Academic Music 

Throughout their time at St Mary’s Music School pupils study:

• Music Theory
• Harmony & Counterpoint
• Form & Analysis
• History of Music

Composition and Improvisation also play significant roles.

Aural Programme

Aural sessions and Listening are part of the rhythm of each day and take place between 8.30 and 8.45am each morning, except for Wednesdays, when Choir takes over. Singing is an excellent way of developing the ear so every pupil participates in Choir on a weekly basis.   

The principles of Dalcroze and Kodály are also explored.

Senior pupils are encouraged to study towards and beyond Grade 8 Theory and Practical Musicianship.

Music Theory

Theory forms the basis for reading music and is taught in small classes. ‘Beginners’ introduces Grade 1, ‘Intermediate’ encompasses Grades 2 and 3, and ‘Advanced’ deals with Grades 4 and 5, but classes can be taught multi-level so that each child learns at their own pace.

Pupils should provide their own books (ABRSM publishing, Music Theory in Practice by Eric Taylor, appropriate grade, and Theory is Fun by Maureen Cox, appropriate grade).

Composition

All pupils compose. Junior Instrumentalists (aged 9-13) have opportunities to compose both within and outwith their formal Music lessons; a Junior Composition Club takes place at the end of the day on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Composition is a requirement for Advanced Higher Music, taken in S5. Class lessons are given by our resident composer Tom David Wilson.

Pupils can also take Composition as a one-to-one course.