MUSIC & SINGING 

Music is everywhere at Pilgrims’. Even if boys don’t play an instrument or sing in one of our choirs, they feel the benefit. We inspire an understanding and appreciation of music which boys find invaluable for the rest of their  lives.

From Reception to Year 8, all boys have timetabled class music lessons. We aim to equip each boy with the tools to unlock a deeper understanding of the subject, irrespective of his musical ability.

Neuroscience shows the benefits of music and singing both in terms of inspiring creativity and as a stimulus for brain development. 

The Pilgrims’ School Music Showreel – 2025 – YouTube

 

LEARNING AN INSTRUMENT

Not surprisingly, there are more instrumental lessons each week than there are boys in the school.

A dedicated team of 28 specialist visiting music teachers means boys can learn any orchestral instrument, in addition to piano, organ, guitar, flute and of course, their voice. Music lessons are arranged so that disruption to lessons is kept to a minimum, ensuring that we preserve the balance between academic subjects, sport, music and free time. 

Music practice rooms, including a sound-proofed suite with recording facilities, are mostly located in the music block, but there are pianos, including four grands, dotted all around the school.

Boarders also have timetabled practising slots supervised by the music staff. 

MUSICAL ENSEMBLES & PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Practising in isolation is one thing, but the stimulus of group music-making is key to a successful musician – it’s also much more fun!

Performing starts in Pre-Prep and, from Year 6 onwards, two-thirds of boys play in ensembles. Boys perform in at least 12 concerts each year, ranging from the formal to the extremely informal. Chamber music is greatly encouraged and music is specially arranged for any ad hoc combinations that may arise when friends decide to pool their resources.  The orchestra plays repertoire that one might expect to hear at a senior school. 

Ensemble opportunities include, the Jazz Band, the Rock band, Orchestra and Strings, Guitar, Recorder, Woodwind and Baroque Ensembles, as well as Big Band and Orchestra.  

MUSIC EXAMS & SCHOLARSHIPS

Forgive us if we blow our own trumpet…

Graded music exam results for Pilgrims’ boys are consistently high. Most awarded are distinctions or high merits.  Many boys attain Grade 5+ each year and pass their Grade 5 theory.

While grades, depth and breadth of repertoire are important,  our aim is enjoyment.

We have an enviable record in securing music awards to senior schools, and a significant number of Pilgrims go on to read music at university, many as a choral scholar at either Oxford or Cambridge. 

CHOIRS in addition to our CHORISTERS

We know singing is good for us. You’ll hear snatches of song at all times of day. 

We have four school choirs including the Chamber Choir who sing for the Christmas Lights switch on every year in Winchester and other high profile events.  

The composer, Stephen Barton, a former Pilgrim and Chorister, says  

‘Pilgrims’ is a specialist music school in all but title with the finest prep school music department in the country’. 

Stephen works regularly with our Choristers on commercial recordings. Our Choristers and Quiristers make up a total of 38 pupils at Pilgrims’. 

Winchester is known across the world as a centre of choral excellence and all our Choristers receive what is arguably the best music education in the world. 

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