St Edmund's
Music Scholarship | Year 7 | 11+
With its excellent pupil to staff ratio, St Edmund’s School can guarantee its Scholars the personal and professional attention that their talents deserve.
The highly prized title of ‘Scholar’ exemplifies pupils who contribute to the whole of school life but will take advantage of the many extension opportunities to develop their academic abilities. Our specialist, dedicated teachers nurture this enthusiasm, inspiring pupils to reach greater heights.
St Edmund’s School has an outstanding reputation for music and a well-equipped Music School. As well as classrooms, practice and teaching rooms, the facilities also include a Recital Hall with a Steinway grand piano, a Recording Studio and a fully equipped Music Technology Suite.
Music Scholars receive instrumental tuition in school, the cost of all or part of which may be covered by the Scholarship at the discretion of the Head on the recommendation of the Director of Music. Music Scholars are fully involved in the work of the school’s many ensembles, including Chapel and Chamber Choirs, Symphony Orchestra, String and Brass Ensembles and Big Band, and their instrumental progress is closely monitored throughout their time in the school. When a Music Scholar reaches a sufficiently high standard (equivalent to post Grade 8) the Director of Music may recommend occasional lessons with external specialist teachers, often at the Junior Conservatoires in London. Music Scholars participate in a rich programme of opportunity, including regular concert trips, both locally and to major concert venues in London.
Candidates will not necessarily be expected to have passed any specific grade examination of the recognised boards although it is anticipated that the vast majority will have done so. The audition panel is specifically looking for musicianship, the potential to develop and mature musically and a technique that will facilitate this. Candidates are expected to play fluently at the following minimum standards on their main instrument:
11+(for Year 7 entry) Grade 4 standard
13+(for Year 9 entry) Grade 5 standard
16+(for Year 12 entry) Grade 7 standard
At audition, candidates will be required to play two pieces on their first instrument (not voice) and one on their second instrument. If a third instrument is offered, then this will also be heard and assessed.
Candidates are encouraged to offer singing at audition, but this is not a prerequisite. In addition, candidates will be asked to sight-read on their main instrument, complete aural tests appropriate to their highest level of performance and have an interview in which they will be encouraged to talk about their own music making, musical tastes and aspirations.
KEY DATES
Assessments will take place the week commencing Monday 27 January 2025
Closing date for entries: Friday 10 January 2025
REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR APPLICATION
Music Scholarship Awards are open to candidates at 11+, 13+ and 16+ (for entry into years 7,9 and 12 respectively). A Choral Exhibition is open to candidates at 13+ and 16+ only. All external candidates will be expected to sit the appropriate academic entrance tests.
The auditions and interviews will take place the week commencing Monday 27 January 2025 for 11+. 13+ and 16+ assessments will be held on Saturday 8 March 2025.
Prospective candidates at 11+, 13+ and 16+ are strongly recommended to make an earlier appointment with the Director of Music for an informal discussion and a pre-audition prior to their application, and to meet key members of the Music School staff.
Candidates are encouraged to send original compositions at the time of entry if they so wish.
The Head Teacher of the candidate’s present school will be asked to provide a report on the candidate’s general progress and academic ability, as well as musical ability. Reports from the candidate’s Music teachers are also required and should accompany the application form.
Where applicable, the Director of Music will need to see examination mark-sheets as evidence of attainment.
Entries should be submitted by Friday 10 January 2025. Late entries may not be accepted.
A timetable for the examination will be issued to all candidates.
SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA
| Essential | Desirable |
|---|---|
| Candidates are expected to be of Grade IV standard on an orchestral instrument at age 11. They must also offer a second instrument at audition. | An ability to sight-read music fluently using conventional staff notation is important. |
| Candidates are expected to participate in weekly school ensembles and perform regularly in school concerts. | The ability to sing in one of the schools choral groups is recognised and a desirable attribute. |
| A regular practice regime is expected in order to substantiate progress, particularly on the candidates first instrument. | Scholarship pieces should be contrasting and show a breadth of musical qualities i.e. tempo, tone |
| Candidates are expected to take part in regular workshops on their main instrument. | Evidence of performing regularly. |
HOW DO I APPLY?
- Complete the online Registration form.
- Complete and submit the Music Scholarship form and upload any relevant reports and documents.
Scholarship Examinations, scheduled for w/c Monday 27 January 2025 for 11+ and Saturday 8 March 2025 for 13+ & 16+, will take place at St Edmund’s School. Lunch will be provided for candidates.
Awards of varying value, offset against the tuition fees for both day and boarding pupils, are awarded in the categories of Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport. Where fees are still prohibitively expensive, annually means-tested bursaries can be awarded to supplement a scholarship.
