Music

The academic study of Music is an important part of the Charterhouse Music Department, encouraging pupils to broaden their depth and understanding of music through the study of theory and analysis, music history and composition. Additionally, cross-curricular links are explored via the close connections between Music and other subjects, such as Mathematics, Physics, Literary Studies, and Philosophy.

Music is a compulsory subject for Year 9 pupils, and is an option available for study at IGCSE and in the Sixth Form. On average, about half of those studying the subject in the Sixth Form go on to further musical studies at a university or conservatoire, with roughly 50% of those gaining places at Oxbridge colleges. A number of recent leavers have graduated with First Class degrees in Music from the universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and Kings College London, and a former pupil is currently undertaking doctoral research in music at the University of Oxford.

The Year 9 course provides all pupils with an understanding of music’s fundamental building blocks through the study of a diverse range of music, fostering a love and understanding of music. The IGCSE course covers the history and analysis of music from the 17^th century to 20^th century, as well as a range of musical cultures from around the world. IGCSE students also study composition. The Sixth Form offers the option of further study of the subject at A Level or the IB Diploma Programme, both of which provide an excellent preparation for university study.

The department has recently invested in a new music technology suite, which forms an important part of the Year 9-11 curriculum, and music technology is also offered as elective study in the Sixth Form. The department also runs an advanced music analysis group, and invites a number of speakers to give lectures or seminars to our students: most recently, Prof David Nicholls gave a seminar on musical nationalism.

For full details of the curriculum, please use the link below.

Curriculum