Music Overview

Music has played a central role at Winchester since its foundation when William of Wykeham's statutes made provision for sixteen boys called Quiristers to sing at the Chapel services, and this unique choral foundation is still maintained by the College alongside an equally strong instrumental tradition. There is also generous provision for Music Awards, with an average of 12 music scholars and exhibitioners each year, many of whom go on to win music awards at Oxford and Cambridge.

Music at Winchester is designed to foster a love of music for its own sake at any level and in any style regardless of the technical ability of a boy. Music is not a minority activity - the majority of boys at Winchester either play an instrument or sing. We encourage a boy to realise that excellence in music is not simply a matter of technique, but is primarily about communicating ideas and developing a sense of personal achievement. Expert instrumental teaching is given by over 50 visiting music teachers in the purpose-built Music School, whose 2004 extension includes a recording studio, technology room, recital room and ensemble rooms. Boys are not taken out of academic classes for their instrumental lessons. Boys studying music as an academic subject at IGCSE and Pre-U are taught within the timetable, including practice time for their performance papers.

School ensembles range from string quartets, jazz and rock groups and a consort of viols to a full symphony orchestra.  The quality, diversity and number of musical events is remarkable. On average there are 30 performing events each term ranging from informal concerts, master-classes by international artists, and seminars to orchestral and choral concerts. These provide unparalleled performing and learning opportunities for the boys. Recent artists visiting the college have included Bryn Terfel, Natalie Clein, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, James Bowman and James Gilchrist.