Stowe’s Music Scholars are highly respected leaders in the School and play a vital role in its cultural life. As some of our busiest pupils, our musicians leave Stowe having learned and improved their organisational, leadership and team skills, as well as having developed their musical skill.
We are an All-Steinway School and are lucky to have facilities and teachers that rival many music colleges and universities.
A number of awards are made each year, ranging from Exhibitions (free instrumental tuition on one or two instruments) to Scholarships (a Scholarship plus free instrumental tuition on two instruments).
A candidate’s musicianship and practice ethic will have a direct bearing on any award granted, and successful candidates will be expected to play a full and active role in the Department, including membership of our choirs. We accommodate additional practice time for award holders, with the flexibility to attend Junior Academy or the Royal College on Saturdays. Music Scholars are expected to study GCSE Music.
An early informal meeting with the Director of Music is highly recommended before you make an application. We recommend organising free consultation lessons in advance of an application.
To apply, parents should obtain references from the candidate’s Head, Director of Music and their instrumental teachers. As an approximate guide, a Lower School Music Scholar (Year 9 entry) should have a merit or distinction at Grade 5 on at least one instrument and Senior School Scholars (Year 12 entry) should be Grade 8 standard on their first study instrument.
• Interview with the Director of Music. • An audition with a small panel of teachers from the Department. • Performance of a piece on each main instrument of study.