MUSIC AT THE ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2025 -
2026
WELCOME
Music is centred right at the heart of the RGS in our historic Old Building. Our Music Department has established an enviable reputation, exceptional by any school’s standards. As a Department, we aim to provide high quality musical opportunities for all students, regardless of musical standard, and in any musical style in which they show an interest. We work hard to foster a love of music in students no matter where they are on their musical journey. Students are encouraged to learn and participate as fully as possible in a weekly routine which is full of rehearsals, recitals and concerts. RGS musicians regularly attend the junior departments at the Royal Academy, Royal College and Guildhall, and a good number are members of national ensembles such as the National Youth Orchestra, National Children’s Orchestra and National Youth Choirs of Great Britain.
For many students, the Music Department becomes their second home; a place where they are surrounded by others with the same passions and interests. Here, they forge friendships and create memories that will stay with them well beyond their time at the RGS. Whether or not they go on to join the long list of notable musicians who have passed through the School, our hope is that their enjoyment of music will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Mr SJ Orchard Director of Music
FACILITIES
The Music Department is situated right at the heart of the RGS and is based in the historic Old Building.
In 2013, the Department was extended to include a fantastic Recital Room and rehearsal space, two well equipped Lower School Teaching Rooms (each fitted out with keyboards for practical work), a GCSE and A Level Composition Room and a Recording Studio.
Additionally, there are separate practice rooms for individual music lessons which are also available for the students to use for practice throughout the school day.
ACADEMIC MUSIC
Academic music standards are very high, and many of our musicians go on to further their musical education at either university or music college.
Music is taught in every year group by specialist music teachers. It is compulsory in both the First and Second Form and is an option in the Third Form. The KS3 Music curriculum is designed to develop pupils’ skills and understanding in three main areas: performing, composing, and listening and appraising. Students study a variety of musical styles, including Western classical music, world music, and popular music, and learn about the historical, cultural, and social contexts in which different musical styles have developed.
Over the course of your son’s first year, every pupil is given the opportunity to learn a new instrument as part of the First Form Instrumental Scheme. They will have the opportunity to explore a variety of instruments, including the violin, viola, cello, double bass, and clarinet. They will also receive demonstration lessons on the oboe, bassoon, flute, and trombone. This forms an important and enriching part of the music curriculum throughout their first year at the RGS.
Music technology is used throughout the curriculum, which allows students to explore and compose in contrasting musical styles whatever level of musical experience they might have. The diverse and broad curriculum has a strong emphasis on inclusivity and academic rigour.
This lays a solid foundation for further study at both GCSE and A Level, where we follow the Edexcel specification. Academic music standards are very high, and many of our musicians go on to further their musical education at either university or music college.
Experiencing live music is crucial in instilling a love of the subject in the students. Frequent trips to concert halls and opera houses in London, as well as venues much closer to home, are built into the yearly calendar.
Sam Orchard
Director of Music
Sam completed his undergraduate degree at Royal Holloway, University of London, studying the harpsichord with Professor Robert Wolley and the organ with Roger Judd. Specialising in musical analysis and historical musicology, Sam’s undergraduate dissertation focused on the development of sacred music in Leipzig under Bach’s three immediate predecessors at the Thomaskirche. Sam remained at Royal Holloway to complete his postgraduate degree in Historical Musicology. Studying with Dr Stephen Rose, Sam continued to pursue his love of early vocal music by researching music and religious identity in seventeenth century Dresden with a particular focus on the sacred music of Heinrich Schutz. After completing his MMus, Sam began his teaching career at Maidstone Grammar School for boys before joining the RGS as Assistant Director of Music and Head of Academic Music in September 2009. Sam has been Director of Music since September 2020.
Pande Shahov
Assisstant Director of Music and Head of Academic Music
Pande Shahov studied at the Royal College of Music in London (with Julian Anderson) and at Royal Holloway University of London, where he completed his doctorate under Phil Cashian’s supervision. As a composer, his music has been performed by the Macedonian National Philharmonic, Cabrillo Festival Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as the Smith Quartet, Lontano, Ixion, Chroma, Reconsil, Zeitfluss and Horizonte ensembles. Recent performances of his music include the song cycle Dreams at the DynamikFest in Salzburg (with Gonca Bogoromova and Altus Ensemble under Pascal Gallois’s direction), the orchestral Prelude in his native city of Skopje (Macedonian National Philharmonic with the conductor Thomas Herzog) and the guitar duet Si Mila et Rémi Adoraient La Fin at the Royal Parliament in Stockholm (performed by the Cologne-based duo Denizia).
In addition to his role at RGS, he works as Academic Studies Professor at the Royal College of Music.
Lydia Dupont
Academic Music Teacher
Lydia is a highly experienced Music teacher and has worked as Director of Music and Drama at top London prep schools. Most recently, Arnold House School in St John’s Wood and following her move to Surrey, Hoe Bridge school in Woking. She is an accomplished classically trained singer having studied at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and performed regularly as a soloist and with various operatic ensembles before having her two children, Delphine, and Raphael. Lydia is passionate about music education and inspiring young people to develop a love of music and performing throughout their school life. In her spare time Lydia is kept busy with her young family, pursuing her love of interior design, and singing with both Guildford Chamber Choir, and Harlequin Chamber Choir.
Peter White
Academic Music Teacher
Peter studied music at New College, Oxford where he was a Choral Scholar and following further studies at London University, he started his teaching career in North Yorkshire where he also founded the Ryedale Festival, now the largest music festival in the Northeast. Peter was Director of Music at the RGS for over 35 years, and during his time at the School, he has worked extensively as a conductor in the local area, and he has become increasingly busy as a composer. His choral music has been performed across the UK and abroad and has been broadcast on Classic FM and recorded by several choirs. In 2022 his opera Rosalind based on the life of Rosalind Franklin was performed at the National Opera Studio.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Over 300 instrumental lessons take place weekly.
The School offers individual tuition on singing and pretty much every and any musical instrument. In fact, over 300 one-to-one music lessons take place in any one week. Please see the accompanying guide to Instrumental Lessons for further details.
ABRSM Examinations are offered at the end of each term, and many of our students achieve outstanding results. Masterclasses with renowned professional soloists take place throughout the academic year.
Music competitions take place each term with students competing to win points for their respective Houses.
The Steynor Prize, or RGS Musician of the Year, is one of the highlights of the musical calendar, and showcases the extraordinary talent of our most advanced musicians.
THE STRING DEPARTMENT
Many students start learning an instrument at age 11. We welcome and support learners of all skill levels.
The backbone of any music department which is proud of its classical tradition is the String Section. Here at the RGS we thrive. The number of students learning string instruments is consistently strong and this enables us to run a full-size Symphony Orchestra as well as an Intermediate String Orchestra with lots of opportunity for smaller groups and Chamber Music (including several String Quartets).
One of the best ensembles in the school musically is the Concerto Consort, an elite group of around 15 students who rehearse and perform challenging repertoire from the string canon as well as supporting soloists on other instruments from time to time.
But music is inclusive at the RGS. There are students who begin their instrumental musical journey aged 11, and we are able to include and inspire these students equally with those who enter the school at Grade 8 plus.
Rehearsals are focused but enjoyable. Students give of their time willingly – they see music as a rewarding activity where they can be amongst friends and achieve the highest standards as they move through the school.
We have a fabulous team of experienced staff with a teacher to suit every student.
Dale Chambers
Head of Strings
Dale has been at the RGS for many years and much of what the String Department is today is as a result of his inspiration, expertise and enthusiasm.
He has performed with many of the major orchestras in the UK, including the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, The Royal Ballet Sinfonia and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as well as singing with the choirs of St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
Dale has been chair of the European String Teachers Association (ESTA) and been involved in high profile outreach projects nurturing a love of string playing in primary school children for the Guildford area.
Catherine Lett
Violin
Catherine studied with Mateja Marinkovic at the Purcell School. She continued her studies with Jack Glickman at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where her love of chamber music was born. After completing her studies Catherine won a seat with the BSO, and embarked on a freelance career with the BSO, CBSO, ES and ICO.
In addition to her extensive performance career, Catherine also teaches at Bedales School and is a Project Assistant and Tutor at The Yehudi Menuhin School.
Matthew Lloyd-Wilson
Violin
Matthew has recently graduated from university and brings all the energy and enthusiasm that you could wish for. He began the study of violin, piano and voice at a very young age and, at the age of 8, he began to sing in Westminster Abbey’s world famous choir, eventually becoming a Senior Queen’s Chorister.
After retiring his treble voice, he was a Music Scholar at Winchester College for two years and won the Junior Kirby Composition Prize and awards in both Junior (piano) and Senior (violin) sections of the Beaulieu Music Awards.
During his degree, Matthew was appointed the conductor of the Guildford Youth Symphony Orchestra, conducted the University of Surrey String Orchestra, and founded the English Chamber Virtuosi. He has also invested time into developing the Guildford Youth Symphony Orchestra into an organisation that provides practical music education which bridges the gap between county youth orchestras and professional orchestras. Matthew is also the conductor for the Claude Powel Chamber Orchestra and is the Musical Director of the University of Southampton Symphony Orchestra.
Walija Chew
Cello
Walija studied with Leonard Stein and Raphael Wallfisch at the Guildhall. Throughout her career, Walija has performed with The Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Northern Sinfonia, The Scottish National Orchestra and The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
Walija has been teaching at the RGS since 2000 and was instrumental in establishing the initial RGS String Scheme at RGS Prep.
Ben Rogerson
Cello
Cellist Ben Rogerson is a member of the BBC Concert Orchestra and the London Mozart Players.
He has performed all over the world, giving concerts with artists including Maxim Vengerov, Anthony Marwood and Nigel Kennedy, performing in venues as diverse as Carnegie Hall in New York and the Forbidden Palace in Beijing.
For several years he coached the cello section of the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, a role he has also fulfilled for the National Youth Orchestras of Wales, and of Great Britain, and the Royal Academy of Music. He also teaches at Tonbridge School.
C aroline Harding
Double Bass
Caroline studied at Trinity College of Music and then completed two post-graduate years at The Royal College of Music in London.
Caroline is a busy freelance Double Bass player, working frequently for many London orchestras. She is currently Sub Principal Bass with the English Symphony Orchestra and regularly works with the BBC Concert Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia, Britten Sinfonia and the London Mozart Players.
Caroline is an enthusiastic teacher and enjoys teaching students of all ages. Alongside the RGS, she currently teaches at St Catherine’s School, Christ’s Hospital, Cranleigh, and St George’s College, Weybridge.
ORCHESTRAL MUSIC
Orchestral Music is at the heart of the RGS Music Department. Opportunities range from our Intermediate String Orchestra open to all string players between Grades 2 to 5 to our Symphony Orchestra and Concerto Consort. These Senior Ensembles, open to our most advanced musicians, perform repertoire from the Symphonic Canon each term.
We are delighted to have a partnership with Southern Pro Musica, with whom our most advanced musicians have the opportunity to perform a concerto every year.
THE GUITAR AT THE RGS
The guitar is very rarely used as an orchestral instrument, and so a number of very keen and successful ensembles have developed over the years.
The guitar at the RGS takes many and varied forms and is a thriving part of the school’s Music Department. We have four teachers covering many aspects of the instrument, from Classical, Spanish, Jazz, Folk and Rock.
The term “Classical Guitar” has always been something of a misnomer. The term indicates the type of instrument that is played, generally Spanish in its origin, rather than music from a set period in history. It then becomes an incredibly versatile instrument. Many of the students love this aspect of the guitar, playing pieces from every period in musical history from the Renaissance to the present day.
The guitar is very rarely used as an orchestral instrument, and so a number of very keen and successful ensembles have developed over the years. The students often suggest works for arrangement, and then go on to perform them in one of the many concert opportunities within the school.
The electric guitar features widely and is used in many of the RGS Big Band, Jazz Band and rock concerts.
Just like all of the other instruments taught at the RGS, music exams on the guitar are also available. Many of the students like the sense of achievement that this offers and helps to establish the guitar as a valued part of the RGS Music Department.
Peter Howe
Classical Guitar
Before leaving the Royal College of Music, Peter began writing and performing guitar music for the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company, touring throughout Europe and the USA. Following work as a soloist and session guitarist, he became a co-founder of the Tetra Quartet, touring extensively and giving several South Bank performances as well as for broadcast on the BBC. The ensemble produced six albums of arrangements and original works, most of which were broadcast by the BBC and other commercial radio stations.
Peter greatly enjoys teaching the guitar at the RGS, where he coaches the FretKnot Guitar Ensemble. He also teaches at Guildford High School and St Catherine’s School, Bramley.
Russell Jarrett
Classical Guitar
Russell teaches both classical and contemporary styles of guitar at RGS and has a particular interest in jazz and improvisation. He aims to inspire in his students a love and appreciation of the guitar as a vehicle for all musical styles and cultures. Russell studied Jazz at Berklee College of Music in the US and holds a licentiate Diploma in Classical Guitar from Trinity College London. He lived and worked as a guitarist and teacher in Belgium and Canada for many years before settling in the UK. Throughout his career he has performed extensively in formats and groups of all shapes and sizes, playing both acoustic and electric guitars. He specialises in jazz of all types, Spanish and Latin American guitar as well as blues and contemporary styles. Russell teaches at both RGS and RGS Prep, where he coaches one of the three guitar ensembles, and has a busy private teaching schedule.
Myer Rosen
Classical Guitar
Myer studied the classical guitar first with Simon Munting and John Taylor, and later extensively with Thomas Hartman. He also studied Guitar Ensemble Performance with Gilbert Biberian. He took his Music Degree at the Colchester Institute, and then his PGCE at Bretton Hall. Finally, he undertook post-graduate studies with Reginald Smith Brindle at Surrey University.
As well as solo performance he has always been keen to promote ensemble playing among guitarists. To this end he was for many years the Musical Director of The Mozart Guitar Players and the Mondrian Guitar Quartet, and Guitar Orchestra Workshops, playing many concerts and raising a great deal of money for charity. He has arranged and composed much music for these groups as well as for his school ensembles. He has always been keen to promote 20th and 21st century music among performers and audience, in particular, the works of the Second Viennese School. He has been a member of The Molitor Guitar Trio, The Schoenberg Ensemble, Topaz Chamber Ensemble and Topaz Trio. In a former life he was the Musical Director and Principal Dancer in Oranim, the Israeli Dance Troupe based in London. He also plays (amongst other instruments) electric guitar, electric bass, double bass, mandolin, banjo, and flute, and has been seen in many pits for operas and musicals including at RGS, Tormead School, Charterhouse School, Frensham Heights School, Parkside School, BLOS, CAMUS, NOMADS, FAOS, GTG. He has appeared in costume and on stage for Opera and Ballet, including at the Birmingham Royal Ballet. He has taught at RGS, Tormead School and Charterhouse School for many years and loves inspiring (and being inspired) by each new generation of young students.
THE KEYBOARD DEPARTMENT
Every year, we have pianists who play to Junior Conservatoire standard (and beyond) as a matter of course.
It’s a defining feature of a Piano Department in many schools that there will be many students learning the instrument; it is acknowledged that playing the piano is not only pleasurable in itself, but has many benefits academically. In fact, it’s often why parents want their children to learn the instrument. But at RGS, the Piano Department here offers talented, committed students the chance to play at a level they simply never dreamt they could achieve.
Every year, we have pianists who play to Junior Conservatoire standard (and beyond) as a matter of course, with most having achieved an ARSM in their younger years at the school before going on to develop into the kind of pianists who can perform concertos with a professional orchestra. Our premiere Concerto Concert event held in May each year since 2015 accompanied by the Southern Pro Musica Orchestra, offers students the opportunity to play concertos ranging from the large scale Romantic works in the repertory such as Rachmaninov Concerto no 2, Tchaikovsky No 1 and the Chopin Concerti to one movement works such as the Faure Ballade and Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue, not to mention all of the other talented instrumentalists who also perform alongside them to an equally exceptional standard.
Throughout the school year, there are multiple opportunities for pianists of all levels and standards to participate in concerts, as there is no substitute for the experience of public performance, and everyone is encouraged to play, including those who take their lessons externally. It brings the chance to develop the skills needed to improve a pianist’s playing, and they are regularly packed with performers, all of whom want to take part both for themselves, as well as coming along to support their peers.
We have developed strong links with the Guildhall School of Music, with regular Masterclasses held each year at school given by Senior Guildhall Professors, performers in their own right – such as Chenyin Li and Charles Owen – and many of our students attend the specialist Junior Department held on Saturdays throughout term time.
Two piano playing has also become a feature of the Department, as this is a wonderful way to play inspiring repertoire, and we are very lucky to have six performance quality grand pianos amongst plenty of uprights, all available throughout the day for all to use. There is always the sound of pianists practising and students are actively encouraged to make the most of the inspiring facilities we offer. Music is for everyone here at RGS, and the study of the piano is taken seriously; for those students who are drawn to this wonderful instrument, there couldn’t be a better place to discover and develop their talent.
Jan Newman
Head of Keyboards
Jan Newman was born in London and spent much of her young musical life at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama studying with Joan Havill at both Junior and Senior Departments. She has been the recipient of many awards and prizes including the Royal Overseas League, Warwick Arts Trust Young Musicians Platform and the Malcolm Sargent Award. Jan has played at major London venues such as the Purcell Room, the QEH and RFH and Barbican Centre and has broadcast experience on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.
A substantial award from the Countess of Munster Trust Fund enabled Jan to further study with the internationally renowned pianist Richard Goode in New York and whilst there, she was a prizewinner in the Koussevitsky Memorial Award, giving her a New York debut in the Lincoln Centre.
In addition to performing work, Jan has held numerous teaching posts, including Christs’ Hospital, Horsham and Cranleigh School as well as teaching for ten years within the Guildhall Junior Department. In 2008, she was appointed as Head of Keyboard at RGS in Guildford, which became a full time post in 2011 and works with many talented young pianists, some of whom go on to further Conservatoire training, in London and elsewhere.
She was a regular contributor to The Pianist magazine for eight years, writing on aspects of piano repertoire and study for the enthusiastic amateur and has also worked with musicians of the British Army as both accompanist and coach. Since joining the examiner panel of the Associated Board in 2004, Jan has since been appointed as a trainer and moderator, and is part of a core group responsible for the delivery of training to all new prospective examiner trainees.
Martyn Croston
Jazz Piano
Martyn Croston (MMus BA) is a jazz pianist based in London. He has studied and performed piano in the UK, USA and Russia, playing with former members of Jamiroquai, Manfred Mann and The Velvelettes
In addition to RGS, Martyn currently teaches piano at Eltham College and Royal Russell.
Jill Farrow
Piano
Jill has been teaching at the RGS for the last 17 years and also teaches at Aldro Prep School.
She has an active freelance career working as an accompanist, keyboard player and a musical director.
She is currently the Associate Musical Director on Cabaret at the Playhouse Theatre in London.
Stephen Finch
Piano
Stephen studied at the Royal College of Music in London where he gained both the DIP.RCM Performers - BMus Degree and the ARCM Teachers and Performers Diploma.
Stephen is in regular demand as both a solo recitalist and accompanist and frequently accompanies students for their ABRSM and Trinity Music Exams.
Alongside his work at the RGS, Stephen also teaches at the Winston Churchill School and Woking College.
In 2009 he was elected as a member of the Royal Society of Musicians for Services Rendered to Music.
Maureen Galea
Piano
Maltese pianist Maureen Galea graduated with a BA (Hons) Degree in Music and a PGCE from the University of Malta.
After obtaining an MMus with Distinction from the University of Surrey, she was awarded a PhD by Performance, her chosen area of research being performance and editing of music by Bohemian composers.
She is steadily making a name for herself with her solo and ensemble performances of works by lesser-known Czech composers. Her CD Czech Gems was released in 2013, followed by Love Song, both receiving great critical acclaim.
She conducts a busy performance schedule, giving recitals both in the UK and abroad.
Alongside her work at the RGS, Maureen is currently a Piano Tutor and accompanist at the University of Surrey and a piano teacher St Mary’s School, Ascot.
THE WOODWIND AND BRASS DEPARTMENT
There are many exciting opportunities for woodwind and brass players.
The Woodwind and Brass Department at the RGS provides exciting opportunities for learning and performing; it prides itself on being a warm and friendly community, encouraging an environment where aspiring young musicians can flourish. The thriving atmosphere is accentuated by the presence of accomplished orchestral players and freelance musicians who bring their expertise to the department.
Alongside the weekly individual lessons, students have access to a diverse array of musical experiences. Whether it’s taking centre stage as a soloist, collaborating with peers in orchestral performances, or refining ensemble skills as chamber musicians, there’s something to inspire and challenge every student. Students also have the opportunity to perform and participate in regular competitions and masterclasses given by national and internationally renowned musicians throughout the course of the year.
Pupils regularly showcase their talent through occasional professional appointments that resonate far beyond the walls of the school. Previous engagements have included our most prestigious saxophone quartet providing background music for a mayoral ceremony, regularly providing background music for the RGS Leaver’s Ball, and even late-night shopping on Guildford High Street at Christmas. Many students from our Woodwind and Brass Department demonstrate their dedication to musical excellence by attending the Junior Departments of Guildhall School of Music and Drama and The Royal College of Music on a Saturday. For those just starting out on their musical journey, demo sessions and free trial lessons are routinely offered to interested boys who are keen to try out instruments such as the Bassoon, French Horn, and Trombone/Tuba.
From symphonic wind bands to chamber ensembles, we offer a comprehensive musical education that spans genres and styles. Here, students not only learn to master their instrument but also explore the depths of musical expression. Whatever their musical aspirations may be, they’ll find a home here, where passion, skill, and creativity unite to create unforgettable musical experiences.
Karen Howells
Head of Woodwind and Brass, Saxophone
Karen’s educational background includes studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal Academy of Music, and she served as the Co-Principal Clarinettist with the Kwa Zulu Natal Philharmonic from 1999 to 2001. Karen has been teaching clarinet and saxophone at the RGS since 2006, where she also leads and coaches several Saxophone Ensembles. Additionally, she holds teaching positions at Guildford High School and Tonbridge School.
Julian Wheeler
Clarinet
Julian studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Since graduating in 1997 he has performed in numerous leading modern symphony and period instrument orchestras and ensembles.
He has made regular recordings and live broadcasts for BBC Radio 3, including televised drama-documentaries The Genius of Mozart, Genius of Beethoven and Orchestral Masterclasses Mozart Uncovered, also the Birth of British Music series for BBC2.
Alongside his teaching at the RGS, Julian is Professor of Clarinet at the Royal Marines School of Music in Portsmouth.
Jonathan Price
Bassoon
Jonathan graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and over the last 25 years has enjoyed a busy and varied career as a freelance bassoonist.
He has played with many of the leading orchestras in the UK, including, London Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Philharmonia, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, and BBC Orchestras across the country.
Jonathan is also an experienced educator, teaching bassoon from beginner to Conservatoire level, combined with having adjudicated at both the Royal College and Royal Academy, and given classes at the Guildhall School, both at undergraduate and post graduate level.
Andrea Charles Flute
Andrea started her training as a Junior Exhibitioner at the Royal College of Music. She completed her Music Degree at Birmingham Conservatoire before completing her formal studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Andrea’s playing career has always involved orchestral and chamber music. She was a member of the Mid-Wales Opera Company and of, Clarinettist, David Campbell’s Wind Ensemble as well as performing in a trio for the Council for Music in Hospitals. Work with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestral followed on from her studies, at the GSMD, before taking up a playing position with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and becoming a founder member of their education outreach programme. Andrea also dabbled in a bit of jazz (playing at the once Ronnie Scott’s in Birmingham) and was a member of the Inns of City Court and Yeomanry Band. Andrea has always loved playing in pit orchestras and bands for shows, as well as playing with orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Teaching has been a constant part of Andrea’s career, and she has now clocked up 30 years of tutoring individuals (both privately and in schools) as well as being an ensemble and windband and orchestral coach. She continues to be Music Director of a successful flute group and teaches at the Royal College of Music Junior Department as a Flute Teacher and Chamber Coach. Andrea is also an adjudicator and thoroughly enjoys this aspect of guiding players through the art or performance.
Chris Newport
French Horn
Christopher studied at the Royal Academy of Music, learning with the eminent Horn Teacher, James Brown.
Christopher has spent the last three decades freelancing with the majority of Britain’s leading orchestras, opera and ballet companies, and has regularly deputised in many West End Shows. As a member of the London Mozart Players, he was lucky enough to travel the world, performing in many prestigious venues in mainland Europe, Scandinavia and the Far East.
In addition to his teaching at the RGS, Christopher is a member of the music staff at Wellington College, Christ’s Hospital and Cranleigh School. He also works for West Sussex Music Trust as a brass instrumental teacher and Ensemble Director.
Karen Brewster
Oboe
Karen studied the Oboe and Cor Anglais at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Since graduating she has enjoyed a varied musical career including performing as a freelance musician, teaching for multiple institutions and then diversifying to become the Head of North Surrey Music Centre for Surrey Arts whilst also teaching, coaching, and conducting the area Youth Orchestra and Junior Wind Band.
Karen’s main passion is teaching and nurturing the next generations of oboists. Today she focusses her time working in many of the local independent schools in the area and tutoring the Double Reed Section of Surrey County Youth Wind Orchestra. She has taught at the RGS since 2014.
Chris Brewster
Trombone
Chris grew up in Surrey and studied both his postgraduate Masters and Undergraduate Degrees at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He was a major Leverhulme Scholarship holder throughout his studies on trombone, and also studied euphonium and bass trumpet. During his post graduate studies, Chris was additionally awarded an Advanced Performance Diploma and the LRAM Teaching Diploma.
Chris is in demand as a freelance trombonist, most recently performing with Opera North, Welsh National Opera, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and Southbank Sinfonia. He has previously been a member of the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester and the European Union Youth Orchestra, touring across Europe with both orchestras.
With significant chamber music and collaboration experience, Chris is a founder member of the multi award winning Connaught Brass Quintet who regularly perform across the UK and Europe. The group hold multiple awards, including winning the Royal Overseas League Competition and the Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition. Playing with Connaught Brass has taken Chris to the UK’s most prestigious chamber music venues, including Wigmore Hall, King’s Place and Snape Maltings, as well as performing live on BBC Radio 3 multiple times.
Chris has broad teaching experience and is proud to work in diverse environments, from primary age to university undergraduate students, undertaking one to one teaching though to whole class instrumental teaching, ensemble coaching and conducting. He is a Deputy Teacher at the Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama and also has significant collaboration experience including for the Cavatina Trust and Musician’s Company across the UK.
Peter Mankarious Trumpet
Peter Mankarious studied a Scholarship at the Royal College of Music as a postgraduate and at Royal Holloway, University of London as an undergraduate reading Academic Music. Peter performs on both modern and historical trumpets and performs with groups such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and many others at home and abroad. He has also appeared as Principal Trumpet with many groups, including the English Chamber Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and Academy of Ancient Music. Peter has taught at the RGS since 2018.
Elliot Phelps
Trumpet
Elliot studied at the Royal College of Music for his Bachelor of Music Degree and remained here for his Master of Performance Degree.
Elliot enjoys a varied freelance career that has included working with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra and National Symphony Orchestra amongst others. Further training included being an Associate Member of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Foyle Future Firsts Scheme and holding the trumpet seat on Encuentro de Santander for two years. Elliot has also had success touring the UK and Europe with various pop groups.
Further to teaching at RGS, Elliot teaches at King’s College School Wimbledon and the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School. He also coaches the RGS Brass Ensemble.
WIND AND BRASS ENSEMBLES
Wind and Brass Ensembles flourish at the RGS.
Our Concert Band caters for students who are just starting out on their musical journey and covers light repertoire for players between Grades 2–5.
Big Band is our senior woodwind and brass ensemble. Aimed at players of Grade 6 and above, this group performs jazz arrangements, film music, and more demanding repertoire. It also goes on tour every other year.
Swing Band is for our most advanced players and performs jazz standards with sections that allow students to explore improvisation.
There are several chamber ensembles for players to get involved with including Junior, Intermediate and Senior Wind Quintets plus a Junior and Senior Brass Ensemble.
All of these ensembles perform in the Ensembles’ Concert at the end of each term in addition to other various performance opportunities throughout the year.
Our senior wind and brass players are also allocated places in the RGS Symphony Orchestra after a short and informal audition.
SINGING AND CHORAL MUSIC
The School Choir is the largest ensemble and regularly performs at important school services such as the Commemoration Service in September and Carol Services at Christmas. They also undertake a major choral performance in the Lent Term.
Schola Cantorum is a smaller chamber choir, comprised of the school’s best singers, and performs at the Advent Carol Service and services of Compline throughout the year.
An auditioned chamber choir is run with Guildford High School with Tenors and Basses being provided by the RGS. This group performs at a very high level and has sung Evensong in some of the country’s most important places of worship including St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey Ever other year, the combined choirs of the RGS and GHS unite to sing a major choral work in G Live. Recent highlights have included Verdi’s Requiem and Orff’s Carmina Burana
Singing is central to the musical life of the RGS.
Roy Rashbrook Singing
Roy was educated at Dauntsey’s School, going on to study music at Goldsmith’s College, and singing under Alexander Oliver, William McAlpine and Rudolf Piernay at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. After a career in teaching, Roy became a professional singer in 1998, joining the world-famous choir of St Paul’s Cathedral the following year. In addition to the broadcasts, concerts, special events and daily services there, Roy sang with a number of Britain’s best chamber choirs and vocal ensembles, including the Clerks, the BBC Singers, Exaudi, Ex Cathedra, Tenebrae, the Gabrieli Consort and the King’s Consort.
More recently, he has been developing a career as a conductor. In addition to his own choirs Hart Voices (Fleet) and The Chantry Singers (Guildford), he is a regular guest conductor of a number of other groups including the Waverley Singers. He is also an occasional lecturer, editor, arranger and composer. His choral arrangements have been performed by the award-winning folk group Ninebarrow and also by the choir of the United States Navy Band, whilst his compositions have been performed by the choirs of St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, Salisbury Cathedral School and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Roy has sung as a soloist with a number of UK-leading orchestras including the City of London Sinfonia, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the London Mozart Players. In addition to performances in London’s major concert venues, his work has taken him all over the country and throughout Europe as well as to Israel and the States. He has appeared on many recordings, film soundtracks and radio and television broadcasts, both at home and abroad.
GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL & CHORISTERS
The RGS is proud to be the choir school for Guildford Cathedral and we enjoy a close working relationship.
Cathedral Choristers are educated at both RGS Prep and RGS Senior with Cathedral Choir rehearsals taking place at RGS Prep four mornings each week.
Choristers receive an outstanding musical education and gain experience of performing at the highest level.
Further information about being a Chorister can be found on the Guildford Cathedral website.
MUSICALS AND OPERA
Schools coming together to produce performances of an exceptionally high standard.
Every other year, the Music and Drama Departments combine with those at Guildford High School to perform a musical. These see students and girls from both schools coming together to produce performances of an exceptionally high standard.
Recent musical theatre productions have included: Les Misérables, Grease, West Side Story, Little Shop of Horrors and Rent!.
In the Trinity Term, students perform a short Baroque opera in the courtyard of the historic Old Building.
Recent operas have included: John Blow’s Venus and Adonis, Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, John Eccles’s The Judgement of Paris and Handel’s Acis and Galatea
CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
There are regular gigs for bands to perform such as our biannual RGS at The Boileroom!
Rock groups are coached by our team of visiting electric guitar teachers. There are regular gigs for bands to perform such as our biannual RGS at the Boileroom!
Students in the Fourth Form and above are able to sign up for the Contemporary Music option, which is part of the Period 8 programme.
Kieran Daniel
Electric Guitar
Kieran graduated with an MA and has extensive touring experience throughout the UK and Europe with various live bands over the past 20 years. More recently, he can often be found in ‘the pits’ playing in show orchestras.
In addition to his teaching at RGS, Kieran also teaches guitar, bass and band development at Cranleigh School and St Georges, Weybridge, as well as being an associate lecturer at UCA.
Dave Locke
Electric Guitar
Over the past 27 years, guitarist Dave Locke has skilfully weaved the heady shredding of metal, tricky time signatures of jazz and loaded licks of rock into his own unique brand of progressive rock music.
Dave has collaborated with celebrated musicians such as Derek Sherinian (Planet X, Ex-Dream Theater) and contributed guest solos to Sebastian Persini’s Lost City (other guests including Keyboardist and Producer Alex Argento). In 2011, David was awarded a Walter Trout Vigier Expert Guitar by Guitarist magazine, after a solo he composed and performed was hand-picked from hundreds of entries nationwide by Walter Trout himself.
Dave has recorded and produced two independently released progressive rock albums. In both Riding Out Youth and Transitions, Dave not only meticulously composed each musical element himself, but also played every musical instrument heard.
Dave has been teaching at the RGS since September 2001 and currently also teaches at Reigate Grammar School.
THE PERCUSSION DEPARTMENT
The Department benefits from a purpose-built drum and percussion studio
Percussion covers all core aspects of playing that your son might wish to explore from Orchestral Percussion to Acoustic Drumming and from Classical to Rock and Jazz. These instruments are often central to each of the main ensembles with many students playing an active role in each of them.
The Department benefits from a purpose-built drum and percussion studio with lessons on Orchestral Percussion taking place in our wonderful Recital Room.
James Morley Percussion
After initially focussing on Orchestral Percussion, James was inspired by the Jazz and Big Band scene at university. After a few years of teaching and performing in London an opportunity to travel the world performing on a cruise ship led to a further four years based in Asia, Alaska, LA and the Caribbean.
In slight contrast, back on dry land, he taught for Derbyshire County Music whilst performing with a brass band and show band around South Yorkshire.
He has taught at Charterhouse and the RGS since 2006 while performing in many genres such as Jazz and Rock, Orchestral, Musicals, Pantomimes and Function Groups.
Claire Hasted Percussion
Claire studied percussion at the Royal Academy of Music, London as part of her Degree at King’s College London. She continued her studies, completing an Advanced Post-Graduate Diploma in Orchestral Studies at the Royal College of Music, graduating with a Distinction.
Claire has performed with orchestras including Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the Britten Sinfonia and the Philharmonia, with whom she undertook many tours to Europe and the Far East. Her percussion duo, Drum Blondes, performed regularly across the UK and internationally, including Henley Festival as guest artists with the CBSO, Chelsea Festival, Holders Season in Barbados, Wigmore Hall and St George’s, Bristol.
Claire has run percussion workshops for organisations such as the BBC (Planet Earth Prom) the Royal College of Music and, most recently, as part of an initiative to encourage more girls into playing percussion, on the National GALSI Course held in London. Claire is a founding member of Albert’s Band, the inhouse outreach ensemble at the Royal Albert Hall, with whom she performs regularly, in the Tri-borough district and further afield at festivals over the summer.
She has examined for Trinity Guildhall and has been on panels as the specialist percussion advisor for the ABRSM teaching diplomas.
Claire taught for over 15 years at the Royal College of Music Junior Department and at Christ’s Hospital School in Horsham. She is an Orchestral Tutor for the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain and currently teaches at Charterhouse and the RGS.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Monthly concerts take place in Holy Trinity Church
Regular concerts and recitals locally, nationally and internationally allow the students to showcase their musicality in surroundings as atmospheric as the stunning courtyard of the Old Building and as impressive as St Mark’s Basilica in Venice.
Monthly concerts take place in Holy Trinity Church, which is also the venue for regular choral and orchestral concerts.
Guildford Cathedral and G Live also provide us with fantastic performance spaces for service and larger concerts, often in collaboration with Guildford High School.
ENSEMBLES
Ensembles aim to cater for all of our students.
Alongside the main orchestras and bands, many smaller ensembles are available to RGS musicians. These range from String Quartets, Wind and Brass Ensembles to Barbershop groups. These ensembles aim to cater for all of our students, no matter the level of proficiency.
OVERSEAS TOURS
Memories and experiences that will stay with them long after their time at the RGS has finished.
Music tours abroad are a fantastic way for our musicians to showcase their exceptional musicianship. An international concert tour is a great way to inspire and motivate students, sparking their imagination and fuelling a passion for performance.
The benefits of going on tour are extensive and develop students both musically and personally. It is a fantastic way for young musicians to grow in confidence and develop as an ensemble, with the opportunity to perform in iconic venues around the world and forge long-lasting bonds as a group along the way.
As such, overseas tours take place every summer in collaboration with Guildford High School. These alternate every year between a combined tour for Big Band or Symphony Orchestra and Choir.
These are always immensely fun and provide the boys with memories and experiences that will stay with them long after their time at the RGS has finished.
Recent tour destinations have included: Tuscany, Venice and Northern Italy, Barcelona, and Croatia.
COMPETITIONS AND MASTERCLASSES
Many students seize the opportunity to participate and receive feedback from outstanding practitioners routinely at a conservatoire level.
Students can take advantage of a whole series of competitions and masterclasses organised throughout the year.
There are currently six House Music Competitions throughout the year where students are able to compete and win points for their respective Houses. Competitions currently cover the following instruments: string, piano, woodwind, brass, singing and acoustic guitar. We have had the pleasure of welcoming many esteemed and high profile professional musicians to adjudicate these competitions, each of whom have remarked on the impressive breadth and depth of musicianship on display.
The Steynor Prize or RGS Musician of the Year is one of the highlights of the musical calendar and is awarded annually. This is a fiercely contested competition aimed at musicians working beyond Grade 8.
We host a range of masterclasses and workshops with leading musicians throughout the year on each of the main instruments. Many students seize the opportunity to participate and receive feedback from outstanding practitioners routinely at a Conservatoire level.
PARTNERSHIPS AND OUTREACH
We are delighted to work closely with many musical organisations in the town and local area.
To support music in our community, the RGS has been proud to establish and run the String Scheme. This is a project for Year 4 Primary School children where each child learns the violin or cello for a whole year. Weekly lessons, termly concerts and much support beyond, the Scheme has introduced the gift of music making to thousands of children over the course of its time and currently delivers lessons to over 200 children per week.
Southern Pro Musica, Guildford’s professional orchestra, accompanies our annual Concerto Concert in Holy Trinity Church, where our most able musicians have the opportunity to perform a movement from a major concerto.
As the choir school for Guildford Cathedral, we work closely together throughout the year coming together to perform a termly Evensong and other exciting musical projects.
The proximity of Guildford High School enables the two departments to combine on many occasions every year. These include the Joint Schools’ Chamber Choir, biennial Parents’ Choir Concert in G Live and tours abroad.
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
The RGS offers a number of Music Scholarships each year for promising instrumentalists and singers.
AT 11+ CANDIDATES SHOULD BE ABLE TO OFFER:
A principal instrument at a standard of about Grade V.
AT 13+ CANDIDATES SHOULD BE ABLE TO OFFER:
A principal instrument at a standard of about Grade VI – VII.
AT 16+ CANDIDATES SHOULD BE ABLE TO OFFER:
A principal instrument at a standard of about Grade VIII.
Singing or a second instrument at a standard of about Grade III (if the principal instrument is piano, a higher grade would be expected on a second instrument).
A second instrument at a standard of about Grade V (if the principal instrument is piano, a higher grade would be expected in the second instrument). Singing may be offered as additional evidence of musicianship.
If the principal instrument is piano, candidates should have reached a good standard on an orchestral instrument or be a good singer. Singing may be offered in addition, or as an instrumental study in its own right.
Auditions last about half an hour. Candidates should bring to the scholarship audition evidence of all their musical activities, including compositions. There will be aural tests and sight reading on a principal instrument, both at a standard of about Grade IV, and there will also be a short interview to assess a candidate’s musical interest and promise.
Auditions last about half an hour. Candidates should bring to the scholarship audition evidence of all their musical activities, including compositions. There will be aural tests and sight reading on a principal instrument, both at a standard of about Grade VI, and there will also be a short interview to assess a candidate’s musical interest and promise.
Auditions last about half an hour. Candidates will be required to perform two contrasting pieces on their main instrument and one piece on a second and third instrument if applicable. There are also sight-reading and aural tests and an interview at about Grade VI standard. Original compositions are of interest, but not essential.
Further information can be requested from Mrs Kathryn Sweet, Head of Admissions (Marketing).
