Why King's Bruton? 
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Come and Visit Us
Music plays a vital part in the life of King’s. The new state-of-the-art Queen Elizabeth Music School provides an unrivalled base for music at King’s. The Hauser & Wirth Recital Hall is an outstanding performance venue with adjustable acoustic curtains. There are two classrooms including a Mac suite using Logic Pro X software for the teaching of Music Technology and a larger computer room with Sibelius software and MIDI Controller Keyboards. In addition, there is an extensive recording studio with a control room and vocal booth.
Musicians of all levels are encouraged to perform on a regular basis. There are over forty public performances annually and a vast variety of choirs and instrumental ensembles rehearse each week, catering for all levels of ability. As a result of the breadth and quality of music on offer, it is not uncommon for pupils to achieve several Grade VIIIs and a Diploma over their time at King’s. We have a team of dedicated peripatetic specialists to teach, support and guide pupils in their progress. The Chapel Choir sing a termly service of Choral Evensong at regional cathedrals. Most recently at Chichester Cathedral, Exeter Cathedral and Wells Cathedral.
There are Music Scholarships available to those for whom music is their passion. As you may imagine, The Queen Elizabeth Music School is a hive of activity with lessons, rehearsals and private practice going on throughout the day. A friendly atmosphere is maintained and the constant coming and going of musicians contributes greatly to the character of the department.
We would love to welcome all prospective pupils to visit and see music at King’s for themselves. The below video provides an outline of music at King's.
If you have any questions about Music at King’s please email Mr Ashley Marshfield, the Director of Music
There is real breadth and quality on offer for musicians at King’s. The Chapel Choir have sung for Her Majesty The Queen, and have performed Choral Evensong at many of the UK’s top Cathedrals, including St Paul's Cathedral, whilst the School Choir has performed at the Royal Albert Hall.
The Orchestra provides the opportunity for Music Scholars to tackle challenging concertos. Recent performances include: Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Crusell’s Clarinet Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto in B flat major K.191 and Concerto for Marimba and String Orchestra by Rosauro. The Big Band and Choir have both had tours to the continent, while the Military Band has ‘Sounded the Retreat’ at Longleat House, in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. The band has also performed in The Lord Mayor’s Show and regularly has workshops with professional military bands.
All of the larger ensembles are supported by smaller groups, for example as well as an excellent Big Band, King’s boasts several other smaller jazz ensembles. The most able orchestral pupils have the opportunity to play in a String Quartet, Wind Quintet or in one of the many other wind and brass ensembles on offer. Each year specialist workshops are provided, most recently by Dominic Peckham and the Chamber Choir of London, The Gesualdo Six, Ian Shaw and Emily White.
The Director of Music, Head of Music Technology and Studio Manager are supported by a superb team of visiting Music Teachers who give individual lessons on instruments including voice. They are all excellent musicians in their own field and come to King’s from such backgrounds as the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Singers, the London Symphony Orchestra, The Band of the Royal Marines and so forth.
All orchestral instruments are catered for as well as harp and rock guitar, percussion is also offered as is drum kit. Professional DJ lessons are also available through the FutureDJs programme.
Instrumental lessons are timetabled outside academic commitments for Sixth Form pupils, whilst lessons for the 3rd, 4th and 5th Form work on a rotation basis so that there is minimum disruption to their academic studies.
Generous Music Scholarships are awarded each year in January, at both 3rd Form and Sixth Form entry level.
Candidates for 3rd Form entry should normally have at least Grade V on their first instrument/voice and be able to offer ability in a second musical area.
Candidates for Sixth Form entry should have at least Grade VII on their first instrument/voice.
Candidates can meet the Director of Music informally during the previous term for a pre-audition and to discuss the responsibilities and expectations of being a Music Scholar. More information concerning Scholarships may be obtained from the Registrar.
