Music Scholarships
Queenswood has a long and enviable musical heritage. Under the direction of Ernest Read (1920–1965), the school earned an international reputation for excellent musicianship which continues to this day.
We offer an attractive Scholarship package for young instrumentalists and singers who show real passion, talent and potential.
Our most gifted musicians perform in prestigious venues in the UK and overseas, such as the Barbican, the Ritz Hotel and Pistoia Cathedral in Tuscany. They have won scholarships to the Royal Academy, Royal College and Guidhall.
We have a team of twenty specialist music teachers, and our facilities include the 100-seat Ernest Read Hall with two beautiful Steinway ‘B’ grand pianos, four ensemble rooms, a music technology suite and more than a dozen practice rooms.
What do we look for in a Music Scholar?
When selecting Scholars we look primarily for musical and technical potential combined with an obvious passion for the subject. Many applicants will already have reached a high level of competency, but as a minimum it is expected that the candidates should be at least Grade 4 distinction standard (ABRSM or Trinity/Guildhall). Ideally, this benchmark should be passed by December of Year 6. However, this can be dependent on the instrument studied and this is taken into account on application. Applicants for Sixth Form Scholarships are expected to have achieved a Merit or Distinction at Grade 8 from one of the major examining bodies.
It is expected that Music Scholars will continue to pursue their study of Music at GCSE and A-level.
How are Music Scholarships assessed?
Candidates selected for interview will play to the Director of Music, the Assistant Director of Music and an independent professional musician.
Candidates should prepare two contrasting pieces on their principal instrument and one piece on a second instrument if offered.
The audition will also include sight-reading, scales and aural tests, concluding with a short interview.
What does the Music Scholarship package include?
- Up to 30 hours of free Music tuition per year.
- Financial assistance towards the junior membership fees of one of the following (if successful at audition) – The Royal Academy of Music, The Royal College of Music, Guildhall or Trinity College.
- Financial assistance for a place in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and the National Children’s Orchestra (if successful at audition).
- Regular concert and solo performance opportunities (both inside and outside school).
- Opportunities to attend concerts and special visits to musical rehearsals (in the past Scholars have been invited to watch Sir Mark Elder and the Halle Orchestra in Manchester).
- Masterclasses and workshops.
- Mentoring by the Director of Music.
- Fee remission for the most exceptional candidates.
What are our expectations of a Music Scholar whilst they are at Queenswood?
- To be an ambassador for the Music Department (both internally and outside school).
- To participate in school choirs, orchestras and chamber groups.
- To assist with open events and selected Sunday Chapel services.
- To dedicate their time and energy to improving their musical abilities.
How to apply for a Music Scholarship
Candidates should submit an application form which can be obtained from the Admissions Office.
Please note that external applicants will also need to complete the normal admissions process.