We have a heritage of outstanding music at Eltham College. Almost two thirds of our students play a musical instrument and many progress to Grade 8 or their Performance Diploma.
Technical brilliance is only part of the picture because music is about playing together, exploration and performance. Every week we rehearse around forty ensembles and our students have performed at the Barbican, Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Cadogan Hall and more – as well as in our wonderful concerts in school and on our international music tours.
Individual and Vocal Lessons
Over thirty Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs) come to Eltham College each week to give individual instrumental/vocal lessons. Learn more about our VMTs.
Over 60% of Elthamians learn at least one instrument. Individual lessons at school take place on a rotating basis during timetabled hours or, in the case of Sixth Formers, during private study periods.
Performing with other musicians is a vital part of being an instrumentalist and as such all students learning instruments are invited to perform in school ensembles. Regular attendance at rehearsals is expected since this will enhance the students’ progress on their instruments.
Tuition is available on the following instruments/voice:
| Piano | Harp | Recorder |
| Jazz Piano | Violin | Trumpet |
| Organ | Viola | French Horn |
| Singing | Cello | Tenor Horn |
| Theory | Double Bass | Euphonium |
| Classic Guitar | Flute | Trombone |
| Electric Guitar | Oboe | Tuba |
| Acoustic Guitar | Clarinet | Orchestral Percussion |
| Bass Guitar | Bassoon | Drum Kit |
| Saxophone | Jazz Saxophone |
Harp lessons
From September Harp lessons will be available to both Junior and Senior School students. Harpists have opportunities to join the Junior and Senior School String Orchestras. Harp hire can be organised at £60 per month with Harp students able to practise on the school lever harps after Christmas. If you have any queries with regards to Harp lessons please email Miss Beck at music@eltham-college.org.uk
Please click here to view a list of the Music fees for 2020/21. Please read the Service Standards and Commitments before applying for Music tuition.
Choirs and Orchestras
For the singers in our choirs and the musicians in the orchestras, there are opportunities for all to perform at various venues throughout the year as well as international tours on occasion.
| Choral Society | Eltham Sinfonia | Chamber Choir |
| College Choir | Eltham Sinfonietta | Consort Choir |
| Symphony Orchestra | ECCO Orchestra | Eltham College Young Voices |
Bands
Musicians are grouped by ability to form some larger ensembles. Ranging from the Concert Band to Dixieland Band, the performers receive great opportunities to play at prestigious venues such as Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Soho as well as high profile College events.
| Concert Band | Aeolian Brass | Cool Jazz |
| Symphonic Winds | Big Band | Dixieland Band |
| Eltham Brass | Rhythm and Blues | Lydian Brass |
Ensembles
Every effort is made to ensure that all students learning musical instruments are placed in College ensembles to help them progress. Ensembles are graded by ability and if a student wishes to perform in a group there will be an opportunity for them to do so. Ensembles concerts take place every term.
| Saxmania Group | Django Jazz Guitar | Classical Guitar |
| Saxophone Quartet | Flute Ensemble | Liquorice Sticks (Clarinet Ensemble) |
| Slick Stix (Percussion Ensemble) | Stick Attack (Percussion Ensemble) | |
Chamber Groups
| Amati String Quartet | Purcell Piano Trio | Casals Cello Ensemble |
Music Tours
Music department tours have included Dubrovnik, Croatia, Washington and New York, USA, Malta, Venice and Verona, Italy, all of which give our students the opportunity to perform overseas.
