Music
Music at Kingston Grammar School is inclusive, ambitious and designed to inspire a lifelong love of music. Whether your child is a beginner or an accomplished musician, we offer practical, creative and performance-led experiences that allow every student to flourish.
Music at KGS extends far beyond the classroom.
No prior experience is required to take part in music at KGS. Many students begin a new instrument or join an ensemble for the first time when they arrive, supported by specialist staff and a welcoming, inclusive culture that encourages confidence and progress.
With a wide range of ensembles, choirs and clubs, every student can find a place to develop their musical interests, build confidence and perform regularly.
Ensembles and clubs
Our ensembles include:
- Symphony Orchestra
- Junior Symphony Orchestra
- Jazz Orchestra
- Concert Band
- Brass Ensemble
- Flute Group
- Junior and Senior Guitar Groups
- Junior and Senior Choirs
- Pop and Jazz Club
- Drum Club
- Music Technology Club
…and many more.
Students may join groups as soon as they feel ready. Many go on to perform in regional or national orchestras or study at junior conservatoires.
Choirs and the Choral Society
Choral singing flourishes at KGS. Our choirs include the Senior Choir, Senior Chamber Choir, Junior Choir and Junior Chamber Choir, alongside smaller ensembles and student-led harmony groups.
The KGS Choral Society, founded in 1981, brings together students, parents, staff, and friends of the School each Spring to perform major choral works. Past performances have included Verdi’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, and Haydn’s Creation.
Instrumental lessons
We offer individual tuition on all orchestral instruments, as well as piano, voice, saxophone, guitar (acoustic, electric and bass) and drums. Lessons are taught by a team of 22 experienced visiting music teachers, and instruments are available for hire.
Concerts, performances and enrichment
Performance is central to musical life at KGS. Students of all abilities are encouraged to share their music at events ranging from small informal concerts to large-scale productions.
Highlights of the year include:
- Autumn Concert
- Spring Concert
- Choral Society Concert (external venue)
- Jazz and Contemporary Music Night
- House Music Competition
We also welcome visiting professional musicians for concerts and workshops. Recent guests have included The Maggini Quartet, Roderick Williams, Voces8 and The Josephine Davies Quartet.
Our musicians enjoy regular trips to concerts and operas in London, as well as international tours. Recent destinations include Salzburg, Rome and Venice, with previous tours to Germany, Spain, Malta, the Czech Republic and France.
