Does singing count as an instrument for an 11+ music scholarship?

[alwaysonadiet1]

Do the ABRSM grades in singing count as an instrument? DD is in the choir too and plays piano and recorder but only up to grade 2 so far on piano and recorder. Year 4. Thanks.

It does in many schools, but you'd need to check specific places. Most (not 'top' or super selective) say at least G4/5 in first 'instrument' (which could include voice) and a bit less on a second or third. Does depend on the school though - where would you be looking?

Thanks. Central London independent schools. I don't think we have time to get through enough grades!

She would have done grade 4 singing though.

It can normally count as one of two, with schools specifying what grade level they expect in each.

Check the website s- think schools are normally looking for at least grade 4 on 2 instruments at 11?

Yes as some. My older son passed grade 8 at 12 (which was quite a thing to do) with a lovely treble voice (he was doing 13+ scholarship exams) and was recruited in part for his voice (he also had grade 6 piano I think and grade 7 trum pet (but this is 2 years older htan 11+) and then his voice broke almost as soon as he started the school at 12 which must have been a great shame for the school.

Also all the schools tend to say grades passed is not the main thing but your ability. Some people don't sit exams but are much better than some of my lot who might have their certificates.

I think Singjng counts for LEH but not Guildford High. You need to be @ Grade 5 in first instrument.

Thanks everyone

We've let her go very slowly with the piano because we thought we might put her off, the enthusiasm is just starting to show. She adores singing. Looks like we will be paying all the fees.

Agree that voice is fine, when one of 2 instruments.

In my experience schools want 2 instruments with the first at Grade 4 and second at Grade 2 as minimums for music scholarships. Some want Grade 5 for the first and some schools will have children applying with 2 instruments in excess of Grade 5 - level of competition does vary a lot.

Voice is fine, but playing another instrument would be expected. Voice could be first instrument though.

You don't actually have to go through all the grades. My daughter's first exam was grade 5 theory and grade 6 practical. Although many schools say you don't actually have to have taken the exam, many will not invite you to audition at all if you aren't of a certain level.

I think that some schools suggest grade levels as a guide but select on audition. That’s how it works at DD’s school. Lots of children and teachers choose not to do grade exams. DD is in year 4 and had just done a grade (4) but her teacher has suggested she stops working towards grade pieces and just do grade 8 when she’s ready ( not for several years ), as it means she can widen her repertoire and do what excites her ( oddly, early church music at the moment). The grade pieces are ( I think) pretty narrow for singing. If I have to hear chim chiminee again .....
I’m not sure DD will get a music scholarship though. The last 2 years it’s gone to girls who did their grade 7/8 in primary school and are now going into London for lessons.