The Abbey is a very busy school in terms of music-making with a large variety of ensembles and activities that we hope will suit a wide range of musical interests and ability levels. Our Music Scholars are among our most enthusiastic and committed musicians who are happy to make music a principal focus of their school life. We rely on our Music Scholars to be role models for other musicians in the School and thus they are key members of the School’s musical ensembles.

The Abbey offer the following:

• Free tuition at school on one instrument
• Participation in the annual programme of Music Scholars’ events with the opportunity to prepare performances in collaboration with our Principal Accompanist
• Workshops and masterclasses
• Concert trips to hear major orchestras 
• Regular dialogue between Music staff and instrumental teachers concerning progress, to include discussion of future opportunities for Music Scholars

What do we expect from our Music Scholars?

• A high level of musical proficiency and enthusiasm 
• A commitment to working with other musicians in chamber ensembles
• Willingness to be role models for other musicians
• Membership and leadership of appropriate ensembles
• Full attendance at relevant music rehearsals and at concerts
• Willingness to assist the Music Department at Open Events as appropriate

Selection and assessment:

• Applicants are expected to have achieved a minimum standard of at least Grade 4, but musicality, potential and enthusiasm are considered to be equally important
• Performance of a solo of their choice on their principal instrument
• Performance of a solo of their choice on any other instruments they play, where time in the audition allows
• Applicants will be required to undertake some supporting tests (e.g. sight-reading)
• Discussion of musical activities at interview with the Music staff

Major Music Award (MMA)

This is an additional award available to Sixth Form applicants only.

This is a very prestigious award given to our most committed musicians. Applicants would be performing at least at Grade 8 equivalent level and expecting to take music as an A-level or IB option. Our MMA holders give extensively to the musical enrichment of The Abbey and this is reflected in the enhanced financial reward. Rigorous auditions are held. We award only one (or occasionally two) of these scholarships annually.