Benjamin Britten Academy of Music & Mathematics

Welcome

The Benjamin Britten Specialist Music Programme is open to young people with an aptitude for music and who are keen to develop as well-rounded musicians.

Once successful at audition, scholars benefit from fully-funded, twice weekly instrumental tuition with some of the region's best music teachers. Most will study an instrument or discipline in the tradition of the RSL Awards, Trinity, or ABRASM boards. Music examinations are fully funded by the school. Scholars are welcome to develop their skills in two instruments of their choice.

In the lower school, music education continues in the classroom. In addition to fortnightly taught music lessons and Year 7 choir, specialist music scholars receive additional seventy-five-minute music lessons in Years 8 & 9. These sessions focus on developing aural and ensemble skills and music technology knowledge. Scholars are strongly encouraged to participate in the school orchestra, bands, choirs and masterclasses.

In the upper school, music education continues through Edugas GCSE music. For the traditionally trained scholars’ work, we offer professional musicians and instrumental teachers for recording purposes. For scholars interested in music technology, we provide GarageBand and Sibelius software to record compositions.

Top achievers and scholars with full commitment to music studies, will experience a fully financed trip to summer schools featuring Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Chetham’s School of Music. These prestigious music schools provide masterclasses with professional musicians to inspire a lifetime of the love of music.

Miss Juganzon
Leader of Specialist Music Programme  

Orchestra

Scholars have an opportunity to perform via an exclusive programme at the UK's top music schools twice a year, such as the Royal Academy of Music and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, alongside professional musicians and other young musicians. There are only fifteen available spaces for this prestigious programme.

Singers

All singers will have the opportunity to join the Benjamin Britten Choir with the potential to upgrade to Elite Harmony Group to represent the school at the Awards Ceremonies, Norfolk County Music Festival, and National Choral Competition and will play a significant role in the school’s performing arts life.

Pop & Rock

Prospective scholars are expected to audition for Benjamin Britten school bands, attend lunchtime ensemble rehearsals, contribute to the schools’ performing arts life and participate in the lunchtime concerts.

Specialist Music Programme Trips

Our gifted music scholars will have a chance to explore music performed by a professional orchestra in the Royal Albert Hall and attend Musical Theatre performances and masterclasses in their chosen discipline.

Studio Recording

Every young musician enrolled on our specialist music programme will contribute to the final Key Stage 3 studio recording, where all disciplines will unite to create a unique arrangement performed and recorded at the Abbey Road Studio (brass, woodwind, strings, keyboards, rock and pop musicians, Elite Harmony Group singers).

Year 7

Throughout the year, young musicians focus on developing their instrumental and vocal confidence and technique, with their instrumental or singing tutor, with the aim of completing their RSL, Trinity or ABRSM exams.

Year 8

Throughout the year, in addition to their instrumental tuition, young musicians will attend weekly ensemble rehearsals within their chosen discipline to build competence in ensemble playing to prepare for both the studio recording and to continue their RSL, Trinity or ABRSM exams.

Year 9

Throughout the year, all disciplines unite through weekly ensemble rehearsals in addition to their other musical commitment, rehearsing alongside each other in preparation for the professional recording at the Abbey Road Studios.

Ensembles

• Strings
• Woodwind and brass
• Keyboard/accompaniment
• Singing ensembles
• Guitar ensemble
• Pop and rock bands

How to apply

1. Submit an online application ensuring you have named Benjamin Britten as an option.
2. Complete the supplementary information form available on the Benjamin Britten website.
3. Scholars will be invited to audition. Scholars must prepare a piece on the instrument of their choice. Please provide sheet music or a backing track on a USB stick if appropriate.
   Scholars will be tested on their musical aptitude through the following exercises: -
   • Rhythmical call & response
   • Acapella singing call & response
   • Aural recognition of major/minor chords

Students are welcome and encouraged to provide a mini-biography of their current musical achievements.