A team of 20–30 Music Scholars and award holders strengthens and supports the work of this most diverse of Music Schools. Opportunities for Lancing musicians to develop and flourish are second to none, and are as many and varied as one would find at any non-specialist music school.
The 250–300 instrumental, singing, composition and theory lessons that take place each week, with visiting and resident tutors, provide the bedrock of our work with many of the talented young musicians – that, and the ever-so-slightly eccentric and relaxed environment that is Lancing College Music School.
About the Curriculum
All Third Form pupils follow a general music course, which allows them to experience and learn music from within a wide range of styles. Classes include group and individual composition and the development of music technology skills, as well as an insightful and enterprising programme of listening and varied stylistic study.
The Music option in the Fourth and Fifth Forms allows pupils to study in preparation for the CIE IGCSE Music examination. Programmes of study outside the parameters of the examination course are taught alongside the examination work, allowing teachers and pupils to explore a greater breadth and depth of musical study.
Music practice time is available as part of the afternoon activities’ programme.
Learning approach
All successful musicians are excellent independent learners and have advanced self-organization skills. Pupils are encouraged to be pro-active learners.
Teaching focuses on developing the inquiring mind as much as on the delivery of knowledge and development of skills.
Enrichment
A full range of instrumental and singing lessons is taught by a team of specialists visiting music teachers. Lancing College is a centre for ABRSM and Trinity-Guildhall examinations.
A busy programme of co-curricular activities supports the work of the individual student. These include three orchestras, two choirs, A Cappella Club, Big Band, Symphonic Windband, rock music workshops, conducting classes, improvisation workshops, composition lessons, and a full programme of chamber music coaching. The Music School presents between 30 and 40 concerts each year, in and out of College, providing pupil-musicians with many opportunities to perform as soloists and in ensembles.
A range of masterclasses is available to Lancing musicians. Recent visitors have included The Atalanta Piano Quartet, clarinettist Joseph Shiner, drum and brass 10-piece Old Dirty Brasstards, pianist Ronan O’Hora and horn player Sam Pearce.
An occasional social classical music society provides a warm and friendly environment for further listening, with sessions led by pupils and staff, while sitting around in garden chairs with drinks and nibbles. Visits to concerts, operas and services are organised each year.
The Chapel Choir and Choral Scholars sing Evensong at major cathedrals across the country.
LISTEN TO LIVE RECORDINGS OF LANCING COLLEGE CHOIR
