Music
Inspiring a Love of Music
Music plays a central role in both everyday life and special occasions, and our children embrace it with enthusiasm and joy. Whether singing together in assembly, rehearsing with one of our choirs, performing in the orchestra or learning a new instrument, they are immersed in a vibrant musical culture that brings our community together and provides opportunities for everyone to shine.
Led by our Head of Music, Laura Oldfield, we believe that music is for everyone. It is a powerful way for children to express themselves, build confidence and creativity, and experience the satisfaction of working towards a shared goal. Along the way, they develop many of the qualities we value at Chinthurst, including resilience, collaboration, discipline and critical thinking.
Music in the Classroom
All children benefit from specialist music teaching throughout their time at the school. Through singing, performing, composing and listening, they develop musical skills while exploring a wide range of cultures, genres and historical periods. Singing lies at the heart of our curriculum and is woven into school life through weekly singing practices, assemblies, performances and choir rehearsals.
Our curriculum includes a variety of whole-class instrumental experiences, allowing children to discover different instruments and musical styles. From recorder in Year 2 and violin in Year 3 to ukulele and keyboard in Year 4 and African djembe drumming in Year 5, children enjoy practical, hands-on learning that builds musical confidence and understanding. They also explore music technology and composition, developing their creativity through both traditional and modern approaches to music-making.
Beyond the Classroom
Music thrives beyond the classroom through our extensive peripatetic music programme. More than 165 individual music lessons take place each week with our specialist visiting music teachers, covering a wide range of instruments including piano, violin, cello, flute, guitar, drums, trumpet, saxophone, voice and musical theatre.
Children can also take part in our award-winning choirs, orchestra and other ensembles. These groups provide opportunities to perform together, develop teamwork and build confidence, while sharing a love of music with friends across the school.
Performance Opportunities
Performing is an important part of musical life at Chinthurst. Throughout the year, children have many opportunities to take to the stage in concerts, assemblies, productions, festivals and community events. They share their music with audiences in a range of settings, from local care homes and the Ashley Centre in Epsom to prestigious venues such as Battersea Arts Centre, while also achieving success at local music festivals.
These experiences help children develop confidence, stage presence and the excitement of performing for others.
A Lifelong Love of Music
Above all, music at Chinthurst is inclusive, ambitious and full of enjoyment. Whether a child is taking their first musical steps or developing an exceptional talent, we provide the encouragement, opportunities and inspiration for every child to flourish, express themselves creatively and develop a lasting appreciation of music.
