Music Scholarships

Download a pdf our of Scholarships brochure and Scholarship Application Form

Loretto offers its music scholars unparalleled opportunities and a unique, tailor-made musical education.The combination of a small school with fine music facilities, highly experienced staff, a flexible approach, a long school day and a strong musical ethos makes studying music at Loretto particularly attractive.

Scholars' programme

Music scholars at Loretto come from many different backgrounds and we always take a flexible and imaginative approach to their tuition. Some of our pupils are advanced instrumentalists, others are exceptional singers and former cathedral Head Choristers. Each scholar brings with them their own skills, interests and areas of expertise. We pride ourselves on tailoring a completely bespoke set of opportunities to each pupil based on the individual's needs. There is no "one size fits all" approach at Loretto. Indeed, the opportunities are almost endless, with chamber music, choirs, regular chapel services and concerts every week.

A creative department thrives on originality, ingenuity and initiative.These are the key words in the day-to-day life of the Music Department and many pupils have taken opportunities beyond what they could ever have imagined. Solo performing to an audience of 500 is regularly done by our top musicians, so too is choral conducting and sectional rehearsing. With help from the Music Technology students, scholars are able to record their own CDs in either the chapel, concert hall or our state-of-the-art recording studio.

Scholars are set targets by the department in consultation with themselves and their parents. Targets could include membership of the choirs, concert band and chamber ensembles, as well as exams and solo performance opportunities. In addition, scholars are expected to lead the way in setting levels of performance within their own year, and to which their peers can aspire.

Audiences far and wide

We know that performing concerts and touring away from School is great fun and helps us build strong musical teams. In recent years the Senior Choir has toured Barcelona (2006) and Italy (2008). In November 2005 the School chamber ensemble performed in the Royal Albert Hall as part of the Schools Proms, after being nominated an outstanding performance award. Each year we undertake a tour to the North of England with our top musicians to perform in Cathedrals and Prep schools. In November 2008 we performed in York Minster and Ripon Cathedral. Other opportunities include an annual trip to the Moray Piano Competition and regular concerts at the Town House in Haddington.

Pupils and parents are struck by the enormous variety of music performed.Each year music is performed for over sixty occasions; from chapel services to regular musicals, from scholars' concerts to music for social functions. Pupils also put on their own musical events, with support from music staff.

Expectations

Expectations are high, and scholars achieve top grades. In addition many pupils use the academic time to improve their theory, with pupils regularly taking music theory grades 7 and 8 (Associated Board of the Royal School of Music).

Experienced staff and visiting artists

Loretto taps into the wealth of professional music teachers in Edinburgh to ensure a team of highly experienced music staff. There are currently twenty-two instrumental staff, including four piano teachers and three singing teachers.All the major instruments are taught as well as the clarsach, and piping.

Academic teaching is undertaken by the Director of Music and two further staff. Each year we have a number of visiting musicians. There is an annual three day residency by an Associated Board examiner who provides advice, master classes and individual mock exams for our candidates at grade 5 and above. Other visiting artists include pianists, composers and choral directors.

Assessments

The scholarship exam lasts approximately one hour. Candidates will be expected to perform two pieces on their first instrument.There is an optional performance on second study, sight reading, aural tests and verbal interview. Candidates should be prepared to sing. At the formal part of the interview candidates should be prepared to sell themselves. Furthermore, if candidates have any particular strengths outwith the formal requirements (jazz piano, memorising, choral music, etc) then they will be given an opportunity to showcase them.This is by no means mandatory but it does help to highlight areas in which the School may be able to develop the unique talents of the candidate.

The expectation of level of performance should be at least that of grade 4 on first instrument for entry into Third Form or grade 6 for entry into Sixth Form. Evidence of a pass at grade 5 theory is strongly recommended for entry as a scholar into Sixth Form.There is a 45 minute written paper for those without grade 5 theory. Some of our scholars arrive having already completed grade 8 on their first study.

Katy Thomson, Sixth Form Music Scholar

"When I joined Loretto little did I know that I would soon be touring Scotland, England and Spain (singing solo in Barcelona and Girona Cathedrals), singing to over 250 pupils my own age, playing and singing, twice, in the Royal Albert Hall. "The experiences I have had, thanks to the support of the School and my friends here, will stay with me throughout life. It is this support, and all the positive memories that come with it, that has led me on to win the UK Rotary Club Young Musician of the Year 2007, and to compete in the Edinburgh Competition Festival 2006 where I won the Oratorio Class and the Sheena McNeil Medal for English Speech and Song. The School suggested that I audition for the National Youth Choir of Scotland where I was accepted (despite being below the minimum required age) - I have learned so much and have enjoyed every minute of it!"