Music

Music At Ewell Castle School

Curriculum Music lessons are taught in Years 7 and 8 and the subject becomes optional thereafter. One lesson per week is taught at Key Stage 3, three lessons at Key Stage 4 and six lessons at Key Stage 5. In the Sixth Form students may opt for Music and/or Music Technology A-level courses. Pupils learn about music from all cultures and times, with lessons involving practical music-making and all pupils having a chance to perform at one or more of the numerous concerts presented by the Department each year. Individual musical tuition is available to any pupil who wishes to learn an instrument, from and to any standard, with a wide selection of instruments offered. There are a variety of musical groups and ensembles. These include our auditioned choir, Cantus, and Pupil Choir which is open to all. We also offer instrumental groups such as a Concert Band, Jazz Band and Brass Band. The largest and grandest musical event of the year is the whole-school musical, often held at the Epsom Playhouse. Performers are accompanied by a professional orchestra, technical team and dressed by costumiers.

Pupils are encouraged to organise their own smaller bands and may use the facilities to practise at their own leisure. The Music Department hosts a weekly concert series in-house, 'Lunchtime Live', an annual large-scale musical production performed at the Epsom Playhouse, and an annual choral and instrumental concert at St Mary's Church as well as several other impressive events through the year. 

Visiting Music Teacher Lessons

We are incredibly proud of the team of expert teachers who visit the school every day to offer one-to-one music lessons in a huge variety of instruments. Teaching from our purpose-built practice rooms, pupils are offered tuition at the highest standards that works alongside their school day.  
 
The ability to play a musical instrument is a wonderfully rewarding skill to have for life. Pupils might choose to learn an instrument for the sheer joy of it, to work through graded examinations, to learn to compose on the instrument, to play alongside others: the opportunities are endless! Aside from the sense of achievement gained from progression through graded examinations, performing music in groups, bands and ensembles is a highly enjoyable and sociable experience. 
 
Once pupils are suitably experienced in an instrument, they will be invited to join one of our many ensembles (or can use our online system SOCS to sign up for an “open to all” ensemble).  
 
We are currently able to provide musical tuition for the following instruments: 

Lesson Format 

Ewell Castle School offers musical tuition on a one-to-one basis for any pupil or student that wishes to learn an instrument. Lessons take place at the Prep School Music Department at Glyn House and at the Senior School Music Department at the Castle site.  Lessons are provided by qualified Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs). 
 
Our current staff list of Visiting Music Teachers:

Lessons last for 30 minutes and are provided throughout the school day including lunchtimes and break-times. Some lessons may also be after school. There is an average of 10 lessons a term but a guaranteed 30 lessons over the course of an academic year. Lessons are scheduled on a ‘rotational system’ with other students so that the same academic lessons are not missed frequently. Lesson times are available to view via SOCS. There is the opporutnity for pupils to take their grading exams and take part in School concerts.

Cost

Lessons cost from £23.00 per 30-minute lesson (depending on the chosen instrument and teacher). Invoices are issued termly by the instrumental teacher and charges are reviewed annually. Payment is either by cheque or on-line transfer directly to the visiting music teacher. 

Cancellations and amendments

To cancel instrumental lessons, teachers must be given a full term’s notice in writing. Advanced notice must be given if any lessons will be missed to avoid unnecessary charges.  

Additional information

Instrument insurance is advised for expensive instruments. This is often covered by home/contents insurance, but we would recommend that you check the details carefully.  
It is possible to rent most instruments from local shops or Surrey County Music Service. Please ask the Music Department should you require further advice.

See Below On How to Book and To Access The Interactive Booking Form

To request additional informaiton about instrumental tuition please email the Performing Arts Department on performingarts@ewellcastle.co.uk  or call the main School switchboard number and ask for extention 259.  Click HERE to access our interactive booking form. Once your request has been received, we will pass your request to the respective VMT who then in turn contact you to schedule the lessons and arrange payment.

Fitznells Music Centre

An established, community music service based at Ewell Castle School offering private music tuition on a range of instruments at the weekend and after school hours. Fitznells also offers a variety of groups and ensembles. For more information, please visit their website www.fitznells.co.uk