Downe House extends scholarships to recognise more young musicians

Downe House school has widened its music scholarship programme in response to the thriving success of its music department.

The new awards are part of a long-term strategy to offer specialist support to a wider range of talented young musicians.

The department now employs nine full-time members of staff, including British choral composer and conductor, Bob Chilcott.

The extended awards include a music scholarship open to all years; the Chilcott Choral Scholarship, a unique award for over 14s named after Mr Chilcott; an Organ Scholarship open to over 16s and a separate Organ Award open to all years.

"We are really excited to have widened our music scholarships offering," said director of music, Dr Charlotte Exon. "This is really about recognising the incredible musical talent of young people today, but on a broader level.

"The organ scholarships in particular will give our students the opportunity to take on the identity and confidence of an organ scholar in their own right.

"We are also delighted to be offering the Chilcott Choral Scholarship," she added. "Bob Chilcott takes a special interest in these young scholars, with individual mentoring and an array of performance opportunities. This award will really open doors for them in the musical world."

Each music scholar is allocated their own mentor, who they work closely with on developing their personal targets and exploring the wider spectrum of available musical opportunities.

Specialist enrichment programmes at school include opportunities to perform in the school's chapel.

External opportunities range from concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Opera House participating in masterclasses and jazz workshops. Organ and choral scholarships also include optional scholarship mentoring for Oxbridge.

"Being a music award holder at Downe House is an honour, but it is also an exhilarating adventure," added Dr Exon.

"Our scholars demonstrate musical leadership across the whole school community. They perform as soloists and in chamber groups, and they are also members of our instrumental and vocal ensembles."

You can find out more about the music scholarships on offer here - https://www.downehouse.net/downe-house-admissions/scholarship-programme/