Music Scholarships | Epsom College
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The wide-range of opportunities available to our music scholars helps them to secure places at top conservatoires and in national ensembles, and go on to read Music at university. We offer scholarships at all entry points, welcoming applications at 11+, 13+ and 16+.

Expectations of a Music Scholar

Award holders are expected to:

  • Participate fully in musical ensembles or choirs as directed by the Director of Music
  • Make consistent progress in their instrumental or vocal studies through regular lessons and practice
  • Perform in the annual Scholars’ Concert and other concerts
  • Be an ambassador for music within the school
  • Regularly attend musical events in school
  • Study Music at least to GCSE level

In addition to the financial aspect of the award, Music Scholars will receive tuition, free of charge, on one or two instruments.

11+ Scholarships

We look at potential Music Scholars early in the Lent Term of their Year 6; usually late January or early February. The assessment lasts around 20 minutes.

We are looking for candidates who are at Grade IV on their first instrument (‘instrument’ does include voice). However, if you haven’t quite reached Grade IV, we do consider candidates who show promise and potential.

You will perform two contrasting pieces on your first instrument and a further piece on any other instruments offered. We ask you to sight-read, respond to aural tests and have a brief interview with the Director of Music. We will ask about your musical studies and interests, including any involvement in musical groups or activities.

13+ Scholarships

Pupils applying for a 13+ Music Scholarship will take their assessment early in the Lent Term of their Year 8.

Scholarship application forms are sent to all pupils holding a deferred place in the Autumn of their Year 8.

The assessment lasts approximately 25 minutes, with pupils performing three contrasting pieces on their chosen instrument, which may include voice.

Candidates should be of a standard of at least Grade V on their main instrument, or at least Grade VI for pianists.

If you are offering two or more instruments, we will ask you to perform two contrasting pieces on your first instrument and one piece on each of the other instruments.

The 13+ Music Scholarship Assessments will take place in the spring of your child’s Year 8.

All candidates will be asked to sight-read, respond to aural tests, and have a brief interview to discuss their musical studies and interests, including their involvement in musical groups and activities.

16+ Scholarships

As a prospective 16+ Music Scholar, you will be assessed in the Autumn of Year 11, usually in November. You should be at least Grade VIII on your first instrument, which may include voice.

If you’re offering one instrument you will be asked to perform three contrasting pieces of your choice, to sight-read and respond to aural tests.

If you’re offering two or more instruments then you will perform two contrasting pieces on your first instrument and one piece on each of the other instruments, to sight-read and respond to aural tests.

The assessment will conclude with a brief interview with the Director of Music where candidates will be expected to discuss their musical studies and interests, including their involvement in musical groups and activities.

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