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Music

Music at Dulwich is celebrated in all its forms. There is a place in the Music Department for all pupils, beginner or advanced, performer, composer or fan of classical, jazz, world or rock music. We offer opportunities for everyone to develop their skills and make music with others. We want our musicians to enjoy playing and foster a life-long love of music. Alongside the academic teaching of Music, there is a comprehensive co-curricular programme which challenges and engages all our musicians. Through inspiring and joyous programming of over 200 performance opportunities each year, we enrich the cultural life of the College and encourage pupils to gain confidence, learn team-work and develop leadership skills.

Academic Music 

We teach Music as an academic subject throughout the Junior, Lower and Upper School. The course develops students’ instrumental and vocal performance, composition, listening, appraising and analysis skills and prepares them for GCSE and A level Music.

Music Technology 

Music Technology is an important part of academic and co-curricular activities. Students learn pop song writing, film music composition and remixing through using professional music production software such as Logic Pro as well as practical sound engineering opportunities. 

Music Technology is an important part of academic and co-curricular activities. All students learn pop song writing, film music composition and remixing through using professional music production software such as Logic Pro and there and Dorico. 

Instrumental lessons  

Over 250 pupils have instrumental lessons in school. We have a highly qualified team of over 40 professional musicians (Visiting Music Teachers) who teach weekly one-to-one instrumental and singing lessons. The care and expertise of these teachers prepare pupils for ABRSM and Trinity examinations taken in school at the end of each term.

Music Scholarships 

We offer instrumental music scholarships, choral and organ scholarships for entry at Year 7, 9 & 12.  Auditions for instrumental scholarships take place in January of the year of entry and choral scholarship auditions for a place in Chapel Choir are in June. 

Music events throughout the year 

We have a regular calendar of events for pupils, parents and the wider public to enjoy. Highlights include: 

  • House Music Competitions (House Electric, Part-Song, Instrumental and Supersized House Singing) 
  • Large-scale concerts in London’s top music venues, such as Cadogan Hall, Southwark Cathedral, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Sinfonia Smith Square  and St Paul’s Cathedral
  • Chamber concerts and jazz gigs in smaller venues such as Pizza Express Live, St James’s Piccadilly and All Saints West Dulwich  
  • Local events including a jazz residency, a lunchtime concert series and regular Services in Dulwich Village 
  • Competitions and masterclasses in College enabling students to work with eminent visiting musicians 
200+

200+

Performance opportunities each year

650

650

Instrumental lessons each week

50+ instrumental

50+

Instrumental groups and choirs

50

50

Students currently studying GCSE & A Level Music

42

42

Specialist Visiting Music Teachers

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Mr Gareth Hemmings MA (Cantab)
Director of Music
hemmingsg@dulwich.org.uk

David Eno, BMus
Deputy Director of Music and Head of Woodwind & Jazz
enoda@dulwich.org.uk

Lucy Bannan, MA (Cantab) FRCO
Head of Academic Music & College Organist
bannanlg@dulwich.org.uk