MUSIC DEPARTMENT
WELCOME TO MUSIC AT ST.JULIAN’S
I am thrilled to welcome you to a vibrant, creative community where we believe music is a universal language accessible to every single student, from our youngest 3-year-olds to our graduating 18-yearolds. Music is not just a subject here; it is a vital part of the St. Julian’s experience. Through our rich, inclusive curricular music pathway, students explore culture, history, and self-expression, developing their unique creative voices while building a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
For all general enquiries
please contact our music administrator:
music@stjulians.com
(+351) 214585322
Beyond the classroom, our department offers a wealth of opportunities for students to deepen their musical journey. The Instrumental Tuition Programme provides personalised, high-quality instruction across a wide array of instruments, allowing students to master new skills at their own pace. This individual growth beautifully complements our dynamic Wider Life Programme, where students come together in ensembles, choirs, and bands. These experiences are explicitly designed to foster the 6Cs, challenging students to Collaborate and Communicate through performance, be Curious about creativity, while building the Courage, Citizenship and Compassion that define the St. Julian’s mission.
We look forward to making music with you this year!
Miss Clare Dawson Director of Music
cdawson@stjulians.com
MEET OUR MUSIC TEAM
Miss Clare Dawson
Director of Music cdawson@stjulians.com
Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs)
Aldara Medeiros
Catarina Sousa
Elisabeth Yates
Elizabeth Kicks
Joe Coronado
Karolina Andrês
Laura Greene
Lilia Donkova
Maria Best
Maria João Maia
Clarinet, Saxophone
Piano
Piano
Oboe
Piano, Bassoon
Cello
Piano
Violin
Flute
Voice
Mr Scott Mallard
Head of Academic Music smallard@stjulians.com
Mrs Karolina Andrês
Music Teacher (Whole School) kandres@stjulians.com
Mr Daniel Baxendale
Primary Music Coordinator dbaxendale@stjulians.com
Mr Santiago Marques Taylor
Music Administrator smarquestaylor@stjulians.com
amedeiros@stjulians.com
csousa@stjulians.com
eyates@stjulians.com
ekicks@stjulians.com
coronadoj@stjulians.com
kandres@stjulians.com
lgreene@stjulians.com
ldonkova@stjulians.com
mbest@stjulians.com
mjmaia@stjulians.com
Mariana Taipa
Patrick Simeão
Paulo Carmo
Pedro Ferreira
Rita Abranches
Stela Lalova
Zofia Pajak
Cello
Drumkit
Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium
Guitar, Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar
Piano
Piano
Violin, Viola
mtaipa@stjulians.com
psimeao@stjulians.com
pcarmo@stjulians.com
pferreira@stjulians.com
rabranches@stjulians.com
slalova@stjulians.com
zpajak@stjulians.com
Music Teachers
INSTRUMENTAL TUITION PROGRAMME
The Instrumental Tuition Programme offers students the opportunity to develop their instrumental playing through dedicated one-to-one or group lessons with specialist teachers. Running smoothly alongside academic lessons, the Instrumental Tuition Programme encourages students to take their passion for music to the next level. Lessons are designed to develop technique, build confidence, prepare students for international music exams and enrich the academic curriculum.
The Instrumental Tuition Programme has grown massively thanks to the dedicated teachers running the classes and the students’ love for music. Established in 1990 with only a handful of after-school piano lessons, we offer tuition for 19 different instruments, with one in five students currently learning, with our numbers constantly increasing.
Our team is currently made of 16 Visiting Music Teachers from several different backgrounds, ranging from professional musicians to educators with decades of experience. Our focus is on providing lessons that allow students to explore music in an enjoyable and motivating way, preparing them for concerts, exams, or just simply developing their technique.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Enrollment
Waiting List
Lesson Plan
Each school year, students must be enrolled in the Instrumental Tuition Programme through the “Instrumental Tuition Enrolment” form found on the SJS Portal App. (See page 7 for guidance). Once enrolled, the music department will be in touch regarding arrangements of the first lesson. Students are automatically enrolled between terms, but must re-enrol at the end of each school year.
Cancellation
If a student wishes to cancel lessons, this must be done through the “Instrumental Tuition Cancellation” form found on the SJS Portal App with a term’s notice. Students renting an instrument from school are expected to return it upon lesson cancellation. If a student will not continue with their instrumental lessons in the subsequent school year, we ask that the form be filled in as well.
In the case that there is no availability for the desired instrument at the time of enrollment, students will be placed on the waiting list. If a student is to be taken off of the waiting list, please contact music@stjulians.com .
Payment
All Instrumental Tuition Programme invoices will be emailed by accounts@stjulians.com at the beginning of each term. This value will cover all instrumental tuition fees, including instrument rental, accompaniment fees for exams, and exam fees (ABRSM, Trinity, etc.). Any questions about the amount invoiced must be made in reply to the invoice email.
We aim to provide 11 lessons per term, for a total of 33 lessons per school year. All new students enrolling for instrumental tuition will start with 30-minute lessons, with the option of increasing to 60-minute lessons at the Director of Music’s discretion. 45-minute lessons are only reserved for students who already had this lesson plan as of last year.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONTINUED
Lesson Schedule
Lessons occur once a week during school hours, following a rotating schedule; each week, students are taken out of a different subject for their instrument lesson, avoiding falling behind in any specific subject. Exceptions are made for students in the BL section, students learning a second instrument and students in Year 2 and Year 11 to Year 13.
Absences and Missed Lesson
Parents and students are expected to notify their instrumental teacher with 48 hours of notice if they cannot attend their lesson. Student illness with less than 24 hours notice may be chargeable if the teacher is unable to rearrange.
Special Offers
The school offers reduced tuition prices and free instrument rental to students taking GCSE or IB Music, as well to students learning one of the following instruments: Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Double Bass, Trombone, French horn or Euphonium.
GUIDE TO FINDING FORMS
STEP 1 STEP 2
STEP 3
Choose the menu bars. Choose ‘Forms’. Choose ‘User’ and your child’s name. Choose the desired form.
INSTRUMENTS
The Music Department offers tuition for the following instruments, limited to the minimum age requirements as well as teacher availability.
For students younger than the minimum age but with previous instrumental experience, please contact: music@stjulians.com.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Performing is a crucial part of learning an instrument, providing a great place to showcase all the hard work that students do as well as an opportunity to develop confidence, build friendships while performing in an ensemble and develop their cultural education and exposure to different pieces. From small scale concerts in the classroom and impromptu outdoor performances to full-scale orchestral pieces and live band performances, the school encourages students to showcase their talent, whichever form that takes.
Our Primary Pop-Up Concerts are integrated with the Primary Music Curriculum, and blend whole-year performances with individual instrumental numbers prepared by students at home or with their Visiting Music Teachers. With performances from Year 1 and 1º Ano all the way up to Year 6 and 5º Ano, students learn to play confidently in front of an audience of friends and parents.
The Secondary Unplugged Concerts are termly performances where students in Secondary are able to showcase their hard work in front of an audience of friends, family and teachers. These afterschool performances can include anything from solo performances to group pieces to band sets, this stage is open to all.
Students can also participate in dedicated instrumental concerts, like our Primary or Secondary Piano Concerts as well as our Trumpet Concert. In these, students of a specific instrument are encouraged to perform alongside colleagues learning the same instrument, providing a wonderful opportunity for sharing the many different ways one can express themselves on the same instrument, be it from the pieces being played or the way they are performed.
INSTRUMENTAL EXAMS
In our instrumental lessons, we provide guidance and encourage our instrumental and vocal students to take graded examinations through two globally recognized boards - the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) and Trinity College London. These structured pathways offer a great roadmap for musical and personal growth, as well as providing a globally recognized standard for performance and UCAS points for higher grades.
Exam Fees and Accompanying
All payments for exams are handled through the school. In case exams need live accompaniment, the school will provide this at the following rates:
ABRSM
St. Julian’s offers the option of in-person as well as online exam submission when preparing for the ABRSM exams. In-person exams occur once a year, towards the end of the school year and are hosted in school. Online exams are recorded during lessons and are submitted by the school, either in the Autumn Term or the Summer Term.
Trinity
St. Julian’s offers the option of online exams when preparing for the Trinity exams. Online exams are recorded during lessons and are submitted by the school, either in the Autumn Term or the Summer Term.
MUSIC ENSEMBLES
The St. Julian’s Music Department believes that true musical growth happens when learning extends beyond the classroom. To support this, we offer a diverse range of free clubs and groups designed to enrich our students’ musical journeys. These activities challenge students to take their individual skills and apply them to collaborative group performances, helping them discover the unique joy and discipline of making music together. Rehearsal times are shared at the beginning of each school year
These clubs are where curiosity meets collaboration, helping students develop not only as courageous and confident musicians, but also as compassionate and engaged individuals.
Year 1 and 2 Choir
This is a group for keen students from Years 1 and 2 who enjoy singing.
Junior Choir
Junior choir is open to all students from Year 3 and 2º Ano up to Year 5 and 4º Ano. Rehearsals occur once per week, with opportunities to perform as a group in the Pop-up Concerts and during the third term we have our Spring performances in the Primary playground.
The Junior choir always takes part in the Christmas concert along with the Senior choir at the St. George’s church in Lisbon.
Senior Choir
Senior Choir is open to all students from 5º and Year 6 up to Year 13. The choir rehearses at least once a week, and sings regularly in public. Next academic year will include performances at The Ritz and Palácio Hotels, and a Carol Service and Summer Concert in Lisbon, as well as concerts in school.
MUSIC ENSEMBLES CONTINUED
Choral Society
The Choral Society is an adult community choir which is open to parents, staff, and any other friends of the school. Rehearsals take place on Thursday evenings, and new members are always welcome. The Choral Society is involved in two performances each year - the Carol Service in December, and Summer Choral Concert.
String Orchestra
String Orchestra is a welcoming ensemble for string players in Years 7–13 who enjoy making music together and exploring a wide range of beautiful repertoire. It is a wonderful opportunity for students of all levels to improve their performance skills, build confidence, and experience the enjoyment of playing as part of a string ensemble. Members will have the opportunity to perform in the Christmas Concert and Summer Concert, sharing their music with the school community throughout the year.
Senior Orchestra
Senior Orchestra is open to all students from Year 7 up to Year 13 who play orchestral instruments. The orchestra provides a chance for musicians of various levels to experience the excitement of performing in a full ensemble. Parts are adapted to suit different abilities, ensuring the experience is welcoming for everyone. Students may also have opportunities to perform as soloists. The orchestra takes part in major school performances throughout the year, including the Christmas and Summer concerts.
MUSIC ENSEMBLES CONTINUED
Year 6 Pop & Rock Group
Year 6 Pop & Rock Group starts in the Spring Term, and is aimed at students in Year 6 who play Pop & Rock instruments who would like to get together and play in a band! They get an introduction to the skills for band playing and the chance to perform in a gig.
KS3 Rock Band
KS3 Rock Band is a contemporary ensemble learning and performing Pop and Rock songs at school events and celebrations. The band features electric guitars, bass guitar, keyboards, drums and vocals. Interested students should already have a foundation in their instrument to take part.
Senior Jazz Band
Senior Jazz Band is an advanced instrumental ensemble learning and performing iconic Jazz standards. Our Jazz musicians develop practical skill in extended harmony, improvisation and swing rhythm. The Senior Jazz Band performs at school concerts and celebrations throughout the year. This band features drums, bass, guitar, piano, saxophone and trumpet.
Music Theory Club
Music Theory Club is a weekly workshop which supports students’ theoretical understanding of music, and assists in preparing students for ABRSM and Trinity theory examinations. This club is designed to underpin instrumental playing with theoretical concepts, bridging the gap between playing and understanding.
Primary Samba Band
Primary Samba Band is a chance for students at KS2 level to immerse themselves in the Brazilian Bateria and Samba Band world. The main focus will be learning the traditional beats and rhythms straight from the heart of the Rio Carnival culture, but will also include more modern music with influences of Reggae, Hip-Hop, Bhangra and Drum & Bass.
