Music

Subject Requirements

It is desirable to have achieved a distinction or merit at Grade VI-VII (or equivalent standard) on a principal instrument before starting the course in the Sixth Form. Some degree of elementary keyboard proficiency, and at least Grade V Music Theory (or equivalent) are prerequisite, and those taking the course should have taken music at (I)GCSE level and be on track to score a grade 8 or 9.

Entrance Examination

As part of the online registration process, candidates are asked to submit a video recording of two contrasting pieces of their choice played on their first-study instrument. On the examination day, they are expected to take a written assessment, which tests aural perception, music theory and musical literacy. Successful candidates will be called back for a brief interview, which will include listening tests.

Related Downloads

• Sample Paper
• Sample Paper Audio Tracks
• Sample Paper Mark Scheme

Overseas Candidates

There is no (I)GCSE requirement for those who attend schools overseas that do not prepare pupils for (I)GCSE examinations. Candidates will be considered for a place based on the videos they submit, their performance in the School’s entrance examinations and a transcript of results from their current school.

Department Contact

Mr Michael Heighway
michael.heighway@westminster.org.uk

Lower School

SYLLABUS/CODE: Edexcel GCSE 1MU0 Music

The Fifth Form (Year 9) music course explores the widest possible range of music, from Mozart to hip-hop, with the aim of giving pupils the opportunity to engage critically with unfamiliar music and cultures. Pupils have the opportunity to perform and compose, develop their aural skills, and their understanding of music theory.

The Edexcel GCSE has three modules: performance (30%), composition (30%), and a written listening paper (40%). The set works give pupils the chance to study a really wide range of music, ranging from Bach to Queen, Wicked the musical (we see this at the Victoria Apollo) to Purcell, Brazilian jazz fusion to the Star Wars sound track. You will develop your aural skills, theoretical understanding, musical appreciation, awareness of compositional techniques, and broaden your musicianship immeasurably through this qualification.

Upper School

SYLLABUS/CODE: Edexcel A Level 9MU0 Music

The A Level Music course comprises three modules: performance, composition, and listening / analytical skills (30%, 30% and 40% of the examination structure). Through these activities, pupils develop a more informed appreciation of how and why a very wide variety of music has been written and performed; this, in turn, improves pupils’ skills in performing and composing across a range of styles.

Alongside the teaching of the formal examination syllabus, the course includes an introduction to: Baroque Figured Bass, Harmony and Counterpoint, Composition, Aural Skills, Improvisation, Repertoire, Analysis and History, Musicianship Skills and Instrumental Studies.

The School’s proximity to several of London’s leading music venues allows for frequent trips to concerts and operas to hear world-class performers. Participation in the School’s orchestras, choirs, chamber music ensembles and jazz bands, if appropriate, is expected. Every year there are masterclasses, workshops, competitions and concerts featuring pupils’ own compositions, often featuring a number of international guest soloists.

^ Acting Head of Department;  † Housemaster;  ~ Acting Housemaster

Mr Tim Garrard (TDG) — Director of Music
Mr Michael Heighway (MKJH) — Assistant Director of Music; Head of Academic Music
Mr Guy St J Hopkins (GStH) — Registrar
Mr Giordan Price (GPJP) — Classroom teacher
Mr Jago Thornton (JAT) — Composition; Music Partnerships Coordinator

Musicians at Westminster benefit from numerous opportunities to engage with the subject beyond the classroom; our location in the centre of London allows for regular trips to the Southbank Centre, the West End theatres and the Royal Opera House. Pupils enjoy a wide range of masterclasses delivered by world-renowned musicians, and we host composition workshops and academic talks from university lecturers. Our musicians perform in some of London’s leading venues, including Sinfonia Smith Square and the Barbican. Our instrumentalists are regularly finalists in the national Pro Corda chamber music competition, and each year the winner of the School Concerto Competition performs a full concerto with the Symphony Orchestra in Sinfonia Smith Square. There are three orchestras, numerous jazz groups, four choirs, and myriad other musical groups of all styles and genres that pupils can join. 

The decision to study Music is usually taken by those who need music to be at the centre of their lives. Beyond university, employers consider music graduates to have excellent skills in teamwork, self-management, problem-solving, data analysis, creativity, and communication. As such, Music graduates are highly prized across a very broad range of industries. A wide choice of courses is available, ranging from the almost entirely practical to the mostly academic.