At Oundle, our Music Award Holders play a vital role in shaping the energy and ambition of the Music Department. With more than 700 pupils involved in music, the scale of opportunity is considerable, spanning a wide range of ensembles, musical styles and performance opportunities. Our best Award Holders are those who simply love their music. Their enthusiasm inspires others, creates enjoyment and helps drive standards ever higher in a department built around a simple principle: music for all.Richard Dawson, Director of Music
Music Scholarships, Instrumental and Choral Scholarships and Music Exhibitions are available at 11+, 13+ and 16+, recognising musical ability, potential and commitment at different stages of a pupil’s development.
Music Scholarships recognise strong musicianship and a commitment to playing an active part in the musical life of the School. Instrumental and Choral Scholarships recognise particular ability and potential on a named instrument or in choral singing.
Music Exhibitions are awarded to pupils who show real promise but are not yet at Scholarship standard. There is no financial element to an Exhibition, but Exhibitioners are welcomed into the programme on the same basis as Scholars, with access to the same ensembles, mentoring and performance opportunities.
Our aim is to foster a lifelong love and appreciation of music while giving ambitious young musicians the support and opportunity to develop their individual talents. We currently have around one hundred Music Scholars and Exhibitioners at Oundle, who contribute significantly to the quality and breadth of music across the School.
Our programme focuses on three main areas.
One-to-one lessons: Individual instrumental and vocal tuition supports the aspirations and rate of progress of every musician, from beginners to accomplished Diploma holders. For Music Scholars, this sits within a wider programme of practice, performance, mentoring and musical development.
Ensembles: More than forty ensembles cater for a wide range of genres, interests and abilities, with performance opportunities throughout the academic year. Many also perform beyond Oundle in the wider community.
The academic dimension: Music Scholars embrace the academic study of music alongside performance. Pupils can pursue Music at GCSE and A Level, Grades 5 to 8 Theory and our popular Music Production programme, which can be studied and graded in the same way as an instrument.
Holding a Music Award is a mark of distinction, but it is also the beginning of an ongoing programme of development and support.
Award Holders benefit from high-quality tuition, regular practice and a wide range of musical opportunities tailored to their needs and interests. Music Scholars are normally prioritised for ensemble places and performance opportunities, with workshops, masterclasses and visiting specialists adding further opportunities where appropriate.
Each Music Scholar has a named mentor within the Department, with support to balance music, academic work and wider School life. As they progress, pupils are encouraged to take on greater responsibility and leadership, while receiving personalised advice on repertoire, performance pathways and future opportunities including choral or organ scholarships, university applications and conservatoire entry.
At 11+, Music Scholars receive up to 90 minutes of individual tuition each week, together with a free 30-minute Alexander Technique lesson. Instrumental and Choral Scholars receive up to 45 minutes of weekly tuition on their named instrument.
At 13+ and 16+, Music Scholars receive up to 120 minutes of individual tuition each week, together with a free 30-minute Alexander Technique lesson. Instrumental and Choral Scholars receive up to 60 minutes of weekly tuition on their named instrument.
The opportunities to accompany the choir and to play for services in Chapel week in, week out has enhanced my musicianship no endMarcus McDevitt, Music Scholar
RCM
We enjoy a unique and formal partnership with the Royal College of Music, whereby our Music Scholars work with RCM professors and students for the mutual benefit of both institutions.
Hear from Richard Dawson, Director of Music, as he explains what a Music Scholarship at Oundle has to offer and learn about the pupils who thrive within it.
Music Staff, offering bespoke learning programmes on a one-to-one basis, including Music Production and Alexander Technique.
Music lessons delivered each week
Performance opportunities
Teaching and practice rooms as well as a separate recital room, rehearsal room, technology studio and library
Ensembles
Organs in the Chapel alone
Pianos and a dedicated music room in each boarding House
Choirs including Schola Cantorum, Chapel Choir, Junior Choir and Music Theatre Choir
We are looking for enthusiastic young musicians with real potential and an appetite to develop.
Music Scholarships are open to candidates working at Grade 4 or above on a principal instrument or voice and Grade 3 or above on a second instrument. Instrumental and Choral Scholarships are open to candidates working at Grade 4 or above on a specific instrument or in choral singing.
Our Music Scholar Training Day in October is open to Year 6 candidates. Pupils have the opportunity to meet and work with members of the Music Department, take part in musical activities and masterclasses, play alongside an ensemble and begin to get to know future peers. Parents are also invited to meet the Music Department and learn more about music at Oundle.
Assessments take place in January.
We are looking for able and committed musicians who can usually offer two instruments, with at least one at around Grade 6 level or higher, although it is not necessary to have taken the examination. We are always pleased to receive applications from Cathedral Choristers.
Year 8 candidates are also invited to our Music Scholar Training Day in October. The day gives pupils the opportunity to work with members of the Department, take part in masterclasses and ensemble playing and gain confidence ahead of their assessments.
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of audition and interview at the end of January in the year of entry. There is no written paper.
We are looking for talented and dedicated musicians who can usually offer two instruments, with at least one at Grade 8 level or higher, although it is not necessary to have taken the examination.
Awards are made on the basis of an audition and interview in November. There is a written paper only for candidates wishing to study A Level Music.
To apply for a Music Scholarship or for any general questions or Scholarship assessment related queries please contact the Admissions office
Tel: 01832 277125
All Scholarship applicants are encouraged to apply for means-tested bursaries should they need financial support. We are proud that over one hundred pupils at Oundle are supported with bursaries and we are continually working to increase our Bursary Endowment Fund.
Yes, pupils may apply for Scholarships in more than one discipline. We offer subject-specific Scholarships for talented pupils with a strong interest in Art, Drama, DET, Music and Sport. However, being a Scholar involves a significant commitment, so applicants should consider carefully which areas best match their strengths and interests.
Talented all rounders might consider applying for an Oundle Scholarship which recognises and celebrates high academic standards together with significant commitment to the wider life of the School.
We are looking for enthusiastic young musicians with real potential and an appetite to develop.
Music Scholarships are open to candidates working at Grade 4 or above on a principal instrument or voice and Grade 3 or above on a second instrument. Instrumental and Choral Scholarships are open to candidates working at Grade 4 or above on a specific instrument or in choral singing.
Our Music Scholar Training Day in October is open to Year 6 candidates. Pupils have the opportunity to meet and work with members of the Music Department, take part in musical activities and masterclasses, play alongside an ensemble and begin to get to know future peers. Parents are also invited to meet the Music Department and learn more about music at Oundle.
Assessments take place in January.
We are looking for able and committed musicians who can usually offer two instruments, with at least one at around Grade 6 level or higher, although it is not necessary to have taken the examination. We are always pleased to receive applications from Cathedral Choristers.
Year 8 candidates are also invited to our Music Scholar Training Day in October. The day gives pupils the opportunity to work with members of the Department, take part in masterclasses and ensemble playing and gain confidence ahead of their assessments.
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of audition and interview at the end of January in the year of entry. There is no written paper.
We are looking for talented and dedicated musicians who can usually offer two instruments, with at least one at Grade 8 level or higher, although it is not necessary to have taken the examination.
Awards are made on the basis of an audition and interview in November. There is a written paper only for candidates wishing to study A Level Music.
To apply for a Music Scholarship or for any general questions or Scholarship assessment related queries please contact the Admissions office
Tel: 01832 277125
All Scholarship applicants are encouraged to apply for means-tested bursaries should they need financial support. We are proud that over one hundred pupils at Oundle are supported with bursaries and we are continually working to increase our Bursary Endowment Fund.
Yes, pupils may apply for Scholarships in more than one discipline. We offer subject-specific Scholarships for talented pupils with a strong interest in Art, Drama, DET, Music and Sport. However, being a Scholar involves a significant commitment, so applicants should consider carefully which areas best match their strengths and interests.
Talented all rounders might consider applying for an Oundle Scholarship which recognises and celebrates high academic standards together with significant commitment to the wider life of the School.
