Music plays a major part in the wider life of the School through timetabled lessons including the option to study for GCSE and A Level, and a wealth of extra curricular opportunities. From their earliest days in the Junior Department girls are encouraged to sing in choirs and to learn to play at least one instrument.

Approximately 75% of girls in the Junior Department and 40% of girls in the Senior School have individual instrumental lessons and they are encouraged to sit Associated Board examinations up to Grade 8 level. Our girls greatly enjoy playing or singing in larger groups and they can choose from four orchestras (two in the Junior Department), four choirs (two in the Junior Department), various ensembles and chamber groups and the highly acclaimed Jazz Band which plays at local events and tours biennially in Europe during the summer holidays.

A varied programme of informal and formal concerts takes place throughout the school year; on special occasions parents and old girls are invited to perform with the girls.

Several Tormead students have been girl choristers at Guildford Cathedral and a former student recently attended the prestigious international summer school in Tanglewood, New Jersey prior to taking up her place to read music at Cambridge.

Music is taught in modern, purpose built facilities; Senior School pupils benefit from the JCS building, a performing arts centre opened in September 2007, whilst Junior Department girls study in the Shackleton House music room, built in 2005.

Music Scholarships

In order to be considered for an 11+ Music Scholarship, candidates should be approximately Grade 5 standard on their principal instrument and show evidence of attainment on a second instrument. Auditions will normally be held in the week following the 11+ entrance examination. Candidates will be expected to perform two contrasting pieces of music on their principal instrument and one piece on their second. There will be aural and sight reading tests, together with a short interview. Evidence of composition, whether played or written down, may be an advantage. Holders of Music Scholarships are expected to contribute wholeheartedly to the extra-curricular music groups in the school.

At 11+ there are up to five Music Scholarships available each year, worth up to one third of the current tuition fees. Additionally, Music Scholarships cover the cost of tuition for one instrument provided that tuition is taken at Tormead. Exceptional candidates may be offered tuition at Tormead on two instruments. All Scholarships are reviewed annually and are tenable for the whole of a girl’s time at Tormead subject to our satisfaction with her overall effort and attitude towards her studies. Award-holders are expected to remain at Tormead until they have completed their A Level examinations.