Music at Blundell's
Music at Blundell’s is a thriving centre of excellence through ambitious concert programming, passionate and expert teaching and coaching, and dynamic and forward-thinking opportunities.
Music at Blundell’s is vibrant, ambitious, and consistently outstanding. Our choirs, orchestras, and ensembles perform to the highest standards, with many students progressing to leading conservatoires and universities. We welcome dedicated musicians who are eager to push their boundaries and achieve their full potential under the guidance of our expert educators and conductors.
At the heart of our musical life is a commitment to excellence through participation. Whether in performance, composition, or music theory, students who fully engage in their musical journey unlock their true potential. Our extensive choral and instrumental programmes support and inspire musicians at every stage, ensuring that all students, regardless of their starting point, have the opportunity to thrive.
Collaboration is central to our ethos, with ensemble work fostering both technical skill and an appreciation of music’s role in society. Beyond the notes, music at Blundell’s nurtures creativity, discipline, and teamwork, equipping students with invaluable experiences that prepare them for life beyond school. Our musicians leave us not only with exceptional skills but also with a lifelong love of music and a deep sense of what it means to be a part of a thriving musical community.
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ConcertsI have been to a lot of concerts over the past 50 years but yours will stay in my memory for the rest of my life. It was nothing short of astonishing.” Joanna Forbes-L’Estrange, 2025 Blundell’s offers a dynamic and diverse concert program, showcasing the exceptional talents of our musicians across a range of genres. From orchestral spectaculars and choral evensongs to jazz nights and themed productions, our performances are a highlight of the school calendar. Pupils have the opportunity to perform in prestigious venues, collaborate with professional musicians, and take part in innovative, multimedia experiences. Whether in large-scale ensembles or intimate chamber settings, our concerts inspire creativity, excellence, and a lifelong love of music. Upcoming performances: Les Misérables – March 2025 Spring concert vid link as tile |
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ChoralSinging is at the heart of life at Blundell’s, from congregational hymns to competitive house singing and seven thriving Senior School choirs. The Chapel Choir stands out as a beacon of excellence, performing regularly at prestigious venues such as Exeter Cathedral, Bath Abbey, and Westminster Abbey. Recent highlights include a summer tour to Venice, where they sang Mass in St Mark’s Basilica. Blundell’s choral programme embraces ambitious projects, including large-scale performances of much-loved choral works as well as new commissions alongside large-scale musicals, most recently Les Misérables. A close partnership with Exeter University Chapel Choir enriches the choral experience, and many students go on to receive Choral Scholarships at top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. Supported by an outstanding team of professional singers, the school’s vocal programme nurtures both excellence and enjoyment, ensuring every pupil has the opportunity to develop their voice within a thriving musical community. |
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InstrumentalBlundell’s instrumentalists excel on a national stage, with highlights including reaching the finals of the Pro-Corda National Chamber Music Competition and performing at prestigious London venues. Our Orchestra and Big Band have also represented the school internationally, securing a place at the 2020 Lisbon International Youth Music Festival. Chamber music is a core focus, with music scholars collaborating with the London Chamber Orchestra for over a decade, performing at venues such as St James’ Smith Square and Cadogan Hall. The Symphony Orchestra, comprising over 70 musicians, tackles ambitious repertoire from Dvořák, Stravinsky and Shostakovich through to bespoke arrangements of film scores and popular music. Contemporary and jazz musicians thrive in top-tier venues, recording studios, and backstage with leading artists such as Snarky Puppy and Genesis. These opportunities, combined with expert coaching, support students in securing places on highly competitive music courses, ensuring that instrumental excellence remains a defining feature of Blundell’s. |
| "Music at Blundell’s is dynamic, ambitious and inclusive, inspiring students to achieve excellence while fostering a lifelong love of music." |
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InstrumentalBlundell’s instrumentalists excel on a national stage, with highlights including reaching the finals of the Pro-Corda National Chamber Music Competition and performing at prestigious London venues. Our Orchestra and Big Band have also represented the school internationally, securing a place at the 2020 Lisbon International Youth Music Festival. Chamber music is a core focus, with music scholars collaborating with the London Chamber Orchestra for over a decade, performing at venues such as St James’ Smith Square and Cadogan Hall. The Symphony Orchestra, comprising over 70 musicians, tackles ambitious repertoire from Dvořák, Stravinsky and Shostakovich through to bespoke arrangements of film scores and popular music. Contemporary and jazz musicians thrive in top-tier venues, recording studios, and backstage with leading artists such as Snarky Puppy and Genesis. These opportunities, combined with expert coaching, support students in securing places on highly competitive music courses, ensuring that instrumental excellence remains a defining feature of Blundell’s. |
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Music LessonsAt Blundell’s, music is an integral part of student life, with most pupils learning at least one instrument. With over 300 instrumental lessons each week, students have the opportunity to take up a new instrument or further their skills across a variety of disciplines and genres, including orchestral, keyboard, guitar, bass guitar, saxophone, percussion, harp, and voice. Our team of 40 expert visiting teachers provides individual tuition, and we also offer music theory and Alexander Technique lessons. Students can apply for both instrumental and singing tuition through our online forms. Instrument hire may be available, and we offer termly opportunities for students to take ABRSM, Trinity, and Rockschool exams. Sign up for lessons by completing our Music Lesson Request Form. For any queries, please contact music@blundells.org |
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StaffBlundell’s boasts a truly exceptional team of music educators, each bringing a wealth of experience in performance, composition, and pedagogy. From internationally renowned opera singers and orchestral musicians to expert choral directors and cutting-edge music technologists, our staff cover an extraordinary breadth of musical disciplines. Their expertise spans classical, jazz, contemporary, and electronic music, ensuring that every student benefits from a rich and varied education. Many are not only accomplished teachers but also active performers with prestigious ensembles, leading choirs, and working with conservatoires and universities at the highest level. This diversity in specialisms and professional achievements creates a vibrant and inspiring learning environment, where students are guided by musicians at the pinnacle of their fields. Whether nurturing young instrumentalists, shaping future composers, or mentoring the next generation of music technologists, our team’s commitment to excellence ensures Blundell’s remains a leading force in music education across the South West. |
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