Music

St. Paul’s is a school that puts music at its heart. Whether a child has individual instrumental tuition, enjoys playing glockenspiels in class music lessons or adores singing hymns and songs in collective worship, every pupil has the opportunity to develop musical skills and knowledge that will start a lifetime of musical appreciation and enjoyment. The school was recently awarded the coveted Music Mark because of our commitment to provide a rich and meaningful music education.

 

Music Curriculum

All pupils enjoy high quality curriculum music lessons in every year group, growing learners that develop self-confidence well beyond the classroom. We have adapted the award-winning music scheme ‘Charanga!’; this exposes children to a wide range of styles, genres, and eras of music from around the globe.  As well as music appreciation, singing, instrumental tuition and composition skills developing through the years, our curriculum also builds in rich musical performances at every stage.  Throughout each year, a range of professional musicians and ensembles perform for students, further expanding their musical experiences and horizons.

 

Instrumental Opportunities for All

We strongly believe that musical opportunity is for the many, not the few.  Therefore, every pupil learns a brass instrument for a term as part of Surrey Arts’ ‘Tune Up!’ project.  This culminates in a performance for both parents and pupils.  Many children choose to continue instrumental lessons beyond the initial term, and financial assistance for individual tuition is available for those who qualify.

 

Musical Groups & Ensembles

Students have the opportunity to join a range of musical ensembles during their time at St. Paul’s, from choirs to orchestras.  Throughout the year, a range of varied performances take place, both within the school and at other venues, including Dorking Halls, and even the O2 Arena!  None of our ensembles have a minimum standard to be able to join; all are welcome. 

 

Instrumental Tuition

Instrumental tuition is available to every pupil for a wide range of instruments including the piano, guitar, recorder, drums, violin, cello, and brass.

Music Overview

There is an increasing body of evidence to suggest that children learning an instrument do better at school. Learning an instrument allows pupils to express themselves and grow in self-confidence whilst developing other skills such as hand and eye coordination, spatial and social skills, and self-reliance. They also develop better memories and are more likely to enjoy being at school.

Musical instrument lessons are provided in school by Surrey Arts. We currently have children learning piano, guitar, violin, cello, clarinet and flute in school, but other instruments, including brass, have been catered for when requested.

Many of these children play in the St Paul's School Orchestra. The orchestra is open to any child learning a suitable instrument who can read music and understand instructions; whether they have been learning for 3 weeks or 3 years, a part can be written to include them in some way!

To register your child’s interest in learning a musical instrument please see the information and online application form available on the Surrey Arts website.

Musical instruments may be hired through Surrey Arts. If you are considering purchasing an instrument we may be able to help you reduce the cost through the School’s Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme.

 

Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme

We are able, in certain circumstances, to help parents who are interested in buying a musical instrument for their child by enabling them to purchase the instrument net of VAT.

Strict criteria apply to the scheme, for example the child must receive Surrey Arts tuition on the instrument, or be a member of a Surrey Arts ensemble or the St Paul’s School Orchestra. Further details are included in the form which is available on the link at the bottom of the page.

Please complete the form and return it to the School Office.

Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme Application Form