Music is a vibrant part of life at Clayesmore, giving every pupil the opportunity to sing, play, create and perform. From the earliest years, pupils develop their musicality through practical, engaging lessons, exploring a wide range of instruments, musical traditions and styles while building confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of music.
As pupils progress through the Prep and Senior Schools, opportunities continue to grow. Individual lessons with specialist teachers sit alongside a diverse programme of choirs, orchestras, bands and ensembles, including Chapel Choir, Concert Band, Orchestra, Jazz and Pop Bands, Chamber Strings, Pipe Band and Choral Society. There are regular concerts, recitals, performances and musical events throughout the year, giving musicians of every level the chance to perform, collaborate and develop their skills.
Music at Clayesmore Prep School
Sing. Play. Create. Perform. Belong.
Music is everywhere at Clayesmore Prep. It fills our classrooms, inspires our productions and brings our community together. Our dynamic music programme gives every child the opportunity to discover their musical voice while developing confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of music.
Every pupil from Years 1–8 has a dedicated weekly music lesson with our Director of Music (Prep), Charlotte McCarthy (BMus, MMus). In our specialist music classroom, pupils learn through singing, playing, composing, listening and performing, with music theory naturally woven into practical music-making.
From the earliest years, lessons are energetic and hands-on. Pre-Prep pupils explore rhythm, movement, songs and Dalcroze Eurhythmics, while older pupils develop their musicianship through an increasingly diverse programme of musical styles and traditions.
From Western classical music to jazz, blues, reggae, gamelan, steel pans, musical theatre, film music and contemporary music, pupils discover how music can connect them to different cultures and ideas.
Our music room is equipped with an exciting range of instruments, including drums, steel pans, ukuleles, keyboards, recorders, xylophones, percussion and orchestral instruments, giving pupils the opportunity to experiment and make music together.
Music continues beyond the classroom through a thriving programme of choirs, ensembles and performances. Pupils can join Junior, Senior and Chamber Choirs, recorder and ukulele groups, steel pans, African drumming, rock bands and other instrumental groups. Music also plays an important role in weekly Chapel services.
Performance is central to the Clayesmore experience. Pupils take part in lunchtime concerts, whole-school concerts, community performances and special celebrations, while our annual productions give them the opportunity to develop their confidence on a larger stage. Years 6–8 perform a major musical production in the Clayesmore Theatre each spring.
Individual instrumental and vocal lessons are also available with our team of specialist visiting teachers, with pupils encouraged to celebrate their progress through ABRSM, Trinity College London and Rockschool examinations.
At Clayesmore Prep, every child has the opportunity to discover the excitement of making music, develop their confidence and creativity, and find their place within a thriving musical community.
Music at Clayesmore Senior School
Music is a vibrant part of life at Clayesmore Senior School, with opportunities for musicians of every level to develop their skills, perform and discover new musical interests. Based in our purpose-built Music School, the department is led by two full-time teachers alongside a dedicated team of specialist visiting teachers.
Pupils can take part in an extensive programme of choirs, ensembles and bands, including Chapel Choir, Orchestra, Concert Band, Choral Society, Chamber Strings, Jazz Band, Pop Bands, Brass Ensemble and Pipe Band. There are also opportunities for smaller groups and individual musicians to perform, ensuring that pupils can find an ensemble suited to their interests and experience.
Performance is at the heart of the department, with a busy programme of concerts and events throughout the year. Highlights include the Festive Extravaganza, Charity Showcase Concert, summer ‘Hampers and Champers’ concert, House Music Competition, Open Mic Nights, chamber concerts, Piano Club recitals and May Morning Madrigals. Musicians regularly perform both individually and as part of larger ensembles.
Chapel Choir plays an important role in school life, leading Friday Chapel services and performing at major events including Remembrance and Carol Services. The choir also performs beyond the school, while the Choral Society brings together pupils, staff and parents to perform major works.
For advanced musicians, there are opportunities to take part in county and national ensembles, specialist music courses and external performance opportunities. Music Scholarships are available in Year 9 and the Sixth Form.
Music can also be pursued academically through GCSE, A-level Music and Music Technology BTEC, with pupils achieving strong results and developing their skills as performers, composers and informed listeners.
Whether performing in an ensemble, taking to the stage as a soloist or pursuing music academically, Clayesmore gives pupils the opportunity to develop their musical ability, confidence and creativity.
For those who wish to pursue music further, GCSE, A-level Music and Music Technology provide opportunities for more advanced academic study, while Music Scholarships recognise exceptional talent and commitment. Pupils are also encouraged to take part in county and national music groups, courses and competitions beyond school.
Whether discovering music for the first time or performing demanding repertoire, every Clayesmorian can find their place in our musical community and develop the confidence, creativity and discipline that music inspires.