Music Scholarships/Exhibitions for Entry in September 2012
| Key Dates | |
| Entry form returned to school: (entry forms are available from your school or the admissions secretary) |
Wednesday 14 December 2011 |
| Music Scholarship Auditions | Thursday 2 February 2012 |
Music Scholarships and Exhibitions to Abingdon School are awarded annually following a round of auditions held at the School each February, in which candidates are assessed for musical potential and not solely for actual achievement. The winning of a music award does not in itself secure a boy entry to the school; he must also meet the academic requirements for entrance in a separate examination appropriate to his age-group.
Tenure of music awards is conditional upon the maintenance of satisfactory musical and academic progress. Music scholars are expected to make the most of the opportunities offered by the school’s music activities and to be prominent in them. Awards are available to boys entering the school in September of each year, at the ages of 11 (music exhibitions) , 13 and Sixth Form (scholarships and exhibitions). Additional awards may also be made at other ages to boys already in the School who have made an outstanding contribution to the musical life of the School.
The exact number of awards to be offered in 2012 cannot be estimated until the time of the auditions; in all probability there will be a number of major awards (‘Scholarships’) and several minor awards (‘Exhibitions’). The Scholarship carries an entitlement to a nominal fee remission of £300 per year, to which a means-tested element may be added based on an assessment of parental need (for which a separate bursary application is required). All award holders will receive free tuition in up to two instruments; to these may be added a vocal study at the discretion of the Director of Music. These lessons are given in school by members of the school’s music staff; the benefit cannot be transferred to lessons being taken outside the school’s Music Department. As well as demonstrating ability on an instrument, candidates will benefit if they can demonstrate that they possess a good voice and have some choral experience - e.g. as a cathedral/collegiate chorister. Any other evidence of musicianship (composition, a second instrument, etc.) will be taken into account, and further opportunities will be given for this during the audition. Deadline for entry for 2012 music scholarship and exhibition candidates is 14 December 2011.
Auditions
Auditions for 2012 will be held on 2 February 2012. Candidates should be prepared to play two contrasting pieces on their main instrument; if a second instrument can be offered, one piece should be prepared. An accompanist will be provided where required. Considerable importance will be attached to aural tests, sight-reading (in the principal instrument), and a voice test; questions will also be asked on the rudiments of music. Experienced choristers should prepare a vocal solo. Questions relating to the candidate’s musical and other interests may also be asked.
For further information please contact the Registrar on 01235 849041 or email admissions@abingdon.org.uk.
