Music at Cranleigh

Departmental Overview: For parents of talented musical children, the quality, profile, opportunities and individual nurturing offered by the Music Department is a vital consideration in their choice of a senior school. A school in which music thrives demonstrates not only its commitment to the development of pupils’ creativity but also to their cultural awareness and the fundamental life skills of self-discipline and teamwork which musical activity brings.

At Cranleigh we are passionate about the importance of music in the development of well-rounded individuals, but not to the exclusion of all else. You will find Cranleighans developing their musical talents alongside a well-balanced academic curriculum and a wide range of other creative and sporting activities. Every pupil is offered a vast number of musical opportunities to fulfil his or her individual potential, whether that may be participation in a large choir, in a Rock Band, or as a soloist with a professional symphony orchestra.

The headings below are designed to give some insight into musical life at Cranleigh and to answer some Frequently Asked Questions. They are, of course, no substitute for visiting us, or for coming to one of our many concerts throughout the year, to which you are very welcome (to view our current programme, please feel free to download our Events Guide using the link to the right.)

I am always delighted to meet keen musicians and potential music scholars for an informal pre-audition at any time of the year.

Do read these views & comments regarding musical life at Cranleigh, and better still come and see us. I hope you will see that music lies at the very heart of Cranleigh, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Marcus Pashley MusB
Director of Music
Facilities: The Merriman Music School, named after the first Headmaster of Cranleigh, is housed within the main School buildings, following purpose-renovation in 2000. Set over two floors around a central 100-seater auditorium, it now ranks among the finest music facilities of any school in the country. Situated in historic buildings directly opposite Cranleigh’s beautiful Gothic Chapel, the Music School embodies the Department’s strong philosophy of embracing the best of modern technology without sacrificing traditional disciplines.

The Clive Stevens Recital Hall forms the heart of the Music School, with tiered seating for 100, a Steinway Model B grand piano, a harpsichord and a fully computerised lighting, sound and projection system. Overlooking this, a professionally equipped recording studio enables pupils with technological interests to develop their skills. This, coupled with a dedicated music technology suite with twelve networked PC computers and the services of a full-time Head of Music Technology, ensures that Cranleigh pupils are at the forefront in their understanding of, and exposure to, this increasingly important area.

There are two classrooms for academic teaching and a recently refurbished sixth form study area. In addition to several hundred musical scores in the library, the Department subscribes to an online music library giving listening access to many thousands of recordings of a huge range of music. A fully sound insulated ‘Rock Room’ enables pupil bands to rehearse safe in the knowledge that they are not disturbing other activities in the Music School; an electronic decibel limiter ensures that they get used to safe levels of sound.

Most important of all are the extensive facilities for instrumental teaching and individual practice. The Merriman Music School boasts fourteen further rooms of differing sizes, all with good quality pianos which are available throughout the School day and each evening.

The Chapel currently houses a Grant, Degens and Bradbeer pipe organ and there are plans for a major refurbishment of the Chapel, including a new two-manual Mander pipe organ. The Speech Hall is capable of seating a large audience and houses a Steinway Model D grand piano. In addition, every boarding house has a piano available for individual practice.
Academic Music: The Music School enjoys a thriving academic life. Music is taught as a class subject to all pupils in the Fourth Form and keen practical musicians are encouraged to extend their understanding by continuing the subject at GCSE and AS/A2 Level, with some going on to study music at universities or conservatoires. Music Technology is now also offered at Advanced Level. There are further opportunities for developing musicological interests, including the academic music forum “Camerata”, and in the wide range of professional performances which form the Concert Series.
Musical Development: Parents of extremely talented musicians are often faced with the dilemma of whether to opt for a place at a specialist music school or to remain in mainstream independent education. Whilst that decision is very much up to the individual, Cranleigh offers a structured programme of individual care which can effectively stimulate and nurture exceptional talent to the highest level. Cranleigh boasts on its staff some of the finest instrumental and vocal teachers in the South of England, including Professors at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. In addition to this, a pupil’s individual academic and extra-curricular programme can be adapted to cater for the demands of the development of exceptional talent. There are many high-level performance opportunities each year, including solo concertos with the School orchestras and, for most able, with the professional Merriman Concert Orchestra. Moreover, all this takes place within the wider school environment which recognises the importance of breadth of academic curriculum and other pursuits.
Scholarships: Cranleigh awards Music Scholarships to talented boys and girls for entry at 13+ and into the Sixth Form. There are no fixed quotas; the number and value of awards is wholly dependent of the strength of the field. Candidates at 13+ should aim to be approximately Associated Board Grade 6 level on their main instrument; Grade 8 for Sixth Form candidates. However, we are most interested in musical potential and candidates who have extensive musical experience and interest who have not yet reached these levels of instrumental proficiency should not be discouraged from applying. The award of a Scholarship includes free tuition on two instruments with singing too if appropriate. The offer of an award entitles parents to apply for a means-tested ‘top-up’ bursary to assist with school fees if necessary.

Parents of potential candidates are very much encouraged to make contact with the Director of Musicfrom an early stage for an informal pre-audition to discuss potential suitability for an award application. Scholarship auditions take place in late January (November for 16+ candidates) and require performance on all studied instruments. Technical exercises, sight-reading and aural skills will also be assessed and there will be a short interview.

The life of a Music Scholar at Cranleigh is a very busy one. Scholars are expected to be deeply committed to their own personal musical development and to the musical life of the School. They are expected to sing in the Chapel Choir, to attend Concert Series events, participate in their own society, ‘Camerata’; in fact to take every opportunity to broaden their musical horizons and experiences. It is customary for Music Scholars to take one fewer academic subject in the Fourth and Fifth Forms in which extra time they undertake further supervised instrumental practice. Scholars also meet regularly with the Director of Music to discuss their individual progress. Music Scholars at Cranleigh are, however, not regarded in any way as a ‘breed apart’ and all sporting and extra-curricular activities are available to them. They are required to be highly motivated individuals.

There are many talented musicians in the School who are not Music Scholars and every musical opportunity is available to them.
Music Lessons: Individual tuition is available in all orchestral and band instruments, in addition to Piano, Jazz Piano, Organ, Vocal Studies, Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Kit Drums, Music Theory and Music Technology. Over 400 individual lessons are taught each week in the Music School. One lesson of thirty-five minutes duration is given each week from a team of 36 full-time and visiting staff. Lessons for Fourth and Fifth Form pupils are carefully rotated around their individual timetable to ensure that as few academic lessons as possible are ever missed in any subject. In the Sixth Form pupils normally have their music lessons fixed in an individual study period. All pupils are encouraged to measure their progress by undertaking practical instrumental and vocal examinations. With the help and support of the music staff and their pastoral tutor, pupils are encouraged to develop a good deal of self-discipline in the organisation of their individual practice time. To encourage this, the Music School is open from early morning to well into the evening each day.
Individual Performance: Lunchtime Concerts are held almost every Wednesday throughout the year in the Music School. These well-attended events enable pupils of any level to develop their performance skills in an informal and highly supportive atmosphere and form the backbone of individual performance opportunities. In addition there are five dedicated competitions each year: Piano, Woodwind, Brass, Strings and Singing, with classes in each for different levels of performance. The winners of the advanced class in each competition are invited to compete in the prestigious Helen Wareham Competition. Advanced performers may be asked to perform solos in other concerts throughout the year including concerto opportunities.

We believe passionately that making music with others is the key to its enjoyment, and the widest range of ensembles both vocal and instrumental, large and small reflect that belief. Many performances are given each year both within the School, in the local area and on national or international tours.

The 70-strong Chapel Choir is open to all keen singers and provides the music for Sunday and festive services. In addition, each year the choir sings Evensong in a major cathedral and collaborates with the Cranleigh Choral Society in the performance of a full-scale choral work. The smaller, auditioned Chamber Choir provides an opportunity for advanced singers to perform to an exceptionally high standard. There are two orchestras (a large Symphony Orchestra and a smaller String Orchestra), a Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Big Band and many chamber ensembles reflecting the tremendous diversity of the School’s musical life. The annual House Performance Competition put together by the pupils themselves is a hugely popular event, as is the summer event ‘RocSoc’ which showcases the instrumental and vocal talents of numerous rock bands.
Collaboration with Drama: Many musicians love taking part in musical shows. Cranleigh has an enviable reputation for the high quality of its drama, and regular collaborations take place with the Music Department. Advanced instrumentalists also have the opportunity to play in the band for musical productions, giving valuable insights into the special teamwork required in this area of performance.
Views & Comments: “We were very impressed by the performing and supporting facilities at Cranleigh, but also by the attention that we received from the music staff. As classical musicians ourselves, we really loved the fact that there was a huge range of other music that was encouraged and obviously flourished at Cranleigh. There seems to be a very flexible approach to music teaching, taking in areas that we haven’t seen in other schools. The concerts that we’ve attended have been fantastic and have included every style of music one could hope for and at standards ranging from the very accomplished to the truly professional. These have provided wonderful entertainment for us and a real opportunity for our daughter to experience a wide range of music performed at the highest level. We’ve all enjoyed this experience, but most of all because we’ve been encouraged to do it together.”

Martin Hollister: Parent

“Being a Music Scholar can be hard work at times, but it is really rewarding. You have a great responsibility, but it also means you are highly respected in the Music Department and throughout the School. I’m really enjoying being a Music Scholar!”

Sam McCagherty: Music Scholar (Fourth Form)

“Whether you are hoping to become the next world’s greatest performer or are simply playing music for your own pleasure, there are brilliant opportunities to develop, discuss and enjoy your musical ability. I always enjoy using the wonderful facilities, especially, being a pianist myself, the Steinway pianos. I feel really fortunate that I can practise and perform on these beautiful instruments.”

Jocelyn Waller: Music Scholar (Lower Sixth Form)

“I’ve only been in the School a few weeks but my first impressions are that it has great teaching, great facilities and it’s most of all great fun. There are opportunities everywhere to play so many different types of music. As a Scholar I do have to work a lot, but it is definitely worth the effort.”

Edward Hamilton: Music Scholar (Fourth Form)

“It’s great to work in a music department where there’s a strong sense that everyone counts, both staff and pupils. Whether a child has a serious musical talent that needs development or just wants to learn for relaxation and fun, he or she will find the support, dedication and humour here that will really help them to take their playing to the next stage. In my work I see the inside of many music departments and I am always glad when it’s my Cranleigh days!”

Janet Newman: Visiting piano teacher

“My first impressions of the Music Department were ones of a homely, sensitive department because everyone was always willing to help me, especially when I was new”.

Edward Griffiths: Music Scholar (Upper Fifth Form)

“Throughout my time in the School the Music staff have always been very encouraging and fully supportive of my musical studies, and have become good friends. No matter what standard you are, the opportunities that they provide us to perform in all sorts of concerts are endless. Everyone has a fantastic chance to have great fun performing and learning to appreciate all forms of music.”

Daniel Sheppard: Music Scholar (Upper Sixth Form)

Music at Cranleigh brings people together, whether as part of intimate ensembles, the creative atmosphere and polished performances of the school Symphony Orchestra, or colourful full-scale productions of musicals. What's more, regardless of each Cranleighan's musical ability, events such as ‘Camerata’ evenings encouraged us to open our minds to different forms of music. Music is never a 'club' at Cranleigh; the Music Scholarships awarded only confirm the individual treatment of each musician. Students who aspire to higher levels of performance are nurtured professionally, but equal is the encouragement given to those who simply wish to explore the music world as a casual hobby. The informal lunchtime concerts every week ensure that, whenever you're ready to perform a piece, there will always be a relaxed concert atmosphere in which to build up confidence in performance. I will always look back on my musical time at Cranleigh with much affection and gratitude.”

Adam Crowther: Undergraduate, Christ Church, Oxford (former Music Scholar)

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Music at Cranleigh