For assistance with State Secondary school scholarship, please visit our dedicated Music Aptitude Test web site:
https://musicaptitudetest.wordpress.com
It’s never too early to start thinking about how you will prepare for Music Scholarship entry to local private schools. The competition is very tough and a high standard is expected. If you would like to know if you are on target for selection and how you can best prepare, do consider booking a consultation lesson where I will talk through the various options for schools you are considering, plus the standard required. I will also sketch a plan of how to best prepare for the audition including recommended guidelines on exam entry, festivals and other competitions. I can also prep students for the interview with mock questions that you can expect to be asked. I also discuss suitable repertoire. Please book a session online.
Consultation lessons are recommended 1 or 2 years in advance of the audition date. Mock interview/auditions can be scheduled nearer the time, usually the term before the audition is advisable.
Please note the approximate standard expected is as follows (taken from Alleyn’s Music Scholarship Application form) which is typical of the level expected by most private schools.
Candidates should show evidence of real musical ability and offer at least two instruments, or voice and one instrument. It is not essential for candidates to have taken music examinations but, as a guide, the standard expected on the principal instrument corresponds with Grade V at 11+, and with Grade VI at 13+. Not all candidates who apply will be called for audition.
Tips for the Interview:
- Prepare a portfolio of your musical achievements (exam results, festival certificates etc)
- List all the venues where you have performed
- Think about how you will fit into the current musical ensembles that the school offers. Would you like to learn a new instrument so you can take part in the wind band? Or how about learning percussion to play in the orchestra if you are a pianist?
- Choose an audition piece that is memorable – a catchy title, a living composer or something you composed yourself all make for a stand-out performance.
Find listed details of the scholarship levels for Private Schools in South London. I prepare students for Music Scholarship to schools throughout the UK but with a focus on South London. Figures may vary from year to year so please check the current prospectus for your year of entry.
Alleyn’s School
Townley Rd, London SE22 8SU Tel: 020 8557 1500 Fax: 020 8557 1462
www.alleyns.org.uk
Type: Co-ed.
Music awards: Age 11+, 13+, 16+ entry.
Various music scholarships at 11+/13+, worth up to 33% of fees (approx £3000). A number of Exhibitions for free instrumental tuition will also be awarded.
11+ entry: Grade 5–6 min on principal instrument, with 2nd instrument normally expected at Grade 3-4; Orchestral instruments preferred.
6th Form music scholarship and bursaries: Grade 7–8 minimum on principal instrument.
Music Scholarships are worth up to £3000 per year, plus free tuition on the scholar’s
principal instrument (set at the current rate of termly music lessons at Alleyn’s, although
lessons may be taken outside school). Candidates attend a 30-minute audition to play two instruments (usually to at least Grade V standard on their principal instrument).
Music Exhibitions are awarded to those who have exceptional musical ability but do not qualify for a Music Scholarship. A Music Exhibition funds tuition in one instrument
throughout a pupil’s time at the School (set at the current rate of termly music lessons at
Alleyn’s, although lessons may be taken outside school).
Bishop Challoner School
228 Bromley Rd, Shortlands, Bromley BR2 0BS Tel: 020 8460 3546 Fax: 020 8466 8885 www.bishopschallonerschool.com
Type: Co-ed.
Music awards: Music scholarships are based on a pupil reaching at least grade 3 and passing an audition held by the Head of Music; most are worth up to 25% of fees. Age range: 3–18.
Blackheath High GDST
Vanbrugh Park, London SE3 7AG, Tel: 020 8853 2929 Fax: 020 8853 3663
www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net
Type: Girls.
Music awards: Scholarships for music are awarded at 11+; bursaries are available to top up the value.
Bromley High School (GDST)
Blackbrook Lane, Bickley, Bromley, Kent, BR1 2TW Tel: 020 8781 7000
www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net
Type: Christian Girls only independent (junior and senior)
Music Scholarship Information: At 11+ and 16+ a music scholarship may be awarded plus Harvey Awards which pay for instrumental tuition. All Music Scholars must pass the school entrance examination and take a scholarship audition. Entry procedure: Application forms are available from the Admissions Secretary (admissions@bro.gdst.net) and auditions are held approximately two weeks following the respective entrance examinations.
Colfe’s School
Horn Park Lane, London SE12 8AW Tel: 020 8852 2283 Fax: 020 8297 1216 Email: www.colfes.com
Type: Co-ed.
Music awards: Music scholarships, exhibitions and bursaries are awarded based on potential as well as ability. Value up to 50% fees and free inst tuition for entry at age 11 and 6th form.
Croydon High School
Old Farleigh Rd, Selsdon, South Croydon CR2 8YB Tel: 020 8651 5020 Fax: 020 8657 5413 Email: info2@cry.gdst.net Web: www.croydonhigh.gdst.net
Type: Girls.
Music awards: Up to 2 music scholarships at entry to year 7. Jacqueline du Pré music award (6th form).
Dulwich College
Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD Tel: 020 8693 3601/8299 9256/8 also fax Email: music@dulwich.org.uk Web: www.dulwich.org.uk
Type: Boys.
Music awards: Up to 5 inst scholarships of up to 30% fees with free inst tuition. Age under 14 on 1 Sep; Grade 5 (age 11), Grades 6–7 (age 12–14) required. Orchestral instruments preferred.
Eltham College
Grove Park Rd, London SE9 4QF Tel: 020 8857 1455
www.eltham-college.org.uk
Type: Boys. Music awards: Up to 3 scholarships plus exhibitions offered at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry (up to 50% fees).
Emanuel School
Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HS Tel: 020 8870 4171
www.emanuel.org.uk
Type: Co-ed.
Music awards: Up to 6 music scholarships of up to 25% fees at ages 11+, 13+ and 16+, together with free music tuition on 2 insts.
Farrington’s School
Perry St, Chislehurst BR7 6LR Tel: 020 8467 0256
www.farringtons.org.uk
Type: Co-ed.
Music awards: Music Scholarships awarded at 11+. Candidates are expected to perform on at least 1 inst and should be approaching grade 5 standard. An audition will usually consist of a prepared piece, sight reading and aural tests.
Francis Holland School
39 Graham Terrace, London SW1W 8JF Tel: 020 7730 2971
www.fhs-sw1.org.uk
Type: Girls. Music awards: One 11+ and on 16+ music scholarship is available each year, up to a value of 25% fees. Age range: 4–18.
Ibstock Place School
Clarence Lane, London SW15 5PY Tel: 020 8876 9991
www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk
Type: Co-ed.
Music awards: Music scholarships and exhibitions for ages 11–18.
James Allen’s Girls’ School
144 East Dulwich Grove, London SE22 8TE Tel: 020 8693 1181; 020 8613 6436 (mus dept)
www.jags.org.uk
Type: Girls.
Music awards: Music awards for intake at Yr 7 and 12. Major scholarships are worth £1,000 pa, minor scholarships are for £500 pa. 2012 – 2013 Scholarship details are here. There is just ONE major music scholarship awarded per year at 11+ and one at 16+.
King’s College School Wimbledon
London SW19 4TT Tel: 020 8255 5386
www.kcs.org.uk
Type: Boys.
Music awards: 2 or more music scholarships value up to £1500 plus 6th form org scholarship. Orch insts preferred.
Putney High School GDST
35 Putney Hill, London SW15 6BH Tel: 020 8788 4886
www.putneyhigh.co.uk
Denise Lodge, head. Type: Girls. Music awards: Music scholarships available at 11+ and 16+.
Royal Russell
Coombe Lane, Croydon CR9 5BX Tel: 020 8657 4433
www.royalrussell.co.uk
Type: Co-ed.
Music awards: Scholarships offered at entry to Year 7, Year 10, and Year 12. Full details available from the PA to the dir of mus.
St Dunstan’s College
Stanstead Rd, London SE6 4TY Tel: 020 8516 7200
www.stdunstans.org.uk
Type: Co-ed. Music awards: Specialist scholarships in music (also drama, art, sport), only awarded if outstanding candidates identified. Scholarship worth up to 25% of fees, plus cost of tuition on 1 inst.
St Paul’s School
Lonsdale Rd, London SW13 9JT Tel: 020 8748 9162
www.stpaulsschool.org.uk
Type: Boys.
Music awards: Free tuition in 1 or 2 insts. Age under 14 on 1 Sep; min grade 6 on 1st instrument with 2nd instrument or voice. 1 or more 6th form awards available pa including biennial org scholarship.
Streatham & Clapham High School
42 Abbotswood Rd, London SW16 1AW Tel: 020 8677 8400
www.schs.gdst.net
Type: Girls.
Music awards: Specialist scholarships, inc music, and bursaries available.
Sydenham High School (Secondary) GDST
19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL Tel: 020 8557 7000
www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net
Type: Girls.
Music awards: Awards from Yr 7 lasting throughout snr school.
Trinity School
Shirley Park, Croydon CR9 7AT Tel: 020 8656 9541
www.trinity-school.org
Type: Boys.
Music awards: Numerous awards made to boys age 10–13 (1 Sep) on admission or subsequently, and at 6th form. Choral experience considered. Up to 50% fees (augmented in cases of need). Free inst tuition, private or school.
Whitgift School
Haling Park, South Croydon CR2 6YT Tel: 020 8688 9222
www.whitgift.co.uk
Type: Boys.
Music awards: Generous scholarships and awards made pa on admission or subsequently to musically-talented pupils for instrumental tuition, selection by audition.
Read more online:
Tips for the Audition
Choosing the Right Audition Pieces
Acing the Music Aptitude Test (MAT)
Coping with stage fright
