Music is an integral part of Donhead life and every child, whatever his ability is encouraged to participate in musical activities. A Kodaly-based approach is used, which gradually feeds into the broader Music curriculum as the children move into the Prep School. children have 45 minutes of Music lessons per week and the Reception classes have an additional weekly session of Music and Movement. All students participate in the nativity productions. Pupils have access to a wide range of tuned and un-tuned percussion instruments in our dedicated music room.
Music Groups and Soloists
There is a Pre-Prep choir, a violin group, a brass band, an orchestra and many opportunities for groups and soloists alike to perform at assemblies, Masses and concerts which take place in our wonderful auditorium. There are informal, formal and ensembles concerts each term.
Children who are interested in joining any of the following groups should speak to Mrs Curtis or the respective instrumental teacher. There are no fees for joining or membership of the instrumental music groups.
The Pre-Prep Choir (directed by Miss Wilson) involves all children in Pre-Prep 1 and Pre-Prep 2 and it performs at school concerts during the Lent (spring) and Trinity (summer) Terms. The children perform a varied repertoire of songs and rhymes. The songs are rehearsed during the class lessons and the children are brought together as a choir for rehearsals a few weeks before concerts.
The orchestra is open to children from Pre-Prep 1 upwards, who are learning an instrument. Children of any grade are welcome, including those who are pre grade 1. Rehearsals are on Wednesday mornings at 8.00-8.45 in the music room.
The Brass Band (directed by Mr Harrison) is open to students who are learning a brass instrument. Rehearsals are on Tuesday mornings at 8.15-8.45 in music practice room 2.
The Violin Group (directed by Miss Parker) is open to students who are learning the violin. Rehearsals take place on Tuesday mornings at 8.15-8.45 in music practice room 1.
Individual Music Tuition
We have excellent and highly experienced peripatetic tutors who offer paid individual tuition during school hours to any Pre-Prep child in music theory and the following instruments:
- Cello
- Cornet (Pre-Prep 2 only from Lent term onwards)
- Guitar (Pre-Prep 2 only)
- Recorder (Pre-Prep 1 and Pre-Prep 2 only)
- Piano
- Theory
- Trumpet (Pre-Prep 2 only from Lent term onwards)
- Violin
Pupils have enjoyed much success in public music examinations.
Children can start learning at any time, and do not need to wait for a new term to begin.
Please note that opportunities to learn certain woodwind and brass instruments and to take singing lessons become available to children only once they enter the Prep School.
Please download the information sheet here: 'Individual Instrumental, Singing and Theory Tuition at Donhead' and complete the application form as instructed on the sheet. This will be passed to the respective instrumental tutor who will then get in touch.
The current termly fee arrangements are detailed on the school website's Fees and Finance page.
Peripatetic Music Tutors
- Piano: Mr O Klok, Mrs H. Kuosmanen-Mehta, Mrs D Lammin, Dr F Tarli, Miss S Vilmanyi
- Violin: Miss M Yavuz
- Cello: Miss R Lock
- Guitar: Mr F Coghetto
- Recorder & Theory: Mr R Cope
- Cornet: Trombone & Trumpet: Mr T Harrison
