Music

Talented musicians are encouraged to apply for a Music Scholarship whatever their instrument.

Music is a key element of life at Clifton. We have excellent facilities and performance venues, including a dedicated recital hall, 20 practice rooms, Fazioli 212 and Yamaha grand pianos and the 4-manual Harrison and Harrison organ in Chapel.

Talented music teachers provide tuition in a wide range of instruments, as well as in singing, and a full schedule of performance opportunities throughout the year. During a normal term, there are around 25 concerts including weekly solo lunchtime recitals, evening chamber music and orchestral concerts, competitions, rock and pop nights, a full-scale annual production of a major show (e.g. Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Guys and Dolls, Little Shop of Horrors) and Chapel services such as Christmas Carols, Advent Carols and Remembrance.

Winners of the 11+ and 13+ Music Scholarships will receive two free music lessons a week from specialists in their chosen instrument(s) and will receive dedicated support to ensure that pupils are able to balance their studies with rehearsals and the wide range of other co-curricular activities available. Pupils will have every opportunity to perform both as soloists and in appropriate ensembles.

At 16+, Scholars receive free music lessons and the same support as pupils at 11+ and 13+. They also have an exciting opportunity to get involved with music at the highest level in orchestras, chamber ensembles and as a soloist. 16+ Music Scholars usually give a full-length solo recital in our stunning hall, chapel or further afield and perform a concerto movement with a professional orchestra in our Summer Serenade concert.

There are also opportunities to direct a group such as a chamber choir or instrumental ensemble.

The Scholarship programme aims to enable pupils to pursue music to as high a level as they wish. Some will look to study music beyond Clifton and aim to go into the music profession, whereas for others it is a wonderful way to dedicate the time and space towards achieving something of real creative value alongside their academic studies. We look to help all musicians individually to achieve their goals, whatever they might be.

Previous Music Scholars have gone on to study music at Oxford, Cambridge, Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music and other conservatoires; others have been members of awardwinning close harmony groups and recorded their own albums.

Sir David Willcocks Organ Scholarship

In partnership with Bristol Cathedral, the College’s Sir David Willcocks Organ Scholarship is for Sixth Form entrants and runs for two years.

This is a wonderful opportunity which will allow a student to work towards accompanying Bristol Cathedral Choir at evensong once a week during term time, as well as playing services at Clifton.

There is also considerable scope for composing and developing as a choral director under the guidance of the Music Department.

To be considered, pupils must:

• Be of at least Grade 7 standard or equivalent on the organ

• Must have an interest in a university or conservatoire organ scholarship after Clifton

• Will take A Level Music together with supplementary training in theoretical keyboard skills

• Must fulfil the standard Sixth Form academic entry requirements set by the College