Music is an integral part of life at Rugby School
Just to give you an idea of what that means in numbers: around 436 music lessons are taught every week (instrumental, vocal, composition, improvisation and theory); more than a third of our students have music lessons, many of them learning more than one instrument; we teach more than 30 instruments (and have 11 grand pianos); we arrange 200 musical events every year (including rock and pop, jazz, symphony orchestra, chamber music, concert band, a cappella groups); there are 130 students in the School choir; and we currently have 61 students on a Music Scholarship.
Students have achieved diplomas in piano, violin, viola, cello and voice. Last year, three of our students were awarded places at music conservatoires – a major achievement for each of them.
Everyone at Rugby sings.
It is one of the best shared experiences in the School and everyone – staff and students – sings together in Chapel four days a week.
Singing is also celebrated through two House competitions, both of which involve the whole School and are highlights of the year.
Our choral ensembles perform widely. The School Choir works regularly in orchestral and ballet collaborations. The Arnold Singers contribute to Chapel services every Sunday, and the Temple Consort sings evensong and concerts throughout the year.
Music Scholarships
A Music Scholarship is for musicians who demonstrate excellence and enthusiasm for music. As a Music Scholar you will be expected to be both aspirational in your own musical endeavours and inspirational to other students.
The Scholars have opportunities to receive 1-1 coaching, participate in workshops with international professional musicians, and take part in performances. Recent masterclasses have been given by Tamsin Little (violin), Hee-Young Lim (cello), David Briggs (organ) and Graham Dee (rock and pop).
Many of our Music Scholars are members of the National Youth Choir, National Youth Orchestra, National Youth Brass Band, and the Chineke! Children's Orchestra.
Music Scholars go on to study at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and the leading international music conservatoires.
If you are awarded a scholarship, your school fees (including the cost of boarding) may be covered by a means-tested bursary of up to 100%, for which your parents or guardians need to complete an application form.
"At a time when music is unfortunately being sidelined in many schools, Rugby is bucking the trend."
The Rugby Choristers at Bilton Grange
The Rugby Choristers programme begins at Bilton Grange and continues into the musical life of Rugby School, where choristers sing regularly in Chapel alongside Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars. Services of Choral Evensong take place throughout the week during term time, and visitors are welcome.