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 thirty ensembles and our students have performed at the Barbican, Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall, St John’s Smith Square, 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 music lessons. Please click below to see the list of 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.
Students who wish to participate in instrumental/vocal one to-one tuition should email music@eltham-college.org.uk Individual music tuition takes place throughout the school day on a rotational basis, with no fixed times. Timetables are displayed by the practice rooms in the Senior School. Tuition is available on the following instruments/voice:
| Brass | Euphonium French Horn Tenor Horn Trombone Trumpet Tuba | |
| Guitar | Acoustic Guitar Bass Guitar Classical Guitar Electric Guitar | |
| Keyboard | Jazz Piano Organ Piano | |
| Percussion | Drum Kit Orchestral Percussion | |
| Singing | ||
| Strings | Cello Double Bass Harp Viola Violin | |
| Theory/Composition | ||
| Woodwind | Bassoon Clarinet Flute Jazz Saxophone Oboe Recorder Saxophone |
Harp lessons
Harp lessons are available to both Junior and Senior School students. Harpists have opportunities to join the School String Orchestras where appropriate. Harp hire can be organised at £50-60 per month with Harp students able to practise at pre-arranged times on the school lever harps. If you have any queries with regards to Harp lessons please email Miss Beck at music@eltham-college.org.uk
Please visit the links below to see details of our fees for 2021/22, read our service standards and commitments.
SERVICE STANDARDS AND COMMITMENTS
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.
| Chamber Choir | Voce Choir | Eltham Sinfonia |
| Choral Society | ECCO Orchestra | Eltham Sinfonietta |
| College Choir | Eltham College Young Voices | Symphony Orchestra |
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.
| Aeolian Brass | Cool Jazz | Jazz Combo |
| Big Band | Dixieland Band | Symphonic Winds |
| Concert Band | Eltham 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.
| Bream Guitar Ensemble | Poulenc Ensemble | Slick Stix (Percussion Ensemble) |
| Rock School | Stick Attack (Percussion Ensemble) | Tetrachord (Piano Ensemble) |
| Flute Choir | Saxophone Quartet | Walton Ensemble |
| Plus a variety of Chamber Music Ensembles |
Chamber Groups
| Amati String Quartet | Purcell 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.
