Ardingly’s outstanding Music Department provides a huge variety of opportunities for students of all musical abilities.
Under the leadership of our talented team of six full-time staff and 28 visiting music teachers, students receive tuition in a wide range of instruments including all orchestral instruments, piano, organ, guitar, drums, and voice. Students develop their musical talents and work towards graded exams.
- More than 430 individual instrument lessons are held each week in our Music School
The Music Department is based in the purpose-built Music School which includes a Recital Room, in which all major ensembles rehearse, percussion and ensemble room, music classrooms, music library, ICT suite and recording studio and 11 practice teaching rooms.
Opportunities to Perform
Our students have numerous opportunities to perform, with more than 30 different choirs, ensembles and groups to join, that cater to all different interests and skill levels.
Regular informal concerts help build confidence for first-time performers in a nurturing environment, while major Musical events such as the College’s ‘Cabaret’ concert, performances at prestigious venues such as St John’s Smith Square and Westminster Abbey, and our on-campus end of term Concerts showcase the breadth of our students’ talents. Other Musical highlights each year include the Remembrance Concert and the ‘Anything But Classical’ Concert.
- The Music Department organises around 60 concert events per year.
- There are more than 30 different choirs, ensembles and groups for students to join
International music tours also offer unique performance experiences and cultural enrichment; recent student tours have included trips to Normandy, Vienna, Prague and Malta.
Music Competitions and House Events
House Music and House Song are highlights of the school calendar, with every House member participating in these competitions.
“I’m not a singer and the idea of getting up on stage filled me with dread. But practicing and performing with my Burgess House friends was great fun and pushed me outside my comfort zone. It was an amazing experience. – Alice, Year 9 Student
At the other end of the scale, our ‘Young Musician of the Year’ competition, which is divided into different year groups, offers our most talented music students the chance to shine individually.
