Music

Music plays a major part in the life of George Watson’s College, and it is the aim of the Music School to provide every pupil with the opportunity to develop a skill in music, not only through formal study, but also through involvement in the broad range of extra-curricular activities. With the provision of 18 individual instrumental teaching rooms and 4 ensemble performance areas to complement classroom space, the outstanding purpose-built Music School provides an excellent centre for a wide variety of teaching situations. Our 215-seat concert hall, with its famous hyperbolic-paraboloid roof designed for its excellent acoustical properties, provides an ideal venue for the many public performances given by pupils throughout the course of each session.

Pupils in S1 and S2 follow a common course where the main elements are Performing, Inventing (composition) and Listening. This is combined with a progressive course on the enhancement of Vocal Technique. The courses are both balanced and stimulating thus allowing pupils to experience the very best quality music and to develop individual potential.

In S3 to S6, two avenues are open to musicians. Classes are offered in practical music, where pupils may follow performance studies in percussion, guitar, keyboard and choral music. Courses leading to certification at Intermediate 2, Higher, Advanced Higher or A-Level are available to pupils who wish to specialise in Music. The three main elements taught in the earlier years form the basis of these studies. These certification courses are more intensive and lead to an expanded understanding of music in all forms. Pupils are encouraged to follow two instrumental performing studies for these courses so that they might take advantage of a breadth of musical experience.

All pupils have access to the instrumental teaching service provided by a staff of more than 40 visiting specialist teachers and, to complement formal study or tuition, opportunities exist for pupil musicians to join a wide variety of extra-curricular musical activities.

Each year two Music Scholarships are offered to pupils entering the Senior School and up to 40 Instrumental Music Tuition Scholarships are available to all pupils by competition.