Clifton College has a strong musical tradition, and the study of music is an integral part of the curriculum.
In addition, there are many bands, orchestras and other ensembles which pupils may join, covering a wide range of styles and instruments.
Find out about 13+ and 16+ Music Scholarships
Teaching
GCSE pupils follow the Edexcel syllabus, and are taught listening and appreciation, performing, and composing. Recordings of pupils’ performances are made throughout the course, with one solo and one ensemble performance formally assessed at the end. Composition and appraising are closely integrated with pupils learning to use both Sibelius and Garageband to compose pastiches of the set works (ranging from Bach fugato to Brazilian bossa-nova) in order to bring their understanding of the variety of genres to life!
In Sixth-Form, both A-level Music and BTEC Music Technology are offered (exceptionally A-level Music Technology may be offered instead of the BTEC, depending on candidates’ interests):
A-level Music follows the Edexcel syllabus and the course is split into three sections: musical understanding, performing and composing. Pupils undertake a thorough grounding in analysis, harmony, counterpoint to support appraising of set works (ranging from Vaughan Williams to Courtney Pine), the compositional technique of Bach chorales, and free composition generally using Sibelius (briefs ranging from Latin-Jazz waltz fusion to anthems for choir and organ).
BTEC Music Technology, also Edexcel, follows the National Extended Certificate in Digital Music Production (equivalent to one A-level), with a focus on exploiting the full range of DAW ProTools skills. The various units involve tasks such as foley sound-design, commercial music production, and remixing and reworking, making full use of college Studio and live rooms to record both pupils and session musicians in the creation of products.
The music department works closely with the drama department, they collaborate to produce impressive full-scale productions of well known musicals and shows.
Why Study at Clifton College?
The academic study of music is enhanced by many co-curricular groups, which offer a complete range of musical styles, from the more traditional Chapel Choir and Orchestra, to Soul Band, Swing Band and other popular types of music. Further support is provided through the free classes in music theory, Grades 1–5. Tuition in Grade 8 Theory is also given, especially for those for whom music at university or conservatoire is a serious consideration: this option has increased in demand significantly in recent years!
All practical examination candidates are eligible for free aural lessons, Grades 1–8 (Trinity and Associated Board). Extended support is given for diploma candidates, including paperwork and aural training for the RCO organ qualifications (CertRCO to FRCO) which support the College’s Willcocks Organ Scholarship.
Participation in music is extremely high and there are many performance opportunities, ranging from the annual musical and large-scale concerts to informal performance platforms. Events such as the Choral Congers Concert and House Singing competition involve the entire school.
The specification of the four-manual Harrison and Harrison chapel organ can be found here. The Chapel is also home to the College’s Fazioli 212 Grand Piano (new as of 2022), used for our largest concerts, including the annual Summer Serenade Concerto Concert which sees pupils performing solo movements with a professional orchestra (in 2023 including Marcello, Bottesini, Saint-Saëns, Chaminade, Shostakovich and a newly composed piano concertino).
For our latest Music news stories please visit here.
You can also follow the Upper Music Department on Twitter, including regularly-updated pupil videos, photos, concert adverts and season brochures here.