Brass
Our focus is on one-to-one instrumental lessons with specialist professional musicians, many of whom combine teaching with their performing careers. These intensive sessions are designed to improve technique and musicianship, introduce repertoire, develop expression and encourage personal interpretation.
Up to two hours individual tuition weekly
Instrumentalists receive up to two hours’ tuition each week (choristers receive up to 1 hour per week) on their principal study. This is in addition to their second study instrument. Pupils occasionally learn three instruments. Every Instrumentalist learns to play the piano.
A dedicated accompanist
Pupils receive a coaching session each week with a member of the piano faculty - it is a special feature that pupils have access to an accompanist throughout their time in school.
Practice support
Practice Supervisors are often on hand to help with all musical matters. A weekly Alexander Technique lesson is also offered.
Developing performance skills
A weekly Performance Class allows opportunities to try out repertoire. Chamber Music, Orchestras & Ensembles are key components in each week’s timetable. There is an opportunity to explore any number of Performance Practice aspects in the last hour of each school week. Dalcroze and Kodály are also explored as part of the Aural Programme.
Additional opportunities
There are strong links with many orchestras and ensembles who routinely bring their music to our city and we have many active partnerships, side-by-side opportunities, visits and masterclasses all the way through the year.
Assessment
Pupils are formally assessedon technical matters, performance recitals and presentation throughout their time at St Mary’s Music School, except in their final year when the focus shifts to conservatoire/university auditions and public performance. They also take ABRSM exams to gain experience and as a measure of progress.
Competitions
Pupils participate in competitions, local, national and international and have gained considerable success in high-profile contests such as the BBC Young Musician of the Year and the BBC Jazz and Folk Awards along with the Moray Piano Competition, British Flute Society Competition and the Royal National Mòd. Pupils often work towards the Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
Alumni
Many of our recent brass alumni can be found playing in ensembles such as Connaught Brass. Hear from Robyn in the video below.
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My first study is horn and my second study is piano. What I love most about the horn is its sound and the incredible range of characters and colours it evokes, from ethereal to humorous to brassy. But most importantly, I love its glorious ability to sing.
My highlights so far are my earliest performances at the School, most memorably my first chancel concert at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, as well as performing York Bowen’s Horn Concerto in the Edinburgh Festival Competition.
Robert, S5