We have a heritage of outstanding music at Eltham College. Almost two thirds of our students play a musical instrument and many gain 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 fifty ensembles and we love to share our music. 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.
Any student who wishes to take individual lessons as part of the school day is able to: over 60% of Elthamians learn at least one instrument. 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 | Tube |
| Acoustic Guitar | Clarinet | Orchestral Percussion |
| Bass Guitar | Bassoon | Drum Kit |
| Saxophone | Jazz Saxophone |
Please click here to view a list of the Music fees for 2019/20. Please read the Terms and Conditions 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 Boys' Choir |
Bands
Musicians are grouped by ability to form some larger ensembles. Ranging from the Concert Bands to Mottingham Street Brass 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 | Mottingham Street Brass Band |
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. There are ensembles and concerts every term.
| Saxmania Group | Django Jazz Guitar | Classical Guitar |
| Saxophone Quartet | Senior Clarinet | Liquorice Sticks (Clarinet Ensemble) |
| Slick Stix (Percussion Ensemble) | Stick Attack (Percussion Ensemble) | Silver Sonics (Flute Ensemble) |
| Platinum Players (Flute Ensemble) |
Music Workshops
Students meet to discuss our practice the things that they particularly enjoy or want to experiment with. These clubs are a lilttle bit more specialist and in tune with student interests.
| Composition Workshop | Conducting Workshop |
Music Tours
Music department tours have included Dubrovnik, Croatia, in 2015, Washington and New York, USA, in 2013, Malta in 2011 and Venice and Verona, Italy, in 2010, all of which give our students the opportunity to perform overseas.
