Chorister Curriculum | St Mary's Music School, Edinburgh | Specialist Music School In Scotland

The Chorister Curriculum

THE cHORISTER cURRICULUM

Striking the perfect balance between singing and academic accomplishment

At St Mary's Music School, we pride ourselves on offering more than superb singing training, our commitment to academic excellence is equally unmatched and our choristers’ days are split between the Cathedral and the School, with staff from both establishments working closely together to ensure every child is supported musically, academically and pastorally.

We welcome applications from girls and boys who are 7 or 8 years old (usually in Primary 3 or 4) who love to sing and who (along with their families!) are prepared to commit to our full five-year chorister programme. There is no requirement for any religious affiliation and we accept children of all faiths and no faith. To ensure that this remarkable opportunity is open to as many young choristers as possible, Cathedral Bursaries are available.

A day in the life of a chorister

Probationer chorister places begin in Primary 4 with the five-year full-time programme beginning in Primary 5. From the age of 9 to 12, our choristers follow a full and rewarding five-year programme, which covers the academic years from Primary 5 to Senior 2 and includes full academic study in line with the Scottish Curriculum of Excellence as well as singing and instrumental lessons, theory lessons and practice, all taking place during the school day. The concentration power which choristers build up over these five formative years provides excellent training for whatever studies and careers they may take up later in life. No other opportunity exists at a later stage in life for such musical training.

Kirsty Chorister in Germany2 Column Gallery Portrait

 

Our five-year chorister programme

 

  • Year 1: Primary 5 (ages 8-9)
    All choristers attend St Mary’s Music School for their academic lessons and during their first term with us they have a fairly light singing timetable with additional support in sight-singing, aural and theory.
     
  • Year 2: Primary 6 (ages 9-10)
    The second year brings new challenges and plenty of new repertoire.
     
  •  Year 3: Primary 7 (ages 10-11)
    Transition week in May allows a taster of what’s in store for choristers moving into the Senior School.
     
  •  Year 4: Senior 1 (ages 11-12)
    A chorister’s senior years are the most rewarding part of their time with us and chorister pupils usually take up an additional instrument and/or piano.
     
  •  Year 5: Senior 2 (ages 12-13)
    S2 choristers are given important responsibilities and roles and this year is a wonderful culmination of five years of hard work.

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