Music
Innovative…Inclusive...Inspiring
Music is a vibrant and central part of life at Reed’s. Rooted in the School’s long-standing belief in the cultural importance of music, the department combines ambitious performance opportunities with an inclusive and collaborative ethos in which every pupil is encouraged to participate, create and perform.
From First Form to Upper Sixth, pupils are immersed in a musical culture that values creativity, curiosity and excellence. Whether performing in a major concert, singing in Chapel, playing in a jazz band or composing in the Music School, pupils are encouraged to develop confidence, musicianship and a lifelong love of music.
"Our founder, Andrew Reed, acknowledged the profound cultural significance of Music to a broad education. With inspirational and ambitious teaching at its core, Reed’s School is nationally recognised for nurturing young musicians in an environment where excellence and inclusivity go hand in hand.” Dr Simeon Smith | Director of Music
A Distinctive Musical Culture
Music at Reed’s is defined by broad participation and ambitious performance. Large-scale concerts regularly involve pupils from across the School, with bespoke arrangements and creative programming designed to showcase individual talent while fostering genuine collaboration.
The department prides itself on creating excellence through inclusion: not excellence despite broad participation, but excellence that thrives because of it. As a result, participation in music across the School is exceptionally high, with pupils of all abilities contributing meaningfully to the musical life of Reed’s.
Our flexible and ambitious approach to performance embraces a diverse range of repertoire, with participation exceptionally high across the school. Recent examples include Fauré’s Requiem, a large-scale symphonic arrangement of The Dark Side of the Moon, Lingus by Snarky Puppy, music from Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder, and a full production of Les Misérables.
Music for Every Pupil
All pupils in Years 7 and 8 receive timetabled classroom music lessons, developing performing, composing and listening skills through a wide range of musical styles and traditions.
A distinctive feature of music at Reed’s is its large-scale instrumental schemes. Year 7 pupils learn a string instrument as part of curriculum music lessons, while Year 8 pupils take part in cello, double bass and trombone schemes. These programmes introduce pupils to ensemble playing from an early stage and help establish the strong culture of music-making that exists throughout the School.
Many pupils continue their musical journey through specialist instrumental and vocal tuition, with over 30% of pupils learning an instrument formally through the School.
“Reed’s has a proud tradition of encouraging artistic talent at every level, from beginners discovering new passions to accomplished performers and creators preparing for professional career. Our outstanding facilities, expert teaching staff and commitment to individual growth ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to shine.” Mark Hoskins | Headmaster
A Singing School
Singing lies at the heart of music-making at Reed’s. Choirs and vocal ensembles form a central part of school life, with large numbers of pupils involved in regular rehearsals, concerts, services and tours. Chapel singing also plays an important role in the wider musical culture of the School, helping to foster musicianship, confidence and a strong sense of community.
Our choirs have performed in prestigious venues and cathedrals both in the UK and abroad, with recent tours including performances in Malta, Venice, Cologne, Amsterdam, Rome and Vienna.
VIEW OUR ARTS CALENDAR FOR 2025-2026
Performance Opportunities
Pupils at Reed’s benefit from an extensive and varied performance calendar throughout the year, including:
- Large-scale orchestral and choral concerts in prestigious London venues
- Jazz and contemporary music evenings
- Musical theatre productions
- Pupil-led showcase platforms
- House music competitions
- Solo concerto opportunities
- Junior, GCSE and A Level recital evenings
Recent performances have taken place at venues including:
- Cadogan Hall
- Southbank Centre
- Kings Place
- Fairfield Halls
- PizzaExpress Live
- Sinfonia Smith Square
- Guildford Cathedral
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- St Mark’s Basilica, Venice
Reed's ensembles have also been selected to take part in television and streaming productions for Netflix (e.g. The Crown), Amazon (e.g. The Devil’s Hour), and ITV (e.g. The Keith & Paddy Picture Show), and Sky.
Ensembles
There are numerous ensembles available across a wide range of musical styles, including:
- Symphony Orchestra
- Jazz Orchestra
- Chapel Choir
- Schola Cantorum
- String Ensembles
- Brass and Woodwind Groups
- Rock and Pop Bands
- Jazz Improv Groups
The department is committed to ensuring that all pupils can find meaningful opportunities to perform and develop as musicians, whether they are beginners or advanced performers.
Facilities and Opportunities
The purpose-built Music School provides outstanding facilities for rehearsal, performance, composition and production. Resources include a Steinway Model B grand piano, dedicated rehearsal spaces, a percussion room, and a suite of iMacs running professional music software including Logic Pro and Sibelius.
Pupils also benefit from regular workshops, masterclasses and collaborations with professional musicians and industry specialists. Recent visiting artists have included Chris Difford, Matt Dunkley and the Jeremiah Brothers.
Many of our most advanced musicians combine their studies at Reed’s with junior programmes at leading conservatoires including:
- Royal Academy of Music
- Royal College of Music
- Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Recent leavers have gone on to study at institutions including University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Berklee College of Music and leading UK conservatoires.
“Music at Reed’s was more than just a subject – it was an experience that shaped the course of my life. Whether performing a concerto at the Royal Festival Hall, singing in a production of Sweeney Todd, composing in the recording studio, or singing at St Paul’s Cathedral, the countless opportunities Reed’s provided helped form my character.” Dr Dylan Price, Professor and company founder (Capel 2016)
