Our pupils must display creativity, be driven, enthusiastic and resilient in order to maximise
their potential on the course.
The curriculum covers three broad interdisciplinary areas of learning: live performance skills, songwriting and composition, and music production. Pupils on the course are taught by industry musicians, who are actively working in the business.
Pupils on the course are taught in their respective years for most classes, such as music production and music theory. However, all pupils on the course are taught as a collective for some classes, for example, live performance skills and songwriters’ circle.
Every year the pupils on the Commercial Music Course perform an external Showcase. Previous venues have included: the 606 Club, Pizza Express Live, Holborn and Bush Hall. Throughout the year pupils on the course have frequent opportunities to perform in Acoustic Nights and in-house showcases.
Course Summary
Practical musicianship constitutes a large proportion of the course and there are opportunities throughout the School to collaborate with some of the other vocational departments. The creative aspect of the Commercial Music course allows pupils to write original material, create their own arrangements and write for commissions.
Classes on the course are supplemented by master classes given by visiting industry professionals. These have included: Frank Turner (singer/songwriter), Claire Martin OBE (BBC 3 – The Jazz Lineup), Juliet Russell (The Voice), Lindy Robins, Steve Robson, Fraser MacColl (Jungle), Ella Henderson. Industry professionals attend many of the showcase events.
Graduates of this course have forged successful careers in the industry as professional producers, songwriters and singers. Many of our students decide to continue their studies at higher education institutes including LIPA, ICMP, Leeds Conservatoire, Royal Northern College of Music, Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, Berklee College of Music.
Course Structure
All pupils on the course are entitled to two peripatetic music lessons a week. One of which must be on the pupil’s primary instrument/voice.
Over the two years, pupils on the course will undertake classes in:
• Song writing skills and techniques
• Rehearsal protocol and performance skills
• Recording and production
• Portfolio preparation
• Theory and aural training
• Popular music genre studies
• The music industry
• Vocal and instrumental development
• Fitness, movement and wellbeing
Fees & Funding
The School offers Scholarships for the Performance Foundation, Musical Theatre, Acting and Commercial Music Courses and Music & Dance Scheme and Dance & Drama Awards for Dancers.
Find Out More
Rupert Gardner BA (Hons), PGCE | Director of Music
Please get in contact if you have any queries regarding our sixth form commercial music course.