Music scholarships are awarded to outstanding musicians who play any instrument or sing with exceptional ability or, in the case of Year 7 applicants, those who show considerable potential.
External candidates must obtain a specialist reference from their current Head of Music in addition to a reference from their Headteacher. At the Scholarship assessment, they will be required to perform two short contrasting pieces on one or more instruments, together with aural and practical tests. There will also be an interview with the Director of Music. Successful scholars will be expected to be an ambassador for Music and its promotion in school and in the community, and will be expected to contribute significantly to the musical life at Shiplake throughout their time at the College.
Music scholarships are available at Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 and will only be awarded to pupils who have passed the school’s entry assessments. Year 7 candidates should be Grade III or above in their chosen instrument, while Year 9 candidates should be at least Grade V standard. Good sight reading ability is an advantage as is some keyboard skill and a sound knowledge of music theory. Candidates weak in one of these aspects should not be discouraged from applying, though, since the emphasis will always be on potential and commitment to the musical life of Shiplake College.
At Year 12, Music scholarships are based on auditions and a review of written reports from the candidate’s teachers. Candidates would normally have reached Grade VI in their primary instrument and would have passed Grade V Theory. Potential to achieve a similar grade in a second instrument would be an advantage. Students must be willing to participate fully in the extra-curricular musical life of the College and to study either Music A Level or BTEC. The scholarship would also normally be conditional on achievement of an 8 or above at GCSE and the expectation of an A grade at A Level.