Music has played a central part in the life of the College since its foundation by Edward Alleyn, himself a musician. As an academic subject, music engages the boys with their cultural heritage while fostering a strong sense of harmony, measure and clarity of thought. Through performance, the boys develop confidence, attentiveness and self-expression.
The study of set works, encompassing classical, popular and world music styles, enables all students to discover who wrote what, for whom, and why. To support the teaching of contextual and historical study, there is a programme of academic seminars given by eminent musicologists and, in addition, use is made of the College’s unique archive materials. There are also regular opera trips and concert visits during the academic year.
A broad and comprehensive programme of musical experience is offered to all boys. In Years 7 to 9 each boy receives one lesson per week covering a broad range of activity-based projects in listening, performing and composing. They are also introduced to the Sibelius score-writing programme in Year 9. Higher up the school (Years 10 to13) boys take GCSE and A level course which give scope for the continuing enjoyment of listening, performing and composing.
In addition to the normal teaching programme we have Cecilia McDowall, a composer of international reputation, as our Visiting Composer. Ms McDowall makes frequent visits to the College and is able to provide one-to-one supervision for our GCSE and A level students.