Music

Music has a long and fine tradition at Charterhouse. Ralph Vaughan Williams was a pupil in the School’s early days in Godalming but this classical tradition is now matched by contemporary opportunities.

Around half of our pupils have music lessons, and many participate in other musical activities, like House Singing, the Concert Choir or our pupil-led talent show, Lack of Talent, as well as numerous concerts covering a range of genres. Many of our pupils in recent years have gone on to become professional musicians and studied music at university or music college but, more importantly, a huge number of Carthusians have retained a life-long love of music.

Music for Everyone

There are regular performance opportunities for pupils of all standards, whether beginner or advanced, and pupils regularly perform in Lunchtime Concerts, as well as more substantial Evening Recitals. Strong emphasis is placed on ensemble playing where teamwork and social interaction are so well nurtured and there is a host of choirs and instrumental ensembles. Whatever the musical interest of pupils, Charterhouse offers a stimulating environment to help them reach their potential.

As well as regular concerts and performances, there are competitions held throughout the academic year covering all the instrumental disciplines; pupils of all ages prepare repertoire to perform in front of celebrated musicians who visit Charterhouse to adjudicate the competitions. The School’s music programme is designed to encourage musical curiosity and to provide stimulating opportunities
for pupils of any standard.

There is a dedicated Music Technology Suite where pupils are able to work with Digital Audio Workstations and this resource is keenly used both in our mainstream academic courses and pupil-run music societies.

Full details of the academic Music curriculum can be found within the Academic section of the website and can be accessed via the link below:

Academic Music at Charterhouse