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Prospectus

Chetham’s School of Music, Long Millgate, Manchester M3 1SB

T: 0161 834 9644 F: 0161 839 3609 E: chets@chethams.com

www.chethams.com

Registered Charity Number 526702

With just under 300 students, aged eight to 18, Chetham’s is the largest specialist Music School in the UK and the only Music School based in the North of England. In the heart of Manchester, our vibrant cosmopolitan city centre location complements a dynamic music programme - we regularly collaborate with the city’s leading cultural venues on a range of projects and initiatives, to present exciting opportunities for our students.

About Chetham’s 4

Welcome 5

History of Chetham’s 6

At home in Manchester 9

What Chetham’s offers 10

The Music Programme 12

Overview 13

Keyboard 19

Strings 21

Woodwind, Brass and Percussion 23

Voice 25

Composition and Contemporary Music 27

Jazz 29

Music Technology 31

Academic Music 31

Accompanists 31

Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra 33

Choristers 34

Academic Study 38

Pastoral Care 42

Life after Chetham’s 47

Applications 48

Entry requirements 49

How to Apply 50

Fees and Financial Assistance 54

How to find us 60

Further information

Fees See insert

Exam Results See insert

Staff list See insert

Application forms See insert

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Welcome…

The thriving creative community here at Chetham’s involves just under 300 students aged eight to 18 where the common passion is music. Entry to the School is based solely on musical ability and potential, not background or ability to pay, thanks to generous bursaries awarded from the Government. This common bond of musical passion, together with our accessibility, makes for a truly inspirational place, which in turn transforms all our lives.

For me, as Head of Chetham’s, this magic is the result of the many different qualities that permeate the fabric of our School: the warm and welcoming atmosphere, the daily creative buzz, high academic standards, Chetham’s history and heritage, our state-of-the-art new School Building, the city of Manchester as a cosmopolitan location, our many different backgrounds and personalities – and, of course, the music.

Chetham’s is the largest specialist Music School in the UK and is the only one based in the North of England. The School is also a national and international resource for music education - welcoming teachers, professional instrumentalists, music practioners, community groups, school children and other young musicians, both experienced and novices, to come together and make music with our students and staff. Our network of partnerships and friendships with professional orchestras and organisations extends across the music industry, and our alumni populate orchestras and ensembles all over the world.

Ultimately, your own personal experience of Chetham’s will be key in deciding whether Chetham’s is for you – the prospectus is just the start of a process of discovery and, for many fine musicians, marks the beginning of an exciting relationship which will enable them to develop and grow in the most creative and imaginative way.

Claire Moreland Head

“Chetham’s School of Music is the UK’s leading music school and a cultural gem that the whole country should be proud of.”Richard Morrison, Chief Cultural Writer, The Times

About Chetham’s l 5

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Chetham’s: A Modern Institution with a Medieval History

A School for “forty poor boys” and a Library were founded in 1653 in Manchester, when they were established under the will of Humphrey Chetham (1580 - 1653), a prosperous Lancashire cloth merchant, banker and landowner.

The oldest building that houses Chetham’s pre-dates the foundation of the School and Library. It was built in 1421 to accommodate the clergy of what is now Manchester Cathedral and remains one of the most complete medieval domestic complexes to survive in England.

For nearly 300 years, Chetham’s remained a bluecoat school with boys wearing traditional tudor dress. However, the 20th century brought about huge expansion in educational opportunity to Manchester, and by the 1950s and 1960s, Chetham’s had gained a strong reputation for music education, owing to a dedicated group of teachers who were very keen on music being an integral part of the boys’ education. This culture of music was reinforced all around, in a city where institutions such as the Hallé and BBC Philharmonic orchestras, and the city’s music colleges (later amalgamated into the RNCM), were well established.

In 1969, building on the School’s growing musical reputation, a bold and far-reaching decision was taken to change Chetham’s from a boys’ Grammar School to a co-educational boarding specialist Music School. Today, over 40 years later, Chetham’s is a national resource for music education, offering an exciting and dynamic musical programme for students around the country and all over the world.

A unique hallmark of Chetham’s School of Music is its historic setting, and its fundamental links with Chetham’s Library – the oldest public Library in the English-speaking world. Chetham’s Library has now been in continuous use by the public for over 350 years and the strength and breadth of its collections, coupled with its rich history, ensures that it continues to be both a significant centre for study and research and a deservedly popular destination for visitors to the region.

Chetham’s provides opportunities to find out more about its fascinating history and heritage at many events throughout the year. Visit the events section on our website www.chethams.com for more details.

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Manchester has it all

A rich musical heritage has earned Manchester a worldwide reputation for musical innovation and fame in both the areas of classical and popular music. The city is home to three professional orchestras: the BBC Philharmonic, Manchester Camerata and the Hallé Orchestra - Britain’s longest established symphony orchestra, which was founded in Manchester by Sir Charles Hallé in 1858. The city hosts an abundance of live classical music events thanks to venues such as The Bridgewater Hall, the Royal Northern College of Music and of course Chetham’s own performance spaces including The Carole Nash Hall, Whiteley Hall and the medieval Baronial Hall.

Manchester’s musical tradition thrives within the popular music scene, with bands including Oasis, The Smiths, The Stone Roses and Take That to its acclaim. Manchester also has a vibrant jazz scene which includes live music venues such as Band on the Wall and Matt and Phreds, as well as the annual Manchester Jazz Festival.

The city has one of the largest student populations in Europe and is home to the Royal Northern College of Music, The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, and many students continue to live in the city after graduation.

If you like culture, you’ll love Manchester - many of the UK’s leading theatres, art galleries and musical performance venues are here. The Manchester International Festival was launched in 2007 and is the world’s first international festival of original and new work. Many of the festival’s productions and events premiere in the city before touring to other destinations, such as Paris, New York and Berlin, and Chetham’s is proud of its links with the festival.

The excellent shopping in Manchester contributes to the city’s cosmopolitan vibe, from high street stores and designer retailers to the independent circle of shops in the Northern Quarter, and there is a wide array of cafe bars and restaurants to choose from too.

Manchester’s international appeal as a city break destination is constantly growing and excellent transport links make the city easily accessible - Manchester Airport is one the world’s principal airports and connects the North of England with global destinations.

Find out more about Manchester at www.visitmanchester.com

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Overview

Chetham’s School of Music offers…

A dynamic and exciting music programme

with an enormous breadth and depth of musical opportunity which equips young musicians with the skills they need to thrive and excel, all under one roof.

An outstanding academic record

with academic staff and curriculum timetabling to support the students to achieve exceptional results.

A creative and nurturing environment

with a robust pastoral care infrastructure to enable students to be happy and healthy.

State-of-the-art facilities

through our purpose-built new School Building, opened in October 2012, which has over 100 music rooms to enhance musical study and performance.

Generous means-tested bursaries

through the Government’s Music and Dance Scheme which allows musical potential to be the only criterion for entry into the School.

Through our music programme, Chetham’s students grow not only into outstanding musicians, they also become caring, receptive, and considerate young adults with the power to enrich other people’s lives through their music-making.

Stephen Threlfall Director of Music

With talent and passion comes dedication and over a third of our timetable is devoted to musical study. The music programme is individually tailored, dynamic and gives students the passport to explore a wealth of musical opportunities within the new facilities and through performances, workshops and masterclasses.

The key areas of the music programme include:

Instrumental tuition

•Allstudentshaveaprincipalstudyinstrumentwithtwoindividuallessons a week. Students usually have a second study instrument and benefit from one further lesson in this.

• Studentscanexpecttostudymusicformorethanthreehoursadaypluspractice time. Individual practice is scheduled up until the Sixth Form.

•Allstudentsareassignedanaccompanistwithwhomtheyworkonindividual repertoire throughout their time at Chetham’s.

•Assessmentsareheldtwiceayearbyexternalexaminers,presentingthe opportunity for each student, their tutor and the Head of Department to review progress together and offer encouragement, guidance and advice.

Chamber music, orchestral training and choral work

• Ensemblemusic-makingoccursthroughthe20largeensembles,numerous chamber groups and six choirs.

• EnsemblesincludeChetham’sSymphonyOrchestra,Chetham’sChamber Choir, Big Band, Chetham’s String Orchestra, Saxophone Choir, Jazz Ensembles, Baroque Ensembles, Mixed Chamber Ensembles, String Quartets, Duos and Trios, Vocal Ensembles.

• Theever-popular‘MusicCourse’takesplacethreetimesayearwhenstudents focus solely on ensemble music-making for seven to 10 days, culminating in a series of exciting performances at leading national venues and events such as the Lichfield and Cheltenham Festivals, the Barbican, the BBC Proms and Wigmore Hall, London.

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Music performance

Students receive countless opportunities to perform as soloist or in chamber and large ensembles, helping to develop confidence and stage presence.

• Internalperformanceclassesandmasterclassesallowstudentsto share valuable knowledge on aspects of their playing and musicianship.

• LunchtimeconcertshappeneverydayattheSchoolinterm-time.

•ConcertopportunitiesaregivenoutsidetheSchoolformusicsocieties, community organisations and a number of high profile venues and festivals across the country and overseas.

• StudentsgiveperformancesatleadingmusicvenuesinLondonat the Royal Festival Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, Cadogan Hall, as well as at Selby Abbey and The Bridgewater Hall; many of these concerts have been broadcast on BBC Radio and Classic FM.

Music in the community and Outreach

Music is a fantastic communicator and we teach our students important skills to share their music-making with others.

• Studentslearntheseessentialskillsthroughourinstrumentaloutreach days, guided by Chetham’s staff and visiting experts.

• Studentsparticipateinlarge-scalecommunityprojectsinvolvingmusicians from local authorities, schools and community groups.

• ThroughourCommunityMusicprogramme,studentsvisitresidential care homes and special needs schools to enrich the lives of others whose access to music may be limited.

• TheSchoolbringstogetheradultamateurs,promisingchildrenandobservers with international artists and professional music teachers from around the world in the International Piano Summer School.

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Partnerships and working with professionals

Chetham’s benefits from national and international links with highly respected musicians, organisations and institutions, which means that the students receive opportunities to work with leading musicians from across the world.

•MasterclassesaregivenbyleadingmusicianssuchasStephenHough, Henning Kraggerud, Richard Watkins, Emily Beynon and Rex Richardson.

• SomeofthegreatestconductorsofourtimeworkwithChetham’sSymphony Orchestra, including Sir Mark Elder, Jac Van Steen and Yan Pascal Tortelier.

• Performanceandcommercialrecordingpartnershipshavetakenplace with the Gabrieli Consort & Players and The Bach Choir, with a range of national and local broadcasters including BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.

Developing musicianship

Other key areas of the music programme include: aural training, choral work, academic study and research, improvisation, composition, music technology and music therapy.

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Eleanor Kornas

Eleanor began her musical studies at the age of five

and joined Chetham’s as a nine-year-old pianist, before

learning the organ at 14. Eleanor has travelled all over the

UK and to parts of Europe with her music, performing

as a soloist with Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra and

within Chetham’s Chamber Choir at the BBC Proms. She

was awarded the title of Associate of the Royal College

of Organists (ARCO) and was elected to join Trinity

College, Cambridge, as their Organ Scholar to read

music from September 2012.

“Chetham’s has enabled me to really focus on improving my musical skills, whilst also keeping my academic studies at a high level. I have always had so much support here, especially when making my application to Cambridge two years in advance so that I could apply for the organ scholarship. I am truly grateful for the support and encouragement I have had at Chets and, although I’m excited for the next stage, I will be sorry to leave!”

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Keyboard

Piano, Jazz Piano, Organ, Harpsichord, Accordion

With over 50 principal study pianists, a team of 20 tutors and a thriving International Summer School and Festival for pianists from around the world, Chetham’s Keyboard Department represents a lively and inspiring environment in which to study. As well as intensive one-to-one tuition, the department’s programme of classes, workshops and projects is extensive, and includes improvisation, sight-reading, the Alexander Technique, keyboard skills and events such as the annual Beethoven Piano Competition. Students regularly perform at top venues, festivals and competitions both within the UK and abroad. The list of former keyboard students includes Peter Donohoe, Stephen Hough and Paul Lewis, and reads like a Who’s Who of international concert pianists!

Strings

Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, Guitar, Lute

Chetham’s thriving String Department has around 120 students and over 30 tutors. Students develop the highest international standards in technical preparation, chamber music, individual performance and overall musicianship. There are regular opportunities for performance of solo repertoire in performance workshops, lunchtime concerts and concerts outside the School.

The department’s chamber music programme is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellent and innovative work. In 2008, the department began a major collaboration with the London String Quartet Foundation, now taken over by the Wigmore Hall Learning department, to work with young string quartet players. String ensembles and orchestral training are provided from the earliest years, with experts working with students in sectionals. Throughout the year, the department invites a large number of high profile teachers and performers to lead masterclasses with students, which prove to be invaluable for the students’ learning and development. In recent years a number of string players have been finalists and prize winners at major international competitions.

Former students include Guy Johnston cello, Jennifer Pike violin (both former BBC Young Musician winners), Jiafeng Chen violin, Paul Galbraith guitar, and current student Callum Smart violin who was the BBC Young Musician String Winner 2010.

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Jacqui Martens

Born in South Africa and raised in the West Midlands,

Jacqui is from a musical family and has ambitions to

forge a career as a soloist or chamber musician in the

future. In 2012, Jacqui won the Chandos Young Musician

of the Year competition and has performed at the

Wigmore Hall with her Quartet.

“Chetham’s has given me the chance to be the best musician I can be. Being at Chets is like being part of a huge family, and I have met some amazing people here who make every effort to embrace everything that Chets offers. The opportunities I have been given here have been too amazing for words, and there is no doubt that Chets has made an enormous impact on my life, as a person and as a musician. I couldn’t think of a better place to be for an aspiring young musician.”

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Woodwind, Brass and Percussion

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Recorder, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion

Around 100 musicians study in Chetham’s Woodwind, Brass and Percussion Department. In addition to the development of an individual secure technique, there is the opportunity to experience a broad variety of music-making alongside core classical training. We value keeping the students’ musical experience as wide as possible – this is achieved through playing in various ensembles such as Brass and Woodwind Chamber Music Ensembles, Percussion Ensembles, Wind Orchestra, Brass Band, Big Band, Chamber and Symphony Orchestra, plus improvisation sessions. Former students include Adam Walker flute, Lynsey Marsh clarinet, Ruth Dyson recorder, Angela Barnes french horn, David Thornton euphonium, Katy Jones trombone, Andrew Nicholson flute, Wissam Boustany flute, Katherine Spencer clarinet, Ursula Leveaux bassoon, Peter Smith tuba and Neil Percy percussion.

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Eleanor Doddford

Coming from a non-musical family, Eleanor was inspired

to play the oboe at the age of seven when a woodwind

chamber ensemble played in her primary school, and

she went on to begin lessons at the age of eight. She

joined Chetham’s at 11 which led to opportunities such

as performing a concerto and performing with the

National Youth Orchestra.

“I first came to Chetham’s aged 11, and, after my first day, I knew that it was the right place for me. I was overwhelmed by the friendly atmosphere created by my peers and staff. I’ve always had a passion for music, and Chetham’s has nurtured this and enabled it to grow. I truly believe that without the support and encouragement of both the students and staff at Chetham’s, I would not be at the level that I’m at now.”

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Voice

Principal study singers are welcomed at Lower Sixth Form level and occasionally earlier, depending on potential shown at audition. Singers attend performance classes each week as well as their individual lessons. Additional sessions are given through workshops in performance, language skills, repertoire, drama, movement, communication, vocal and close harmony ensembles. The vocal students enjoy masterclasses from a range of eminent artists who have included Emma Kirkby, Louise Winter and the renowned Lieder accompanist Roger Vignoles. All vocal students are members of the Chetham’s Chamber Choir, which has made a number of recordings and has appeared twice at the BBC Proms. Students also have the opportunity to perform as soloists in Lunchtime, Choral and Big Band Concerts, plus at the regular Opera Extracts and Singers’ Concerts in Chetham’s Baronial Hall.

Former students include Ruby Hughes, Marcus Farnsworth, Jon Christos and Kitty Whately.

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Katie Jeffries-Harris

Katie is from a non-musical background but was

encouraged to join a community choir at a young age.

She has sung with the National Youth Choir and found

out about Chetham’s through her singing teacher. Since

joining Chetham’s, Katie has enjoyed a huge range

of musical and personal development opportunities,

including the chance to work with Opera Directors at the

School and to sing at the Royal Festival Hall.

“Being at Chets has so far been an amazing and positive experience. The main thing though, is the fact that I am surrounded by so many talented musicians who I am able to call my friends! Chets has become a second home for me. It has allowed me to flourish both musically and academically. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience so far and can’t wait to see where else the future will take me!”

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Composition and Contemporary Music

Composition may be chosen as a first or additional study. Composers at Chetham’s follow an exciting and diverse programme and are encouraged to develop a personal style whilst studying a wide range of composition techniques. Individual tuition is supplemented by seminars and workshops, as well as the opportunity to use the School’s sophisticated music technology facilities. There are many opportunities to perform student works, including chamber and orchestral music, through the regular composers’ concerts and in other events both within school and externally. Chetham’s composers are regular winners in major competitions and have been awarded top prizes at the BBC Proms/Guardian Young Composers’ Competition, the EPTA Composers’ Competition and the Manchester Camerata Young Composers’ Project. The department has regular visits from leading composers, including recent masterclasses with James MacMillan, Mark-Anthony Turnage and Simone Fontanelli.

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Yuanfan Yang

Pianist Yuanfan Yang achieved widespread musical

recognition when he reached the Grand Final of the BBC

Young Musician 2012 after also performing impressively

in the 2010 competition. Both times, Yuanfan wowed the

judging panel with his own compositions. He has won

prizes and awards at composers’ competitions held by

the BBC Proms, EPTA UK and the Golden Key Festival.

“Composition helps your performing career in terms of musicianship, creativity and most importantly, your enjoyment of music. For me, it’s as important to compose as it is to play. Chetham’s is the place to be for anyone who loves music and is ready to pursue it as a career. My schoolmates and I are so happy and proud to be studying at Chets.”

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Mathis Picard

Mathis enjoyed musical opportunities in France and the

USA before his family moved to the UK in 2005. He

joined Chetham’s in 2006, and since then he has had his

first composition published in the Real Book North West,

competed in the finals of the Nottingham International

Jazz Piano Competition and the Yamaha Jazz Experience

in 2010, and performed in Yamaha’s yearly jazz recording

as a soloist, launched by Jazzwise magazine. Mathis left

Chetham’s a year early after being offered a full scholarship

to begin his graduate studies at The Juilliard School of

Performing Arts in New York to continue his studies.

“Concerts, recordings, music arrangements and compositions have been part of my enjoyable daily life since I joined Chetham’s! I’ve loved studying here and music has now become a lifetime passion.”

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Jazz

Chetham’s has a thriving Jazz Department which includes two Big Bands and numerous Jazz ensembles.

Chetham’s Jazz programme accommodates both first study Jazz students and non-specialist players in developing their skills and broadening musicianship. As well as ensemble-based improvisation sessions, specialist classes are given in Jazz theory and harmony as well as aural and transcription. All trumpet, trombone, saxophone and percussion players participate in either the renowned Chetham’s Big Band or Chetham’s Jazz Orchestra. The Bands have also provided Chetham’s students with the opportunity to work with eminent jazz soloists such as Bob Mintzer, Don Lusher, Bobby Shew, Kenny Baker, Mark Nightingale, Alan Barnes, Jean Toussaint, Rex Richardson and John Dankworth. Students from the Jazz programme are regularly offered scholarships to study on leading Jazz courses at Conservatoires such as the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity College of Music in London as well as international institutions such as The Juilliard School of Performing Arts and the Manhattan School of Music in New York. Former students include the multi-award-winning jazz artist Gwilym Simcock, Jim Hart vibraphone, Simon Willescroft saxophone and John Escreet piano.

Music Technology

The Music Technology Department gives Chetham’s students exceptional opportunities to experience the world of the recording studio and to work creatively with technology.

The facilities include three digital multi-track studios with industry standard ProTools recording and editing systems, an advanced MIDI suite and an electro-acoustic music studio. The AS and A-level courses cover a full range of topics, including recording techniques, sequencing, sampling, synthesis and composition. Students study and work in a range of musical styles from Classical through to Jazz and popular music, developing skills in arranging and composing with technology.

Academic Music

The study of music as a core academic subject is central to the development of all our students. This includes training in aural skills, which are vital to all performers and composers, and a firm grounding in musical literacy through study of theory, with thorough preparation for Music GCSE and A-level examinations. Academic music classes, which include weekly choir sessions, help students understand the connection between the performing, composing and academic aspects of their programme, supporting their development as integrated all-round musicians.

Accompaniment

Whilst at Chetham’s, every instrumentalist and singer is allocated one of our full time staff piano accompanists. Students and accompanists work together to develop and perform repertoire for concerts, assessments and competitions. We believe learning to work as a duo with piano is vital, and our Accompaniment Department is a unique provision, enabling all our students to develop in this area of their musical life.

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Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra

“You get an eagerness when you listen to Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra that you don’t get when you hear a professional orchestra playing, and I urge everyone who hasn’t heard them perform to go to one of their concerts.”Roger Wright, Controller of BBC Radio 3 and Director of the Proms

Chetham’s musicians can be found in every major orchestra in the country and all over the world!

One of the key features of the music programme at Chetham’s is the opportunity to perform within the resident orchestra – Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra (CSO). Bringing together over 90 of Chetham’s students aged 14 – 18, the CSO has an outstanding reputation for its performances and enjoys a vibrant concert diary, featuring in major venues and festivals across the UK and abroad.

Students receive the opportunity to work with internationally acclaimed guest conductors including, Sir Mark Elder, Benjamin Zander, Paul McCreesh, David Hill, Paul Mann, Franz Anton Krager, Vassily Sinaisky, Jac Van Steen and Yan Pascal Tortelier.

The CSO performs three times a year as part of the integrated ‘MusicCourse’builtintothemusicprogrammeandhasavastrepertoire and list of recordings. Their concerts have been broadcast on BBC Radio 2 and 3 and Classic FM.

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Choristers

Chetham’s educates the Choristers of Manchester Cathedral and so Choristers are therefore members of both high profile institutions.

The life of a Chorister is a demanding but very rewarding one! Choristers are aged eight to 13 and will be as busy during holidays (and weekends) as they are during term-time – if not more so. Christmas and Easter are especially busy periods and parents will be expected to commit time to transporting their son/daughter between home and the Cathedral as appropriate. This is a significant commitment and parents should consider this before taking it on.

All Choristers are day students and members of Victoria House, which looks after all the eight to 13 year-old students at Chetham’s. Choristers fit in as much of the regular School day as possible. They attend most lessons and practice sessions with the other students, whilst still going to the Cathedral at set times for rehearsals. They have timetabled music lessons, as do the other students, and if they do not already play an instrument when they start at Chetham’s they will be expected to learn the piano. Choristers have homework sessions built in to their timetable during the day as they are busy at Evensong on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Applying to be a Chorister

Auditions for Manchester Cathedral Choristers are held throughout the year and applications are welcomed from anyone between the ages of eight and 10. Students remain in the Cathedral Choir until the end of Year 8, then either leave to complete their secondary education elsewhere or audition for an instrumental place at Chetham’s.

34 l The Music Programme

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Ben Taylor Davies

Ben started his musical career and education at

Chetham’s as an 11-year-old Chorister which he enjoyed

for two years before successfully auditioning to become

a first-study Double Bass player. As a Chorister, Ben

enhanced his overall musicianship and received fantastic

vocal training, which has seen him perform in the

National Youth Choir and at the BBC Proms, in addition

to the musical opportunities he gained from performing

in the Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra.

“Starting as a Chorister, I was completely immersed in music, and felt a great sense of pride being part of both Chetham’s and Manchester Cathedral. It was incredibly rewarding! I am so grateful to Chetham’s for giving me six years of excitement, a wide variety of musical experiences, and great enjoyment, which has allowed me to flourish, both as a musician and a person. I have no doubt that this has prepared me well for the years to come.”

Chorister Fees

Choristers are admitted under a scheme whereby they receive a grant from Manchester Cathedral, leaving parents or the student’s Local Authority to find the balance of School fees. The amount that parents have to pay may be significantly different from the amount they would pay under the Music and Dance Scheme, which Chetham’s administers for its students. Parents are strongly advised to contact the Cathedral early in the application process to discuss the level of Cathedral grant that may be available.

Parents deal directly with the Cathedral on financial matters but ultimately it is the parents who are responsible for paying the School fees.

Choristers are specifically excluded from the Music and Dance Scheme though there is nothing to prevent a Chorister who passes the mandatory audition subsequently joining the Scheme.

For enquires, please contact the CathedralT: +44(0)161 833 2220E: christopher.stokes@manchestercathedral.org

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Academic Study

Running alongside the music programme, Chetham’s provides an excellent academic programme and has an outstanding academic record with over 90% of students receiving A-C grades at GCSE and A-level.

Chetham’s students follow the full academic curriculum, which accounts for two-thirds of their timetable each week.

Junior Department, Years 4 – 6

• Thereare20–30students,agedeightto11years,inChetham’sJunior Department.

• Theyaretaughtbyaspecialistprimaryschoolteacherforallsubjects except Art, Music, Physical Education (PE), Drama and German, for which separate tuition is given.

• StudentsbroadlyfollowtheNationalCurriculumguidelinesinallsubjects, including Key Stage 2 testing in the final year of the Junior Department.

Lower School, Years 7 - 9

• StudentsfollowageneralcurriculumofMusic,English,Maths,Science, German, French, History, Geography, Art, PE, Religious Studies (RS) and Citizenship / Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE).

•GCSEchoicesaremadeintheSpring/earlySummertermofYear9.

Middle School, Years 10 & 11

• StudentstakesevenoreightGCSEsubjects,whichprovideasoundacademic balance to the specialist music programme.

• SubjectsatGCSEincludeMusic,English,Maths,singleordoubleScience, German, French, History, Geography, Art, Drama and RS.

• InformationandCommunicationsTechnology(ICT)isincorporatedinto the delivery of all subjects.

• PEcontinuesaspartofthetimetableandisofferedasarecreational subject.

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Sixth Form, Years 12 & 13

• StudentsstudythreeorfourAS-levelsubjects,andcontinuewitheither two or three subjects for A2-level.

• StudentsintendingtoapplyforUniversityarestronglyencouragedtotake three subjects at A2-level.

•AllGCSEsubjects,exceptRS,areofferedatAS/A2level,plusMusicTechnology. Of course, every student studies A-level Music!

• SixthFormtimetablesincludefivehoursaweekforeachacademicsubject, accompanied by Key Skills (in Year 12), PE and an individually tailored music programme.

Compensatory education

• Studentsofanyagewhohaveadditionallearningneedsaregivenspecial help, either on a one-to-one basis or in the form of in-class support.

• ThedepartmentalsoprovidesextrasupportinEnglishforinternationalstudents, which facilitates students’ integration into the British school system and prepares them for exams in English as a Foreign Language.

For recent exam results, see our additional information section.

40 l Academic Study

Boarding

Everyone who visits Chetham’s comments on the warm and friendly atmosphere, and the real sense of community within the School. ThisundoubtedlygrowsfromthefactthatChetham’sis‘home’aswellas‘school’totwo-thirdsofourstudents.

Your house, your home

If you are a boarder you will live in one of the Houses which will be your home during term-time. There are three boarding houses:

•VictoriaHouseismixedandaccommodateseightto12year-olds•Girls’Houseaccommodatesallgirlsaged13to18•Boys’Houseaccommodatesallboysaged13to18

House Parents

Every student has a House Parent who is responsible for his or her welfare and happiness, and plays the role the parent would play if the boy or girl were at home. They look after the students during term-time and are always available to sort out any problems or just for a chat. The House Parent is also the parents’ first point of contact for any issue and we encourage regular contact. Parents and friends are always welcome to visit - and we are very pleased to meet them!

At the weekend

Saturday mornings are dedicated to music – orchestral rehearsals, ensemble work or practice. Saturday afternoons and Sundays are free and younger students can enjoy a great range of activities from cookery classes to treasure hunts, whilst older students usually prefer to manage their own time with friends. On Sundays there are also opportunities for students to attend a place of worship of their own choice in Manchester. The School closes completely every third weekend and students return home to parents or guardians from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening.

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Exploring the city centre

Students get many opportunities to enjoy the culture on our doorstep. In Manchester, there is excellent shopping and numerous art galleries, cinemas, theatres and concert venues to experience. Younger students are taken out shopping by their older peers and go on trips to places of interest at the weekend.

Living at Chetham’s is a happy, busy and enjoyable experience. The overriding expectation is that you treat everyone else as you would expect to be treated yourself. We are a School which attracts students from across the UK and the world, and our students develop a natural awareness and tolerance of different views, beliefs and cultures.

“Moving away from home has helped me to become more independent and I know I have made friends for life. I love being surrounded by people who are equally passionate about music, and being able to go and listen to them perform.” Katie Jeffries-Harris

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Life after Chetham’s

Chetham’s students receive excellent music tuition and gain a strong academic background. Evidence of this is reflected in the choices that students make for their next steps.

•Overtwo-thirdsofstudentscontinuetheirmusicalstudiesatall the UK’s major conservatoires and leading international institutions.

•Aroundaquartergoontouniversity–mosttoreadMusic,but other subjects include Law, Medicine, English, Pharmacy, Languages and Engineering.

•AnumberofstudentsareacceptedintoOxbridgeeveryyear.

Former students can be found in every major orchestra in the UK and across the world, as well as in leading string quartets, wind ensembles and jazz groups. A list of some of our alumni who have places within orchestras can be found on our website.

Others have forged successful careers in areas as diverse as Medicine, Publishing, Law, Academia, International Conservation and Engineering.

You never really leave Chetham’s! Being an alumnus includes beingpartofourextended‘family’.Friendshipsandacquaintancesformed at the School are revisited through musical partnerships, employment, reunions, and also by chance! The School continually works to retain these relationships and welcomes back many musicians to ensure lasting connections. Our alumni network allows us to keep in touch with former students.

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Entry requirements

Age

Chetham’s welcomes applications from musicians, aged between eight and 18.

Musical ability

Chetham’s is looking for musical potential, which we consider to be far more significant than exam results. In the application stages, we are looking for evidence of skill, potential, passion and commitment to playing a musical instrument - grades and exam results are not essential entry requirements.

Instrument

Chetham’s welcomes applications for all instruments of principal study except electronic instruments (guitars/keyboards) and non-western instruments. We can, however, offer advice in these areas so that musical potential can be assessed, enabling the possibility of an audition on a comparable orchestral instrument or piano.

Other requirements

It is desirable for students interested in Sixth Form entry to have passed Grade 5 Theory. Please note, vocalists will only be considered for entry to the Sixth Form, unless under exceptional circumstances. We advise all applicants to be involved in a wide range of musical activities, e.g. Do you sing in your school or local choir? Do you compose or play in the local orchestra?

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How to Apply

Applying is easy – simply complete an application form and return it to us, and after that there are just two stages!

Stage One – Assessment Audition

The Assessment Audition lasts 20 – 30 minutes with the Head of the relevant Instrumental Department.

Simply prepare two contrasting pieces of music which best demonstrate your current musical ability on your principal instrument and one piece on your second instrument, if you have one. In the audition, we look for the following qualities:

•Musicianship Your ability to deal fluently with practical music issues. This may include questions on key, rhythm, dynamics and other aspects of interpretation.

•Aural awareness Your ability to understand and identify musical sounds and patterns. This will include an aural test, mainly through singing, and will include pitching intervals, short melodies, answering phrases, rhythms and simple chord recognition.

•Creativity / musicalityWelookfornatural‘spark’andspontaneity.

•Technique Your instrumental skills including awareness of quality of sound, intonation and rhythmic precision. You will also be asked to play scales at the appropriate level – if scales have not been part of your instrumental learning to date then just let us know; absence of scales does not affect applications.

•Literacy Your ability to sight-read (a short piece will be given) and your ability to understand and discuss music – we will ask you about your audition pieces.

•Musical personality and potential We highly value these qualities. We are looking for strength of character, dedication, enthusiasm, individuality and musical potential.

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After the Assessment Audition, you will receive a letter informing you whether you have been invited to stage two of the audition process. If you do not reach stage two, we can provide constructive feedback designed to help your future musical development, or possibly ask you to re-audition at a later date.

Stage Two – Main Audition

If you are offered a Main Audition, we will ask you to prepare and develop specific areas based on what we heard at the Assessment Audition. You and your parents will also meet the Head and have a tour of Chetham’s, usually given by one of the Sixth Form students. After the Main Audition, you may be offered a place at Chetham’s for the following September, or you may be held on the reserve list, or invited to re-audition at a later date. If you are not offered a place, we will be happy to provide constructive feedback designed to help your future musical development. Applying from abroad

If you live abroad and distance makes it impossible for you to visit Chetham’s for an audition, DVD and video performances are accepted, which should be accompanied by a completed application form and further information about you, including a reference from your principal study music teacher.

Although admission is purely on musical potential and there are no academic entry requirements, it is important that Chetham’s can provide a suitable course for your needs, both academically and musically. Evidence of fluency in both written and spoken English is therefore required.

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Fees and Financial Assistance

The Music and Dance Scheme

What matters at Chetham’s is talent, not background or ability to pay – 90% of students receive up to full funding from the Department for Education. This is made possible by the Government’s Music and Dance Scheme, designed to enable young, talented musicians and dancers to receive full-time education and training at a specialist school irrespective of parents’ financial means.

Am I eligible for a place on the Scheme?

To be eligible for a place on the Music and Dance Scheme, students must have been resident in the UK for at least two years preceding the 1st January of the year in which the place at Chetham’s is being taken up. Special rules apply to European Union students and UK citizens living abroad.

How much financial assistance am I eligible for?

For students who are eligible for the Music and Dance Scheme, if family income is below a certain threshold (please see separate fees sheet) then all School fees will be paid by a grant from the Government. If family income is above the threshold then parental contributions will be based on a means-tested sliding scale. Parental contributions will be adjusted each year based on any changes in family income and increases in School fees.

What is the annual procedure?

Annually (in June), parents complete a declaration of income. This includes all family income, excluding non-taxable income such as child benefit, mobility allowance etc. The Bursar, on behalf of the Government, then calculates the total family income and determines the amount of fees to be paid by parents.

Other assistance

If parents are receiving a full grant, the Music and Dance Scheme also offers support towards the cost of uniforms and if students live more than three miles from the School then support towards public transport costs at the beginning and end of term may also be available.

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Further financial assistance sources may include:

• LocalAuthorities•CharitableTrusts-locallibrariesarenormallyagoodsourceof

names of trusts•Musicians’BenevolentFund

Fee-paying students

Some students, normally those who have been living overseas, may not be eligible for financial assistance through the Music and Dance Scheme. These students are classed as fee-payers. The School has a small amount of Bursary funding available to help support these students and decisions are made each summer regarding who the School is able to support for the following year and how much funding those students will receive. Bursary funding can range from £1,000 for the year up to full fee remission (i.e. all fees paid for by the School).

Details of fees can be found in the additional information section. Overseas parents are strongly advised to contact the School early in the application process.

Acceptance and deposit fee

When a place is accepted, a £50 acceptance fee is payable. This is non-refundable and covers administration costs. When a student starts at Chetham’s, a deposit of £200 will be added to the first invoice. This will be returned to the parents when the student leaves, subject to all charges being paid. This deposit will be charged to all parents, regardless of income.

General

School fees and grants are revised every September by the Department for Education.

Payment by instalments is available through a scheme run by Close Brothers. Details are available from the Bursar.

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The Future for Chetham’s School of Music

Today, major capital developments are underway to further secure the future of Chetham’s School of Music and Chetham’s Library, transforming the Chetham’s site from a hidden gem into a national treasure. The first phase was to build a new fit-for-purpose School Building, adjacent to the medieval site, containing state-of-the-art music teaching and practice facilities, public performance spaces, a music technology suite, academic classrooms and an Outreach and community centre.

The next phases of developments include the construction of a new Concert Hall, and works to reveal the heart of Manchester’s medieval quarter to the public, exposing the site’s original medieval wall and buildings to become a visitor attraction which will be a dramatic visual addition to the cityscape of central Manchester.

More information about the capital developments and ways to get involved and support us is available on our website www.chethams.com

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How to find us

Chetham’s is situated in the heart of Manchester city centre in Cathedral Gardens, a green space in the city. Opposite the National Football Museum and in front of Manchester Victoria station, Chetham’s is within easy reach of all main train, bus and road links.

Parking Chetham’s is situated within minutes’ walk of several car parks, including the Arena car park connected to Victoria station, adjacent to Chetham’s.

Access Accessibility is very important to us at Chetham’s. For applicants with special needs, please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

By Public Transport Trains to mainline railway services across the North West operate from Victoria station, adjacent to Chetham’s. Manchester Piccadilly station is 20 minutes’ walk away. The stations are linked by the Metrolink.

The nearest tram stop is Victoria station within the city centre zone.

MANCHESTER ARENA

NATIONALFOOTBALLMUSEUM

60 l How to find us

Chetham’s School of MusicLong Millgate, Manchester M3 1SBt: 0161 834 9644e: chets@chethams.com

website: www.chethams.comtwitter: @chethamsfacebook: www.facebook.com/chethamsschoolofmusic