated Board take place at school in the Music Department. Other exams such as Music Theatre usually take place locally such as at the Elgar School of Music. Biennial trips abroad are a strong and popular aspect of the department’s work and in recent years have included highly successful concert tours of France, Spain, the Czech Republic, and Italy.
Music Scholarships
Music Scholarships are offered at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry and may be up to twenty-five percent of fees, free tuition in one instrument (or in singing), or a combination of the two.
Scholarships offer an exciting opportunity for pupils with a musical flair who will enjoy participating in the musical life of the school.
Visit our Scholarships and Bursaries page to find out more.
Music Lessons
Musical opportunities at King’s are extensive; with a wide range of orchestras, ensembles, choirs and open mic nights you can get involved with. Whether you have never picked up an instrument before or you are looking to further develop your skills. Thanks to an expert and dedicated team of peripatetic music teachers, your child can choose from a raft of musical instruments, including voice. The ABSRM visits the school termly allowing pupils to sit their graded music examinations in school.
If you are interested in having music lessons in one or more instruments, please completed the form below and our Music Secretary will be in touch:-
*King’s St Alban’s Prep School children who currently have music lessons need not complete the form.
Music Lesson Booking Form