Music is at the heart of life at Gresham’s, helping to develop discipline, confidence, creativity and character. We strive to instil and foster a love of music in pupils and offer a wide range of solo and ensemble opportunities at all levels, from weekly Chapel services to the annual House Music Competition, Pop Concert in the Theatre in the Woods, and recording and producing in the Strathmore Studio. Whether a pupil is at the start of their musical journey or preparing for conservatoire auditions, nothing is out of reach. Our goal is to nurture talent, spark curiosity and build lasting confidence – often unlocking musical ability that pupils never knew they had.
Exceptional facilities support musical excellence. The Britten Building is our dedicated, state-of-the-art music centre. As an All-Steinway school, the facilities and performance spaces are world class. The Fishmonger’s Recital Hall hosts many concerts and other informal performances throughout the year, providing musicians of all abilities a chance to share their music making with peers, parents, teachers and the wider community.
Choral Tradition
There is an exceptionally strong choral tradition at Gresham’s and the Chapel calendar is inextricably linked to the life of the school. There are four Chapel services per week and a range of choirs for all age groups with the emphasis on engaging pupils from across the whole school in choral music. There are clear pathways for pupils to progress, including year group choirs, Chapel choir, Schola Cantorum and Crickets (close harmony) and many concerts and performance opportunities including a bi-annual overseas choir tour.
Music Technology and Media Production
The Strathmore Studio is a hive of activity, with pupils recording podcasts, recitals and professionally released singles. The Young Media Leaders Programme operates out of the studio, giving pupils the opportunity to create their own media content, including recording original music and cover versions, producing feature films and music videos, documenting school events, creating trailers and concert footage, and managing live-streamed services and events. Each year, Gresham’s own record label, Strathmore Records, releases a charity single by the North Sea Voices Choir.
Instrumental Ensembles
Part of the excitement of learning an instrument is performing with others. There are a range of ensembles and groups for pupils to be part of. Traditional ensembles such as Strings, Brass, Orchestra, Concert Band and Guitar ensemble meet weekly and perform in regular concerts and recitals throughout the year. Smaller ensembles are formed depending on the interests of each cohort. More contemporary groups such as rock, pop, jazz, percussion and contemporary music-making opportunities are spread throughout the week, with informal open mic nights, lunchtime concerts and large-scale rock and pop concerts providing an outlet for instrumentalists.
Individual Music Lessons
The music teaching staff at Gresham’s are inspirational, offering a broad range of experiences to the wider department, with many still performing professionally on an international stage.
Individual lessons at all levels – beginners to advanced – are available on a range of instruments and voice. Currently on offer:
- Voice
- Piano / Organ
- Violin / Viola / Cello / Double Bass
- Flute / Oboe / Clarinet / Saxophone / Basson
- Harp
- Trumpet / French Horn / Trombone / Tuba
- Music Technology & Production
- Song Writing & Composition
- Music Theory
- DJ-ing
- Drum Kit
SENIOR SCHOOL MUSIC LESSONs TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Individual examination support is provided for all pupils through accompaniment, rehearsals and aural development. Group Music Theory classes are also provided through the extensive co-curricular programme.
For many pupils, the music department gives them the opportunity to create and play music with other pupils with the same passion and interests. Whether or not they decide to pursue music professionally, we anticipate that pupils will take their musical experiences at Gresham’s, together with their understanding and enjoyment of music, with them for the rest of their lives.
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