Music
Music flows through the very heart of Godolphin. Here, it is more than just a subject. It is a passion that inspires, a discipline that challenges, and a lifelong source of joy. Each year, we are privileged to welcome gifted and dedicated musicians who come to explore a rich and vibrant musical world, embracing a wide spectrum of instruments, styles, and genres.
We celebrate music at every level, from those taking their first steps in learning an instrument to accomplished performers with a string of grade eights. Whether your child is discovering their love for music or honing their skills for professional aspirations, our vibrant musical community will nurture their talents, build their confidence, and deepen their appreciation of music’s transformative power.
Through exceptional teaching, inspiring performance opportunities, and a culture of creativity and collaboration, Godolphin ensures that every pupil - regardless of ability - can develop their musical potential to the fullest. From classical to contemporary, choral to jazz, composition to production, music at Godolphin is an experience that resonates for life.
At Godolphin, music thrives in a dynamic and inclusive environment, offering a wide range of opportunities for pupils to develop their talents. We have five large ensembles and numerous chamber groups, ensuring that musicians of all levels find a place to perform, collaborate, and grow.
- Orchestra – Open to all First Year to Upper Sixth pupils who are Grade 5 or above. Some instruments are more popular than others and it is sometimes necessary to hold auditions. If we know you are over Grade 5 we will usually invite you to join.
- Concert Band – For First Year to Upper Sixth pupils who are Grade 5 or above. Some instruments are in high demand, so auditions may be required. Pupils above Grade 5 will typically receive an invitation to join.
- Senior Strings – A group for talented string players, available by invitation or audition.
- Junior Orchestra – Conducted by our Head, Jenny Price, this ensemble is open to First and Second Year pupils who are Grade 1 and above or play an orchestral instrument.
- Jazz Ensemble – A vibrant group exploring a range of jazz styles.
Chamber Music
Godolphin is recognised as a centre of excellence for chamber music. Chamber Music is very strong at Godolphin and there are a large number of ensembles providing opportunities for many instrumentalists. The majority of our chamber ensembles enter the Pro Corda Chamber Music Festival, regularly making it through to the semi-finals and national finals.
We have a flexible approach towards our ensembles, forming groups depending on the talents of particular cohorts of pupils. However the following ensembles tend to run every year:
Our approach is flexible, adapting to the strengths of each year’s cohort, but the following ensembles typically run annually:
- Saxophone Quartets (Intermediate & Senior)
- Intermediate Clarinet Ensemble
- Clarinet Consort
- Wind Quartet
- Tutti Flutti (Intermediate Flute Ensemble)
- Senior Flute Consort
- Senior String Ensemble
- String Quartets (Intermediate & Senior)
- Scholars’ Trios, Quartets & Quintets
- Scholars’ Brass Ensemble
Music Lessons
We offer lessons on all orchestral instruments, as well as piano, guitar, voice, and music theory. If your child is interested in learning a more unusual instrument, please contact us - we can usually arrange a teacher.
- Woodwind: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Recorder, Bagpipes
- Brass: Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium, Tenor Horn, Cornet
- Percussion: Drum Kit & Orchestral Percussion
- Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp
- Voice: Classical & Contemporary Styles
- Keyboard: Piano, Organ, Harpsichord
- Theory: Theory of Music
Applying for Lessons
New pupils receive forms to request lessons upon joining the school. If you would like to arrange lessons at any other time, please email the Music Department for further details.