Music

About the Faculty

Durham School boasts a long and proud tradition of music making. As a department, we aim both to provide musical opportunities for every pupil member of the School, and also to stretch and inspire our existing musicians.

The department is staffed by two full time and fifteen visiting teachers. Facilities for music include seven practice rooms, brand new pianos, a music technology room with 12 midi workstations and a large rehearsal studio. Concerts also take place in Big School (seating 300) and the school chapel, which houses a three manual Harrison & Harrison organ. There is a close link with Durham Cathedral, where regular services are held and concerts are also given in the Sage music centre in Gateshad.

There are many ensembles, including an orchestra, junior orchestra, junior string group, chapel choir (often augmented for performances of larger works), chamber choir, concert band, big band, plus saxophone, clarinet and flute groups. Frequent opportunities are afforded to perform in concerts, including an annual house competition, in which every member of the School takes part . Six CD recordings have been made in the last ten years and musicians have toured six different countries over the same period.

Regular musicals are staged in the school's theatre. Recent shows have included Godspell, The Little Shop of Horrors, Me and My Girl, Grease and Les Misérables.

Our pupils have consistent success in public examinations and many go on to take up places reading music at university or music college. They have the additional benefit of being involved in masterclasses and workshops and living in a city full of culture, with easy access to Newcastle.
Curriculum

Years 7 - 9: Music is compulsory at this level. Each set is divided into two, according to musical ability. All pupils are taught to play keyboards reading staff notation, compose their own pieces and use the most up-to-date music technology including Sibelius' software. They are encouraged to draw on techniques from the study of a wide range of musical styles.

GCSE: The Edexcel specification is followed.It is beneficial to candidates if they have achieved a minimum of Grade 2 standard on an instrument (including voice) by the end of Year 9.

A level: The Edexcel course is followed.Candidates are expected to have gained at least a Grade B at GCSE or passed Grade 5 theory. A minimum of Grade 5 standard is required for the performance module at the end of the AS year. For additional information about any aspect of Music at Durham School, including details of music scholarships, please contact Mr Roger Muttitt (Director Music) atr.muttitt@durhamschool.co.uk or 01913753288.

Subjects within Creative Arts

More in this section:

‘Durham School has and continues to supply top cricketers, like Gordon Muchall, who made his first-class debut in 2002, to Durham County Cricket Club. Our close association with Durham School has also seen top class cricket coaching delivered by members of the team to help progress further these talented school cricketers. Emirates Durham ICG is not just home to Durham County Cricket Club, it is also home to rising local talent here in Durham.’

"
Paul Collingwood OBE, England, Durham CCC