Music Scholarships

Being a scholarship holder at Bradfield is an exceptional opportunity that offers you the very best music education. Scholars follow an individual programme which is designed to best support their specific ambitions.

As a recipient of an award, you will demonstrate not only a high level of musical ability and potential, but also a genuine love and appreciation of music. We are looking for a good technical grounding and the ability to communicate with an audience.

You will be keen to participate in and contribute to the musical life of the College and you will be committed to developing your musicianship across all areas. In return, top-class visiting musicians and our dedicated music department team will nurture and support your musical potential.
The facilities in our purpose-built Music School Building allow Scholars to freely explore their musical interests: they include an iMac Suite with Sibelius and LogicPro Software, a recently refurbished concert hall with a Steinway B-Type Piano, a fully equipped classroom, numerous teaching and practice rooms, a percussion room, and, immediately adjacent, the magnificent Greek amphitheatre.
The musical activities at the College offer a wide range of opportunities for Scholars to perform, both as soloists or in an ensemble. Performance opportunities exist almost every week, ranging from lunchtime concerts to large-scale showcase concerts at the end of each term. In recent years, scholars have enjoyed additional performance opportunities at venues such as The Bedford Jazz Club in London, Pizza Express Live in Holborn, and the Long Gallery at Englefield House.

Expectations of Award holders

Holding this award is both a privilege and a responsibility. The personal support you will receive, and the opportunities offered to you, are balanced by the role you will take as an ambassador for the Music Department, its activities and events, both within and outside of the College. In addition, you will be expected to make the most of the opportunity afforded to you by:

• Maintaining consistently high musical standards through full attendance to music lessons and regular, high-quality, practise
• Actively contributing to the musical life of the College through committed participation in ensembles, events and activities relevant to your specialist instrument(s)
• Demonstrating musical leadership to fellow pupils, within the Music Department, in your House, and across the wider College community.

Benefits

As a recipient of a Music Award, you will be offered a range of opportunities, which will enable you to continue developing your ability, passion and musical potential:

Performance

• A maximum of 60 hours of 1:1 Instrumental/Vocal Tuition to be covered by the College, on a maximum of 3 disciplines.
• Opportunities for Chamber music/ensemble coaching from our Visiting Music Teachers.
• Regular access to a professional accompanist.
• Expert coaching for competitive music festivals, auditions for Junior Conservatoires, NYO and similar.
• Masterclasses from visiting world-class professional musicians.
• Where appropriate, support in establishing your own peer-led musical activities – solo performance, chamber groups, composition.
• A range of exciting performance opportunities as soloists and/or part of an ensemble.
• Opportunities to enjoy, appreciate and learn from high-quality performances given by distinguished musicians and ensembles, both at Bradfield College and through organised trips to professional concerts further afield.
• Fortnightly Alexander Technique coaching.

Application Process

13+ Entry

Assessments for 13+ Music Scholarships are taken during the Lent term, usually the last week of January, prior to the academic year of entry. During this assessment, you will be required to:

• Offer two contrasting pieces of at least ABRSM Grade VI standard (or equivalent) in your principal study.
• Preferably, offer a second instrument.
• Play at sight.
• Aural tests of Grade V-VI standard (including sight singing).
• Attend interviews with the Director of Music and Head of Academic Music.

16+ Entry

Assessments for 16+ Music Scholarship Examination happen in the November prior to the academic year of entry. During your assessment, you will be required to:

• Offer two contrasting pieces of at least ABRSM Grade VII standard (or equivalent) in your first instrument.
• Preferably, offer a second instrument.
• Play at sight.
• Aural tests at Grade VI–VII standard (including sight singing).
• Attend interviews with the Director of Music and Head of Academic Music.

If you are considering applying for a Music Award, you are advised to contact the Director of Music as early as possible to arrange an informal pre-audition. Overseas students are encouraged to send a video of their playing to music@www.bradfieldcollege.org.uk.

All fee reductions are determined by means testing, in keeping with the ethos of the school, although priority is given to those who have won an award. Note that Music Awards do not guarantee a reduction of fees. For more information, see our Bursaries page.