Director of Music
Our music teaching staff bring incredible passion, expertise, and knowledge to their roles.
Through over 600 individual music lessons a week pupils are mentored and inspired to reach their full musical potential and talented pupils are stretched as much as possible.
Pupils have many opportunities to show their exceptional musical talents through regular concerts, band concerts, recitals, ensembles, masterclasses, and competitions.
Our pupils also have the privilege of performing in London venues such as Smith Square Hall and the majestic Old Royal Naval College.
Closer to home, pupils play for local audiences at venues like Poole Lighthouse, Christchurch Priory and Salisbury Cathedral.
The quality of the music produced by pupils is outstanding, and many gain places in national and county orchestras, university music departments and conservatoires.
Watch some recent performances on our ‘BryLiveSounds’ YouTube page.
Dedicated practice rooms allow pupils to refine their skills and master their craft. We also have an amazing 280-seat concert hall where pupils can proudly show their talents.
Our recording studios are equipped with the latest technology, enabling professional-level audio production and music composition. They support those studying music for GCSE, A level and IB and allow pupils taking instrumental exams or forthcoming auditions the chance for self-appraisal through listening to recordings of practices.
Sixth form pupils can opt for a Humanities course, in which they are taught about recording and mixing techniques, as well as having the opportunity to play as session musicians. Younger pupils also have the opportunity to take on the role of recording assistant, working with our full-time Sound Recording Engineer, in day-to-day sessions.
Listen to examples of the pupil’s work – both performed and engineered.
“The facilities and resources at Bryanston are incredible; without them, I wouldn’t be the musician I am today. They have allowed me to control so many aspects of my music and develop it how I want. I’ve also enjoyed having access to state-of-the-art speakers, pianos, a bassoon, and good acoustics that help to bring my compositions to life with incredible quality.”
Chris Roberts-Pastor joined Bryanston as a music scholar in Year 9 and studied Music and Music Technology A Level. He leaves in 2023 to work in a recording studio before pursuing music production.
“We are constantly offered opportunities to perform and grow as musicians. I organised my own concert with a friend, played a solo concerto with an orchestra at a Christchurch concert, and played in the pit orchestra alongside professional musicians for our school musical. We also have weekly Alexander technique lessons and accompaniment sessions, which allow us to focus on improving ourselves as performers.
“I used to have a limited repertoire for singing before coming to Bryanston, but after joining, my repertoire now ranges from opera to jazz. I am often encouraged to try out different styles and explore the entirety of my vocal range.”
Evelyn Chow joined us in the sixth form as a music scholar. She leaves Bryanston School in 2023 to either study flute at Trinity Laban Conservatoire or music at Kings College London.
Achieving musical excellence through music scholarships
We offer music scholarships to talented pupils pursuing their passion for music. These scholarships provide a pathway to excellence, enabling pupils to receive exceptional music education and guidance from experienced professionals.
Music scholars can access dedicated resources, personalised tuition, and exclusive performance opportunities. They also have the valuable opportunity to access the Alexander Technique to enhance their performance skills.
Inspirational Bryanston music alumni
We take immense pride in the extraordinary accomplishments of our former music pupils. Renowned for his exceptional talent, Sir John Eliot Gardiner conducted the music at King Charles’ coronation, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.
Conductors Sir Mark Elder, Mark Wigglesworth, and Simon Standage also significantly contribute to the classical music world. Composer Robert Saxton has garnered acclaim for his compositions.
Vocalists Amy Carson, Kate Royal, and Fiona Cross have achieved remarkable success in the opera and vocal performance arena. And Ruth Rogers has established herself as a prominent violinist, further exemplifying the exceptional musical journey of our former pupils.
All pupils are introduced to music in Year 9 and learn to play a musical instrument of their choice. Our music lessons are always fun, and creative, with plenty of practical opportunities to give our young musicians a true understanding and appreciation of music.
GCSE Music
Our music GCSE offers a comprehensive course of performance, composition, and music analysis.
Coursework accounts for 60%, which includes two compositions and two performances (solo and ensemble). The remaining 40% focuses on developing an in-depth understanding of musical elements, context, and language.
Pupils explore four diverse genres, from the Baroque period to 20th Century Classical Music, popular music (rock, pop, and film), and traditional, contemporary folk music.
Pupils also do two study pieces: the second movement from Haydn’s Clock Symphony and three tracks from The Beatles’ famous album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
A Level music
Our A Level interweaves analysis, composition, and performance to encourage a deep understanding and appreciation of music across various eras.
Pupils explore the Western classical tradition through meticulous study of selected works. This includes delving into the world of Baroque solo concertos, experiencing the brilliance of Mozart’s operas, and immersing themselves in the evocative piano music of composers like Chopin, Brahms, and Grieg.
The course offers diverse study areas, allowing pupils to choose two for in-depth exploration.
Beyond Bryanston
Many of our former pupils have become distinguished professional musicians, notably Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Sir Mark Elder, Mark Wigglesworth, Robert Saxton, Simon Standage, Amy Carson, Kate Royal, Fiona Cross, and Ruth Rogers.
However, not all musicians at Bryanston have gone directly into music related fields. The skill sets music provides in terms of creativity and discipline are applicable in an enormous range of other fields from medicine to business.
Meet our Musical Vision Makers
Every child deserves music
By Astral
People use music to escape
By Xander
Everyone can learn to speak music
By Hamish
We are holding in person and online information sessions in September & October.
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