A Scholar’s Tale A Guide to Music Scholarships at The King’s School Canterbury
King’s Scholarships were first established in 1541 by Henry VIII under the Statutes of Canterbury Cathedral.
A Scholar’s Tale Stepping out on a cultural adventure as a Music Scholar at The King’s School Canterbury. Music is the lifeblood of The King’s School Canterbury. From the roofraising roar of our beloved hymn practice, “Congers”, to the fluid harmony born of camaraderie and the time-honoured liturgical round for our talented Crypt Choir, to the swell of a ground-shaking orchestral chord at the peak of a symphonic movement, to the filigree excellence of conservatoire-level musicianship in our top chamber groups: music resonates at the heart of everything we do. And every year, it is our delight to welcome new Music Scholars to join our musical community, to begin their Scholar’s Tale. From before the age of Chaucer, Canterbury has drawn the world’s eye. Our location, nestled in the ancient precincts of the cathedral, provides a glorious place for a musician to grow. The school and the cathedral have flourished together for over a thousand years, and it is in this shared cultural florescence that our school’s innate musical practice is rooted.
Chaucer’s pilgrims were drawn to the warm embrace of our timeless cathedral, a path that is echoed by our musicians. Whether it is by singing under the emergent stars in the alfresco Serenade, by catching the limelight as a concerto soloist, or by riding the energy of a hushed crowd when delivering a blistering jazz solo in the Green Court Marquee, our scholars also celebrate the culmination of their journey in the lea of the cathedral’s soaring towers. Building on the strength of musical heritage, King’s offers an ambitious, forward-looking musical education. With suites of state-of-the-art music technology, a professional-level recording studio, outstanding tuition in contemporary disciplines, and new compositions flowing from pupils and staff, we are passionate about adapting our musical provision to meet the evolving needs of our gifted musicians. It is an epic story without end, contributed to by an everexpanding cast of characters.
Why Choose King’s Music?
A Music Scholarship at King’s is about far more than excellence in performance. It is an invitation to join a thriving community of musicians who challenge, support and inspire one another every day. Scholars benefit from individual mentoring, expert guidance, and a programme tailored to their particular strengths and ambitions. Supported by more than fifty specialist Visiting Music Teachers, pupils receive outstanding individual tuition alongside a wealth of opportunities to perform, collaborate and flourish. Whether participating in chamber music, jazz, orchestral playing, composition, music technology or choral singing, every scholar is encouraged to explore the full scope of their own story. We also work closely with the pastoral House teams and academic staff in the wider school, so as to help each pupil to balance music with the rest of their school life.
Our unique relationship with Canterbury Cathedral provides a special experience that few schools can match. Regular performances and services in one of the world’s great sacred spaces place our young musicians at the heart of living musical history, while concerts, recordings, masterclasses, workshops and tours ensure that they are part of a vibrant, outward-looking culture of creativity. Most importantly, King’s recognises that success has many different forms. For some scholars, the journey leads to a top conservatoire, to study of Music at a world-leading university, to a cathedral or collegiate choral scholarship, to a successful performing career. For others, it nurtures leadership, confidence, firm friendships and a lifelong love of music. All of these paths are welltrodden, fully supported, and warmly celebrated at King’s.
Our inspiring team of musical mentors
From calming the understandable nerves of a scholarship audition, to mentoring each new step along the way, our spirited team of musical professionals is dedicated to the development of our music award holders.
Will Bersey Director of Music Our Director of Music, Will Bersey, oversees the journey of every Music Scholar. A seasoned all-round musician, and dynamic leader, his warmth, generosity of spirit, and commitment to the fulfilment of each scholar sets a joyful, purposeful tone to our endeavours. From building an early relationship with prospective families, to helping every musician to reach their musical goals and aspirations for life beyond King’s, he strives to ensure that every scholar thrives.
Annalise Roy Assistant Director of Music and Music Scholar Mentor Annalise Roy plays a central role in nurturing our musicians. As Teacher of Composition and School Accompanist, she works creatively with pupils, encompassing their preparation for performances, exams, and auditions. She also leads the Shell (Year 9) Music Scholars’ enrichment programme, building a musical community to sustain them, and helping them to adapt confidently to the logistics of a busy musical life at King’s.
Nick Todd Assistant Director of Music and Head of Singing With an active professional career spanning King’s College Cambridge, The Tallis Scholars and Tenebrae, Nick Todd brings exceptional expertise to our choristers. His passion for the transformative power of choral singing, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering encouragement inspire scholars across the department.
Alexandra Caldon and Sarah Thurlow Head of Strings and Head of Wind & Brass As active professional performers in the UK’s leading orchestras, Alexandra Caldon and Sarah Thurlow bring first-hand experience, outstanding musicianship, and industry insight to their work with the scholars. Through individual lessons, sectional coaching and chamber music, they play a pivotal role in developing our young musicians.
Greg Swinford, Nikki Ridley and Nick Parvin From academic study to music technology and contemporary performance, Greg Swinford, Nikki Ridley and Nick Parvin ensure that every aspect of a scholar’s musical education is supported with expertise and care. With pastoral care and experience, they guide our musicians through the GCSE and A level qualifications that are so critical to their musical and wider fulfilment.
Scholars in the making
No two musical journeys begin in quite the same place. Some candidates arrive having already travelled far along their chosen path; others bring remarkable natural musicality that is only just beginning to find its route. What unites the most successful Music Scholars is not simply what they have already achieved, but their eagerness to discover how much further they might go.
We look for young musicians who demonstrate: Musical potential and promise Enthusiasm, curiosity and imagination Commitment to music-making A willingness to contribute to ensembles and the wider musical community The desire to challenge themselves and to continue developing their craft
Music Scholarships are most commonly awarded for entry at 13+ (Year 9) and 16+ (Year 12). In addition, we are pleased to consider applications for 14+ entry, and we also welcome enquiries from international students seeking oneyear placements, most often in Year 10 or Year 12, who wish to experience King’s Music without committing to a full school career.
As a guide, candidates are usually performing at approximately Grade 6 standard or above on their principal instrument for 13+ entry, and Grade 8 standard or above for 16+ entry. Many perform beyond these levels, but formal grade qualifications are by no means essential. We are interested in potential as much as in achievement, in where a musician may be heading as much as in where they have already travelled.
Scholarship Assessment We understand that auditions can feel daunting. They are not intended to be an obstacle, but rather an opportunity for us to discover each candidate’s musical story, and for prospective scholars to explore whether King’s might become part of their future journey. Candidates will typically be invited to: Perform prepared repertoire on their principal and second-study instruments. Demonstrate musicianship and aural skill. Discuss their musical interests and experiences. Meet members of the Music Department. Above all, we seek to create an atmosphere that is supportive, welcoming and encouraging, allowing every musician the confidence to perform at their very best.
Financial Support We believe that exceptional musical talent should be nurtured and celebrated in different ways.
King’s Music, and participation may lead to further scholarship consideration in subsequent years.
Following assessment, candidates may be offered one of several forms of award, recognition and support. These may include scholarships and awards for music as a whole, or occasionally specifically for choral singing, according to their strengths and potential.
Music scholars and award-holders may be eligible for:
Where we identify significant musical promise but are unable to make an award on that occasion, we may invite candidates to join our Aspiring Musicians Programme. Pupils on this programme benefit from the same culture of encouragement, guidance and musical development that characterises
Fee remission Funded instrumental and singing tuition Additional means-tested bursary support where need is demonstrated Further information regarding scholarship awards and bursary provision is available from the Director of Music, who will be pleased to advise families on the support that is currently available.
Begin Your Scholar’s Tale For centuries, Canterbury has welcomed those embarking on journeys of discovery, purpose and inspiration. Today’s King’s Music Scholars join us for similar reasons. Drawn by their love of music and a desire to fulfil their potential, they become part of one of Britain’s most enduring musical traditions, whilst helping to shape its future. The years from Year 9 to 13 are among the most formative in a young musician’s life. It is therefore our mission to make them as fulfilling, productive, rewarding and joyous as possible for each music scholar. It is our privilege to guide them as they write their own story. We look forward to hearing your opening chapter.
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