Music

For pupils who strive to excel in music as part of a rounded education, Uppingham offers the best music provision of any non-specialist music school in the country.

Music is quite simply a way of life at Uppingham. For any pupil with a passion for music, in any form – whether jazz or classical, polyphony or hip-hop – we offer boundless inspiration, opportunity and encouragement. We celebrate and support individual excellence and mass participation – catering to the musical ambitions and abilities of all pupils.

Throughout its history, Uppingham has been associated with music-making pioneers – and that spirt of adventure and vitality is sustained today by our internationally renowned director of music and our inspirational teaching team of professional musicians. Their work is enriched and extended by visiting world-class performers who support our wide-ranging programme of masterclasses and workshops.

Our pupils have access to no fewer than three music schools, equipped with state-of-the art music technology and professional-quality performance spaces. Music-making runs through the whole community at Uppingham. Everyone who plays an instrument is encouraged to take a full part in group music-making, whether as part of major ensembles or orchestras, or in specialist groups such as the bagpipe band, percussion ensemble, guitar ensemble or wind quintet.

Pupils have a vast range of performance opportunities at all levels, from concerto concerts, lunchtime concerts and recital competitions in school, to performances further afield at prestigious venues such as Trinity College, Cambridge, the Royal Albert Hall and The Cathedral of St John The Divine, New York.

In every musical endeavour, we challenge pupils to develop independence and self-discipline; to explore their own artistic identities. Our pupil-led orchestras, bands, ensembles and choirs stage regular professional-calibre performances, which never fail to leave audiences stunned by their quality and virtuosity.

We nurture and develop talented individuals through our musical scholarship scheme, which attracts candidates from the UK’s foremost choir schools. Many pupils progress to Oxbridge scholarships or specialised study at conservatoires, and go on to various music careers.

Uppingham School is accredited by the Royal College of Organists (RCO), where we work in collaboration with the RCO to develop and innovate teaching methods in order to maintain the highest standards of organ playing and choral direction.

Past Concerts and Events