Our CD of Music for Advent and Christmas is now available as a new release on the international record label, Signum Classics.

Music

Music at Westminster is an integral part of the school’s life. All genres of music are celebrated, from symphonic works for our orchestras, and chamber music for a whole host of ensembles, to the worlds of pop and jazz.

Singing is hugely important, and the school community comes together three times a week to sing in services. Pupils and staff alike are inspired by their surroundings, singing twice weekly in Westminster Abbey and performing regularly at both the Barbican and St John’s Smith Square. This really is a most unique place in which to live and breathe music.

Music has always been a very important part of life at Westminster. Pupils are encouraged to learn and participate as fully as possible in a weekly routine which is full of rehearsals, recitals and concerts. Many internationally renowned musicians have been educated at the school including Sir Adrian Boult, Sir Roger Norrington, Ian Bostridge, Sir George Benjamin, Julian Anderson, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Gavin Rossdale, Mika, Dido and members of the band Clean Bandit.

Westminster musicians regularly attend the junior departments at the Royal Academy, Royal College and Guildhall, and a good number are members of national ensembles such as the National Youth Orchestra, National Children’s Orchestra and National Youth Choirs of Great Britain.

The School is situated close to many of the world’s most exciting music venues on the South Bank and in the West End. Pupils are encouraged to attend concerts and recitals as well as performances of opera, ballet and musicals in order to extend their musical horizons.

Up to twelve music scholarships (eight at 13+ and four at 16+) are awarded every year. Academic music standards are very high, and a large proportion of Westminster musicians go on to further their musical education at either university or music college.

The Manoukian Music Centre, an excellent facility opened in 2005, is fully equipped with a recital hall, recording studio, classrooms, practice rooms, rehearsal rooms and instrument storage to the highest standards. The Manoukian Music Centre and the School Hall both house Steinway concert grand pianos and, in addition, the Music Department houses a Goble harpsichord. There are three manual organs in the Recital Hall, School Hall and the School Chapel, and organ students are able to practise and receive tuition on the organ in St Margaret’s, Westminster. Our organists are also privileged to be able to play the Harrison & Harrison organ in Westminster Abbey during twice weekly school services.

‘Life gets better’ (Morris / Swana)
A collaboration with Burdett-Coutt’s & Townshend Foundation, Churchill Gardens Primary Academy, Harris Westminster Sixth Form, St Matthew’s Westminster and Westminster School.  

Music News

We were wondering why our Head of Pop and Jazz had been looking a little tired. Turns out @danswana has been producing a single for @OfficialSting with @PowerChoir!

BatterseaPowerStn@BatterseaPwrStn

17-time Grammy award-winner @Officialsting surprised the #batterseapowerstation Community Choir for their weekly virtual practice to record an exclusive rendition of ‘Hymn’, a song from his critically acclaimed musical The Last Ship. Full song here: http://bpwrstn.com/sting

Watch OW Alex Ho’s music being performed by @londonsymphony on LSO’s YouTube channel!

London Symphony Orch@londonsymphony

Don’t worry if you missed our Soundhub Phase II broadcast yesterday. There’s still time to catch up on this amazing concert, curated by @KetingSun and @AlexHoComposer. It features music by eight composers, including Alex Ho’s ‘In Significance’. Watch now on our @YouTube

Department Staff

Visiting Music Teachers

TEACHER INSTRUMENT
Mr Robin Ashwell (Head of Strings) Viola
Mr Fabian Baird (OW) Percussion, Drum Kit
Mr Joshua Blackmore Drum Kit
Mr John Blackwell Guitar
Mr Ben Bloor (School Organist) Organ
Mr Jonathan Brown Singing
Mr Sam Bullard Saxophone
Mr David Campbell (Head of Woodwind) Clarinet
Ms Carina Cosgrave Double Bass
Ms Alexandra Davidson Bassoon
Mr William Edwards Orchestral Percussion
Ms Anya Fadina Piano
Mr Michael Fields Guitar
Mr Richard Hall (School Accompanist) Piano
Mr Richard Halliday (Head of Brass) Tuba
Mr Matthew Hargreaves (Head of Singing) Singing
Mr Richard Harris (OW) Piano
Mr Miles Hewitt French Horn
Mr Ienne Hunter Guitar
Mr David Kenedy Cello
Mrs Caroline Li Flute
Miss Jane Lister Harp
Ms Helen Meyerhoff Singing
Ms Sarah Parfitt Viola
Mr Toby Purser Conducting
Mr Mark Radcliffe (OW) Oboe
Mrs Rebecca Rees Cello
Mr Paul Sharp Trumpet
Mr Jon Stokes Trombone
Mr Dan Swana (Head of Jazz and Popular Music) Popular Song, Jazz Piano
Mr Rafael Todes Violin
Ms Judith Treggor Flute
Mr Sam Walker Saxophone
Mrs Kylie Watt Singing
Mr Simon Weale Piano
Mr Steven Wray (Head of Piano) Piano
Mrs Paula Wyatt Violin