Sounds good

Music is for all. It crosses all language barriers and can be enjoyed by all students in different ways. We seek to inspire, challenge and support our students to reach their musical potential as well as developing an appreciation of a wide variety of musical genres.

The Music Department at BSB is an extremely busy one. Due to the large number of instrumental teachers as well as the dedication and commitment of all our music staff, we are able to offer an extensive extra-curricular music programme.

Instrumental Lessons

Some 400 individual lessons are given each week by nearly 30 visiting specialist instrument teachers and the School is the largest Associated Board centre in Europe as well as a major centre for contemporary Rock School examinations, with students regularly achieving an examination pass rate of 100%. Lessons are usually 30 minutes but longer lessons can be arranged and may sometimes be recommended.

Extra-curricular activities

In addition to individual instrumental lessons, BSB is proud of its ensemble work, which takes place during lunch times and after School. We cater for all instruments and abilities, and currently run approximately twenty instrumental ensembles and three choirs, which all rehearse on a weekly basis. The groups create an opportunity to develop the essential skill of ensemble playing, leading to better all-round musicianship and a deeper understanding of music. Places for concert band, concert strings and orchestra are allocated by audition.

Music groups currently available at BSB:

• Orchestra (Grade 5+)
• Concert Strings (Grade 3+)
• Concert Band (Grade 3+)
• Intermediate Strings (beginner – Grade 3)
• Intermediate Wind band (beginner – Grade 3)
• Choirs (Senior, Staff, KS3 & Primary)
• Flute Ensemble
• Guitar Group (Primary and Secondary)
• Percussion Group
• African Drumming
• Clarinet group

Public Music Exams

Most students benefit from the achievement of particular goals. The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music offers a series of examinations from Grades 1 to 8 for which students may be entered if it seems appropriate. Practical and theory exams are held regularly at BSB throughout the year. We are also an examination centre for the contemporary Rock School.

AB (Associated Board)

Examination Sessions:
As one of the largest European centres for Associated Board examinations, BSB hosts 3 examination sessions each academic year, enabling our students to sit both theory and practical exams in School.

Pass Rates:
We frequently achieve a 100% pass rate, with many students achieving merits and distinctions.

Support for Exams:
Accompanists - students are offered the opportunity to have several rehearsals with their accompanist prior to the examination in order to prepare them fully for their performance Aurals - additional support for aural tests is also offered for most exam sessions to give students the very best chance of success in all aspects of the exam

Rock School

As the popularity of contemporary instruments such as guitar, electric bass and drums has exploded in recent years, we are pleased to be an exam centre for Rockschool examinations. This has enabled both individuals and contemporary bands to receive accreditation by following a graded system of examinations in the same way as our classical musicians get accreditation from the Associated Board.

Pass rates: 100% with the majority of students gaining merits and distinctions.