MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
The standard and quality of teaching is extremely high and there is a wealth of knowledge that is always accessible to students. Until I experienced the musical life at Ampleforth, I hadn’t realised how transformative it was going to be. Louis Moss ( J22), Former Music Scholar
MUSIC for Life
Music Scholarships Instrumental, Choral & Piping A thriving music department is a vital element of every successful school and Ampleforth is no exception. Our Music Scholars are at the forefront of our vibrant musical culture, setting the high standards and putting in the commitment that enables us to produce music of the finest calibre, whether in the concert hall, on tour, or in the many services in the Abbey Church. Our ultimate aim is for every Ampleforth student to leave school with a lifelong love of music, whether nurtured through singing hymns at Sunday Mass, performing in a musical, playing a concerto, or being part of a student band. Whatever their level of involvement, we hope that music remains a source of joy, fulfilment, and inspiration long after they leave the College.
Music at Ampleforth Music is a large and busy department with extensive facilities split over two buildings. The Old Music School is used almost entirely for keyboard tuition and houses over a dozen high quality pianos, a two-manual harpsichord, and two pipe organs, as well as a dedicated rehearsal room for the Schola Cantorum (College choir). The New Music School accommodates all other instrumental, vocal, and academic music teaching. There are 25 teaching rooms and two large performance halls. Over 200 individual music lessons are taught each week by our Visiting Music Teachers. They travel from all over the UK to teach at Ampleforth and many balance this with work in the UK’s leading orchestras and music colleges. We offer a diverse selection of instruments and styles to welcome all musicians, providing numerous opportunities to collaborate, play in groups, and perform publicly. A broad variety of ensembles deliver varied classical programmes across all instrumental families, while the Soul Band, Ampleforth Highlanders, and flexible contemporary groups cater to a mix of musical genres and skill levels. We regularly host concerts as well as staging a major instrumental concert each term. Choral music is of an extremely high standard, and the Schola Cantorum maintains a demanding schedule of services and meditations throughout the year. The Schola sing two Masses each week in the Abbey and biennial performances of Handel’s Messiah, St John’s Passion and Fauré and Duruflé’s Requiems, as well as tours, radio broadcasts and carol services in London and Edinburgh. Over its 50-year history, the Schola has acquired a significant and impressive array of commissioned Masses and motets from some of the most notable composers of the late 20th and early 21st century. We want students to own their music making and we ensure the facilities and expertise are on offer to help them fulfil their own projects. Student bands are numerous and very popular
and together they put on an annual SHAC ROCK performance to raise money for the College’s nominated charities. Central to College life are the occasions where the whole community come together for Assembly or Mass and lift their voices in song. No one leaves Ampleforth having not been involved in music in some way and touched by this experience.
Scholarship Programme + Free tuition in one instrument for Development Scholars, and free tuition in two instruments for Basil Hume and Senior Scholars + Personal Scholarship Mentor to monitor and support progress, set objectives and report termly + Termly instrumental reports + Bespoke programme of rehearsals and tutorials in relevant ensembles + 1:1 practice support + Scholars to log their progress and achievements + Opportunities for concerto roles + Masterclasses given by some of the finest musicians in the country + Free attendance at concerts throughout the year + External concerts as both participants and audience members, and tours
+ Support and help with preparation for applications for the next developmental stage of our scholarship programme and/or for competitive higher education institutions + Access to support and careers guidance from a wide network of alumni and staff in the relevant field + Regular Music Scholar socials
Could you become a Music Scholar? In all cases we look for interest and potential. No Music Scholars come as the ‘finished article’, and we aim to identify and nurture passion and skill. The individual tuition, personal mentoring, and many opportunities on offer enable our Music Scholars to go from excellent to outstanding. Throughout the year the Director of Music welcomes anyone interested in a scholarship to come to Ampleforth for an informal audition where they will be given personal feedback and advice on further preparations for their scholarship audition.
Could you become an Instrumental Scholar? 11+ Development Award Instrumental candidates should be at least Grade 3 standard. Recipients who play one instrument are encouraged to take up an additional instrument during Years 7 and 8 on which the Director of Music will advise.
13+ Basil Hume Scholarship Instrumental scholarships are available for talented musicians who play to a standard of Grade 5. Recipients who play one instrument are expected to take up a second as advised by the Director of Music.
16+ Senior Scholarship Senior Music Scholarships are available for exceptional and gifted musicians. Instrumentalists should be a minimum of Grade 7 on first study and minimum Grade 3 on second study.
Assessment Assessment for all music awards and scholarships is by audition and interview and takes place at Ampleforth. The audition comprises: Instrumental + Two contrasting pieces at the appropriate level + Sight reading tasks at the appropriate level + Scales and Arpeggios at the appropriate level + 11+ and 13+ candidates who play a second instrument are welcome to prepare an additional piece on this instrument + 16+ candidates should play one piece on second study instrument (minimum grade 3 standard) + A general interview to understand experience, aspirations and general interest
Could you become a Choral Scholar? 11+ Development Award Candidates for a Choral Scholarship should demonstrate strong vocal ability and a foundational understanding of music theory. The audition will include: + Sight reading exercises + Aural tests + Prepared piece performance + Music theory test to understand knowledge of pitch and rhythmic notation (11+) + A general interview to understand experience, aspirations and general interest
13+ Basil Hume Scholarship Candidates for a Choral Scholarship should demonstrate a strong musical foundation, ideally singing to a Grade 5 standard or equivalent. The audition will include: + Performance of two contrasting pieces to showcase vocal range and musicality + Aural tests + Sight reading exercises + Music theory test to understand knowledge of pitch and rhythmic notation (13+) + A general interview to understand experience, aspirations and general interest
16+ Senior Scholarship Senior Music Scholarships are available for exceptional and gifted musicians. Candidates for a choral scholarship should be Grade 7 or equivalent in singing. + Performance of two contrasting pieces to showcase vocal range and musicality + Sight reading tasks in both solo music and music within a choral context + Aural tests at the appropriate level + A general interview to understand experience, aspirations and general interest
Assessment Assessment for all music awards and scholarships is by audition and interview and takes place at Ampleforth.
Choral Scholars are confident, musical singers who perform a critical role in leading choral singing at Ampleforth
Could you become a Piping Scholar? 13+ Basil Hume Scholarship For 13+ applicants, auditions assess performance and technical understanding. Candidates must play a memorised slow air and/or march on practice chanter or bagpipes, demonstrating appropriate ornamentation. They will also perform essential techniques like Throws, Grips, Tariluaths, and Tachums, along with monotone exercises in simple and compound time.
16+ Senior Scholarship 16+ candidates must show advanced musicianship and instrumental competency. This includes fluent and musical bagpipe playing, a secure understanding of piping theory, and the ability to tune and maintain the instrument.
Assessment Assessment for all music awards and scholarships is by audition and interview and takes place at Ampleforth. The audition comprises:
13+ Assessment + Performance piece of Slow Air (in 3/4 time) and/or a March (in 4/4, 6/8, or 9/8 time) performed on either the practice chanter or bagpipes. The performance should showcase appropriate ornamentation for the chosen tune and the candidate’s skill level. + Demonstration of piping techniques, including Throws, Grips, Tariluaths and Tachums. + Performance of monotone exercises in simple and compound time.
16+ Assessment + Play the bagpipes with a high degree of fluency and musicality + Exhibit a secure understanding of piping theory + A performance of a specific piece sent to candidates in advance of the audition. + Demonstrate the ability to tune the instrument effectively and perform basic maintenance tasks The Director of Music and Senior Pipe Major are very happy to hear from younger players who may be interested in an award at 11+ entry.
Highland Piping and Drumming is an important and highly valued part of our music provision.
MUSIC for Life
Expectations of our Scholars Scholars are expected to demonstrate a high standard of musicianship and show exemplary commitment to their bespoke programme of practice and performance as outlined by the Director of Music. Senior Scholars are expected to be role models and active leaders to younger musicians in the College and elsewhere. They will be called upon regularly to demonstrate the excellent calibre of music at Ampleforth, both within the College and on external visits and tours. They should also maintain a record of all their achievements and progress as Music Scholars. Scholarships are reviewed annually and may be removed if a scholar does not participate fully in the programme or meet expectations.
Music Scholar Alumni Many of our Music Scholars have been awarded scholarships at prestigious universities and music colleges including most recently The Queen’s College, Oxford (Choral award) and King’s College, Jesus College, Cambridge (Organ Scholarship) and also at UK Cathedrals including York Minster, Truro, Hereford, and Portsmouth. Many have gone on to pursue careers as musicians. Former Music Scholars have had compositions commissioned and premiered by BBC Radio 3, have sung and played professionally in UK choirs and orchestras, and hold positions within the recording and broadcasting industries.
Bursaries Those in need of financial support are encouraged to apply for means-tested bursaries. The award of a scholarship is a very strong indicator of a student who is likely to flourish at Ampleforth, and it can be extremely helpful in supporting a bursary application.
Every year we run a series of events for families to learn more about scholarships and development awards as well as taster days for students. See our website for full details of upcoming Scholarship Assessment Days and closing dates for applications: ampleforthcollege.org.uk Ampleforth College, York, YO62 4ER 01439 766000 admissions@ampleforth.org.uk