Music at Hazlegrove

The early years of education are the ideal time to instil a love of music and the arts. With expert staff and resources for instrument and singing lessons, as well as a dance studio and theatre, Hazlegrove provides the perfect stage for your young performer.

The purpose-built music department has teaching and practice rooms and a large, well-equipped classroom. We also have a fantastic theatre which is used on a regular basis for concerts.

Children are encouraged to take up an instrument from an early age and there are many opportunities to perform in our regular Friday concerts. The Music Department is vibrant and busy. Ensembles include our Hazlegrove Voices, Swing Band, Senior and Junior Strings, Percussion Ensemble, Wind Band, Rock and Pop Sessions, Recorder Group and Chimes. Most of the children follow the trinity or ABRSM exam syllabus and, where appropriate, are prepared for the ABRSM Grade 5 Theory examination and for music scholarship auditions at senior schools.

Class music is taught from Nursery to Year 8. Our new curriculum encourages children to think creatively when exploring different musical styles, developing their knowledge, a greater understanding of music in the wider world and an interest in new sounds and ideas as they move up through the school. Singing in a choir is a part of the timetable from Years 3 to 6, and every child is encouraged to take up a musical instrument during their time at the school.

Music is under the inspirational direction of Mrs Nicola Sclater. 

Nicola attended The Lady Eleanor Holles School as a music scholar. She went on to study for a BA (Mus) and a PGCE at The University of Bristol. During this time Nicola played her violin and her saxophone in a variety of orchestras, jazz bands and a string ensembles, performing at venues such as The Royal Festival Hall and Eton College.

Over the last 20 years Nicola has had extensive experience both in the classroom and as an instrumental music teacher. Her roles include Head of Music, a teacher of Years 7 to 13 and a peripatetic violin, piano and music theory teacher. This varied experience has given her a valuable insight in to all aspects of a successful Music Department. 

It is a real privilege to lead our team of talented music teachers to inspire and realise the potential of all the children. Hazlegrove is an exceptional school with happy, enthusiastic pupils and a thriving music department.

Mrs Sclater - Head of Music

Individual Music Tuition

We have an excellent team of highly skilled, professional teachers and offer tuition on the following instruments:

Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Guitar, Harp, Trumpet, Cornet, French Horn, Euphonium, Trombone, Tuba, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Drum-kit, Tuned Percussion and Singing. 

Our teacher page gives you information on the breadth of expertise we have to offer in order to support and nurture your child in their musical development.

...our socks were knocked off by the impromptu marimba recital the head asked a boy to perform when we happened upon him jamming with a couple of other pupils in the music department.

The Good Schools Guide

Scholarships

Many of our pupils go on to achieve music scholarships to independent senior schools including Wells Cathedral School, Bryanston, Downside, Eton, King’s Bruton, King’s Taunton, Marlborough, Millfield, Sherborne and Winchester.

Music often contributes to the many All-Rounder awards gained by our Year 8 pupils. For a full list of all scholarships and awards earned at 13+ in recent years, please visit the Scholarship Success page.