We aim to:

• Ensure that Music at Stockport Grammar School is lively, varied and exciting.
• Capture the interest and develop the skills of all pupils
• Offer playing and singing of an appropriately high standard to over one third of the School.

The Music staff currently consists of two full-time teachers, two part-time teachers and a Music department administrator, together with thirty-two visiting peripatetic staff on all the mainstream instruments as well as instruments such as the jazz piano and electric guitar. There is enthusiastic support from other subject teachers, many of whom take part in school music ensembles.

There are four main teaching/rehearsal rooms as well as the Hallam Hall and seven smaller practice rooms. The Department has excellent computer facilities including midi keyboards and the latest Sibelius 5 software. A number of instruments, particularly large and expensive ones, are often available for lessons and practices. There is an impressive range of percussion and keyboard instruments, including a three manual Copeman Hart organ in the Main Hall and a Yamaha C8 Grand Piano in the Hallam Hall.

How much time will I spend on this subject per ten day cycle?

• First, Second and Third Year: 2 lessons (2 hours) with 1 hour of homework
• GCSE: 5 lessons (5 hours) with 2 hours of homework A Level: 10 lessons (10 hours) with 6 hours of homework

Do I have to do music?

Music is a part of every child’s life in the School. For the first three years, all pupils have a well-structured musical education. In the third year, each form is divided by musical experience into two sets, with those who read music fairly well working at greater depth and speed.

What happens further up the school?

At GCSE the AQA syllabus comprising of performing, composing, listening and appraising is currently used.

At A Level we follow the Edexcel syllabus, which we believe offers the best course, both for aspiring professional musicians and for those who will specialise in other fields.

Are there any ensembles I can join?

The four main areas of musical ensemble are choirs, orchestras, wind bands and chamber music groups, all of which are formed according to age and experience. The regular extra-curricular programme is set out in the table below. In addition to the groups listed there is also an annual school musical with an intensive rehearsal schedule as well as graded aural classes.

What opportunities are there to perform?

The department offers an impressive and varied range of performing opportunities through an extensive programme of evening concerts and lunchtime recitals within school and high profile appearances in the Manchester area. In recent years, events have included concerts at the Royal Northern College of Music, the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Cathedral and St. George’s Church, Stockport. We have also been featured on ITV’s My Favourite Hymns and more recently on the BBC Radio 4 Daily Service programme. There is a competitive Music Festival each year judged by a distinguished adjudicator, and annual opportunities exist for pupils to take part in musicals, such as the recent outstanding productions of Guys and Dolls, Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof and Les Misérables. The school has also recently recorded a CD featuring the Chamber Choir, First Orchestra, Wind Orchestra and Big Band.

We have had many representatives in local musical ensembles including the Hallé Youth Orchestra and Choir and the Kinder Children’s Choir. Several of our pupils have participated in national ensembles: National Youth Orchestra, National Youth Wind Ensemble, National Children’s Wind Orchestra, National Children’s Choir and the National Youth Choir and National Boys’ Choir.

Are individual music lessons available?

Our team of highly qualified and committed visiting musicians provide specialist tuition, within a rotating timetable, to around 350 children each week. In addition there are around 250 private lessons taken outside school.

Do you have any scholarships or bursaries available?

Music Bursaries and Sykes Organ Bursaries, providing free lessons for all or part of a pupil's school career, may be available. They are offered to existing pupils who show particular aptitude and potential and who are willing to consider instruments which are less popular but have significant roles in band or orchestra. In addition two 25% Fee Music Scholarships are available each year for students who show outstanding musical potential.

What can my musical studies lead to?

Preparation for Associated Board Practical and Theory Examinations culminates in a termly visit by an examiner to the school; in recent years, 16 of our students have reached Distinction level at Grade 8. A number of our recent leavers are studying music at university or conservatoire, including Oxford, Cambridge and the Royal Northern College of Music.