Music is taught as a class subject in Years 7, 8 and 9. One lesson of 60 minutes is given every two weeks. Class music lessons are based around the core activities of listening and appraising, composing and performing. Topics in the Lower School curriculum include: the six elements of music, time signatures, notation, major and minor tonality, a study of Holst’s The Planets, an introduction to composing using ‘Sibelius’ software, chords, texture, jazz, minimalism, ground bass and film music (using ‘Logic’ composing software). Attention is given to the musical ability of each pupil and differentiated accordingly. There are many opportunities for practical music making within lessons, both solo and in ensemble.

Typically, around 10% of Year 10 opt to take Music GCSE. The course is continuation of the core activities of Listening and Appraising, and Composing and Performance, but to a higher level. The course is open to anyone who can sing and/or play an instrument, and it is recommended that a pupil will have reached grade 4 on their instrument at the start of Year 10. 60% of GCSE Music comprises Composition and Performance coursework. Two compositions are to be completed by the deadline of March in Year 11. A solo and an ensemble recording must also be completed by the same deadline. Recordings take place under the supervision of the Director of Music and are marked internally, before being sent for moderation with the examination board. Usually the Director of Music will perform the accompanying role, but in the case of the ensemble recording, sometimes a pupil’s external music teacher will play one of the ensemble parts. Minimum lengths for composition and performing coursework apply and girls are sent a comprehensive policy document when they start the course. A written paper taken at the end of Year 11 comprises analysis questions on set works by composers as diverse as Bach, Queen, John Williams and Stephen Swartz.

The strength of the Music Department lies in its extensive extra-curricular programme. Numerous opportunities are available to the girls to perform at all levels. Concert performances are available to both the virtuoso musician, as well as those who have less experience of playing a musical instrument. There are opportunities to perform in informal concerts such as those given in year groups during the school day and more formal concerts given at Tormead and other performing venues. In recent years these have included G Live, Holy Trinity Church, St Mary’s Church, Esher Parish Church, The Guildford Institute, Cranleigh Arts Centre and Guildford Cathedral. Tormead choirs also regularly sing Choral Evensong at cathedrals including Southwark, Chichester, Blackburn and Christ Church, Oxford. Tormead Choir travels to Manchester each year and broadcasts live on BBC Radio 4 as part of the long running ‘Daily Service’. Tormead Jazz band gives numerous performances in the local area and tours every two years. Recent tour destinations have included the Italian Lakes, Germany and the Netherlands. In recent years, members of the choir have performed in a professional recording of a song broadcast for the BAFTA video games awards ceremony, while the Choir and Orchestra performed in a chart-busting song which reached number 2 in the Classical iTunes chart. Other musicians have played in the Pit Band for the musical Singing in the Rain. Collaborations with professional musicians beyond school feature regularly in the program of events, and these include performing with the composer Will Todd, Vivace Choral Society, Southern Pro Music, Guildford Choral Society and Mosaic Chamber Choir. A typical year in the Musical calendar involves some twenty concert or public performances, in and out of school.