Music at Christ Church Cathedral School
The beauty of Music at CCCS is that our environment was specifically designed to cultivate young musicians. Founded to educate choristers, the school now supplies trebles for three demanding choirs: the Cathedral Choir and the chapel choirs at Pembroke and Worcester. In a world where boys' choirs are declining and where classical music is often deemed too challenging for children, we champion what is wonderful about both of these things, in buildings that are full of instruments and alive with sound. Our choral framework is built on the principle that boys can be trusted to perform alongside adults, and this ambitious approach sits at the heart of school musical life.
Singing is naturally central to the curriculum. From Reception onwards pupils receive two weekly lessons focusing on healthy vocal technique and musicianship, with plenty of games and performance opportunities. It is not unusual to find Pre-Prep children volunteering to sing solos or lead warm-ups. Older pupils tackle analysis as well as composition, and a focus on discussion engages everyone regardless of practical ability. My fundamental aim is to equip boys with an unafraid curiosity that will stay with them throughout their lives. We consider how the silky legato of 'The Swan' expresses character in ‘Carnival of the Animals’, explore how pentatonic scales can sound Eastern as well as Western, and debate why John Cage wrote a piece that has no sound at all...
Lessons often pause so that boys can consider what they are doing, why they are doing it and how it could be improved. In educational jargon this is ‘metacognition', but as musicians we do this to develop problem-solving skills that underpin instrumental practice. Boys exceed their limitations when they learn not to fear failure, so mistakes are welcomed as bearers of information ("how could I approach this differently?") and we focus on small habits that build responsibility. A recent Form 8 lesson stopped to discuss the empowering act of handing an accompaniment to a pianist, opened at the right page and ready to play - something which I hope will be a hallmark of any CCCS alumni!
Practical music-making is open to all, scaffolded through regular class concerts where performance is voluntary and playing is celebrated at all levels. Larger events such as House Music and the Friends and Family Concert encourage resourcefulness, with opportunities to lead and organise. Boys are encouraged to take regular examinations and many will reach high grades, but enthusiasm and initiative are just as valued. For some, these qualities combine to generate success at scholarship auditions, and we have exceptionally strong links with a wide range of senior schools that enable boys to find the right fit when they move on. Scholarship applications are robustly supported by our 20 peripatetic staff, who teach individual lessons at every standard and run a variety of ensembles both during and after the school day.
A distinctive feature of the department is its meaningful contact with the wider professional world. Over the past year we have hosted an orchestral morning with conductor Nicholas Cleobury, a masterclass with pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, coaching from oboist Matthew Draper, a composition session with Nico Muhly, a visit to St Peter’s College for our organists, and workshops with Music staff from Winchester, Rugby, Marlborough, Abingdon and Brighton College. A recent visiting performer announced a rehearsal break, but was met by protests from boys who wanted to continue sight-reading some Shostakovich… the perfect proof that our musicians genuinely enjoy what they do.
Above all, what sustains the school is a clear belief that Music is for everyone, and that doing it well develops the whole person. Pupils are participants in a musical tradition that has thrived here for 500 years, with a purposeful, happy eco-system fostered at every stage by boys, parents and staff. Whether this forms the basis for further study, or simply feeds into a confident, culturally aware young person, what is gained from this subject at CCCS is surely very special.
Ms Sophie Biddell
Director of Music
