City of London School provides an exceptional experience of music for its pupils. Great efforts are made to enable those of all ages and abilities to be involved, and every pupil, on joining the school, can learn an instrument and perform in ensembles or orchestras.
This inclusivity extends to the diverse range of musical genres and repertoire the Department chooses. Alongside this approach, pupils with particular musical talent are nurtured, supported and appropriately challenged to excel; often going onto study or play at a range of prestigious institutions. Music also plays a central role in our partnership with City of London School for Girls (CLSG). Our orchestras, choirs and ensembles regularly rehearse and perform together under the leadership of a shared Director of Music. Pupils really enjoy the experience of performing as part of a wider musical community.
Pupils thrive on stage in concerts, held in Great Hall, which often provide the ‘highlights’ of the school year – be it the Year 7 Ukulele singing and playing or the First Orchestra performing Rachmaninov. Seeing the Stage, packed with pupils visibly enjoying the opportunity to perform, never fails to disappoint and who doesn’t love the spine-tingling sounds of huge orchestral crescendo?
An abundance of musical collaborators
City of London School benefits from its unique location and outstanding connections to musical partners and institutions across the City. Alongside its outstanding provision for pupils of all musical ability, the Music department works closely with:
- City of London School for Girls
- London Handel Festival
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- National Schools Symphony Orchestra
- Trinity College
- Guildhall School of Music and Drama
The department hosts regular lunchtime and evening recitals, both in school and in prestigious venues across the City. We currently have a number of concerts and performances hosted each year by our varied ensembles. These consist of:
- First Orchestra, Second Orchestra
- Senior Strings, Junior Strings, Foundation Strings
- Chamber Choir, Joint Chamber Choir with CLSG, Close Harmony
- Jazz Orchestra, Swing Band, Saxophone Group, Folk Group
Whatever your child’s level of ability or musical interest, they will find an ensemble in which to flourish.
Orchestra for All
All pupils in First Form (Year 7) receive free group tuition on an orchestral instrument for the Autumn and Spring term. After a demonstration lesson, pupils rank their preference for which instrument they would like to study for that year and lessons take place during one of the weekly academic music lessons, so pupils do not miss other subjects. This work culminates in a class orchestral performance and pupils are encouraged to continue their instrumental studies the following year. Please note that these group lessons are separate from 1:1 instrumental lessons, which must be arranged separately with the Music Administrator and are subject to a fixed fee.
CLS remains committed to extensive musical provision in no small part due to the broader benefits for pupils. Music has widely acknowledged benefits for mental health, allows young people from all backgrounds to express themselves and provides a platform for the development of a broad range of skills. Above all, making music is fun and brings pupils together in collaborative activity.
The Chapel Royal
City of London School has the proud honour of schooling the Chapel Royal Choristers, a royal tradition that stretches back 100 years. The choristers have played a part in all major royal engagements of the last century, including the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023, as well as at the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
