A very warm welcome to the Music Department at the Purcell School!

At the heart of the very stimulating and challenging musical life of the school is the individually tailored programme for every pupil. There are Heads of Department for Academic Music, Composition, Jazz, Keyboard, Music Technology, Strings and Wind/Brass/Percussion/Voice/Harp (see the links at the bottom of the page for more details of each department). They ensure that both the balance of musical studies and the balance between musical and academic work is fine-tuned to suit each pupil.

The departments work closely together to provide as many links between them as possible, giving pupils a flexibility and breadth of experience that helps them adapt and flourish in their musical futures.

The world's leading musicians visit the school for masterclasses, recitals, courses and collaborative projects, enhancing the fine work of our regular teachers. The New Music Centre provides superb facilities in which much of the teaching takes place, as well as a warmly intimate Recital Room and a wealth of excellent equipment for composers and music technology pupils.

The school's busy Concerts department provides a constant supply of opportunities to perform, from lunchtime concerts at school and in the surrounding area, to the most formal recitals around the UK and in the capital's leading venues. Pupils can audition for the chance to play concertos with the school's orchestras, to give solo and chamber music recitals at the Wigmore Hall and for many other prizes and special opportunities. Orchestras, choirs and ensembles of all kinds perform at school, throughout the UK and abroad, providing ideal experiences for pupils to develop their talents to the full.

Of greatest interest to the staff is the development made by each pupil, year by year. Young musicians progress at different rates and at different times in their lives, so great care is taken to provide pupils with experiences and opportunities that are appropriate to their current stage of development.

We hope you will enjoy investigating for yourself what the school can offer, and we look forward very much to welcoming you at the school in person.

QUENTIN POOLE
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Please follow these links for more detailed information about each department:-