Music | Epsom College
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Music is integral to the life of our school, giving pupils skills and experiences that stay with them for the rest of their lives. Our aim is to enable every pupil to experience the best and widest range of music-making, whether as a performer or listener. We approach this by sharing a love of music across the school, and by inspiring pupils to achieve – for themselves – the highest possible standards.

Beyond music as a curriculum subject, we encourage co-curricular participation for every pupil who is interested and able. One-third of pupils learn an instrument, while many learn two or three. From the Rock Band to the Chamber Choir and with a lively calendar of concerts and performances, we cater for the widest possible range of tastes, expectations and experiences. The diverse range of places where pupils can make music, practise, listen to and compose it, makes Epsom very special indeed.

“Pupils flourish due to the range of opportunities available, the supportive attitude of their peers, and the direction of inspirational staff”

Paul Johnson-Hyde, Director of Music
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Choral Music

All pupils are involved in singing, whether it be hearty hymn-singing in the Chapel or the fiercely-contested House Choral Competition. This culture is established right at the outset with all new Lower School pupils singing in the Third Form choir.

The Chapel Choirs lead the music in Chapel each week, and for special services. They cover an extensive repertoire of sacred music and are given opportunities to perform outside school, including regular cathedral visits and tours abroad.

The Chamber Choir gives our senior choristers the chance to explore a more complex repertoire and experience workshops with professional choirs. Many of our singers are members of national youth choirs and take up choral scholarships at universities.

Instrumental Music

There are numerous opportunities for instrumentalists at the College, whether through larger-scale ensembles or our chamber music programme. We provide two ensembles within each area of music-making; one that allows musicians to gain experience and another that stretches our leading musicians.

Our Scholarship programme encourages musicians to participate regularly in chamber music, and they have regular meetings with staff to discuss performance opportunities and their general progress; while the broader programme is tailor-made each year to the needs and abilities of our pupils, to provide them with a host of enriching musical opportunities.

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Contemporary and Music Technology

Whether it be Rock Groups or Close Harmony singing, there are myriad opportunities for non-classical music-making. The department runs several band workshops led by our visiting music staff helping them both perform and write their own songs.

There are opportunities for pupils to get involved with music recording and production, such as producing their own music videos or recording songs they have written.

Pupils have the opportunity to work with and learn from our full-time audio technician who has a wealth of professional experience within the recording industry.

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Jazz

Jazz is increasingly popular at Epsom with highlights including our annual Jazz Night and performances at professional Jazz Clubs.

We have designed a programme that allows pupils to develop as jazz musicians throughout their time at the College. Lower School have a Junior Blues Ensemble which introduces pupils to the art of improvisation. This programme continues into the Senior School with an inclusive jazz ensemble and the auditioned Big Band.

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