Music

At Ardingly Prep, we take great pride in our vibrant music department. As well as their own dedicated Head of Music for the Prep School, our pupils benefit from all the resources of the College’s outstanding Music department and specialist Music Teachers.

Music Curriculum

Children from Nursery to Year 6 engage in fun and interactive music sessions every week. Our unique and creative music curriculum, based on the Kodaly and Orff models, is designed around listening, creating, and performing. Each year group follows a bespoke music curriculum tailored to their age. By the end of Key Stage 2, students can read and play notation independently, thanks to the violin string academy scheme in Year 3 and exposure to other instruments during their time at Prep.

Music Events

Regular events such as the Christmas Nativity, Assemblies and Open Mornings provide opportunities for children to showcase their progress and also to build their confidence as performers. Instrumental players can join various ensembles, and each term ends with a Prep Concert in the Chapel. We also hold a regular series of Informal Concerts, which allow children to perform in a more relaxed setting each term.

Music Enrichment

We host regular workshops and masterclasses from visiting experts and organise a wide range of trips to enrich our pupils’ musical experiences. Our visiting music teachers deliver inspiring, pupil-centric lessons across various genres, ensuring a well-rounded musical education.

Facts about Prep Music

More than 50% of our children from Reception to Year 6 learn an instrument.

Who plays instruments?

In recent exams we achieved a 100% pass rate, and celebrated many Merits and Distinctions.

Exams

Prep pupils currently play: violin, viola, cello, double bass, trumpet, French horn, euphonium, tuba, recorder, flute, oboe, saxophone, clarinet, voice, electric and acoustic guitar, drumkit, marimba, piano, and organ.

Choice of instruments

Fiddlers String Ensemble, Mini Fiddlers, Cello Choir, Concert Band, Music Club, Guitar Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble.

Musical Groups in the Prep School

"Year 6 pupils participate in the annual Young Musician of the Year competition. They learn to perform in front of their peers and understand the basics of performance and audience etiquette. They are encouraged to comment on each other's performances sensitively, building self-confidence and self-esteem."

ISI Report, June 2024

"Music at Ardingly College has been an incredible journey for our child. The variety of instruments and the encouragement from teachers have really boosted their confidence."

Parent of a Year 6 pupil.