Specialist music schools at sixth form level

[blueswallow]

My son is passionate about music and wants to apply to Chethams for 6th Form. Does anyone have experience of specialist music schools and would you recommend them?
He would apply to specialise in composition and singing. (He also plays violin and piano but is only grade 8 level on these which is a lower level than most students there at his age).

His ambition is to eventually have a career in music. My husband and I don't have a musical background so we don't know how to support him. We would welcome any advice.

Is he looking at classical or contemporary music?
If contemporary, have you/he looked at the commercial music course at Tring Park for 6th form?

He is looking at classical music. He is particularly interested in orchestral music.

Aah, in that case ignore my post!
If you don’t get any other replies it might be worth re-posting in the extra-curricular section. I think there’s at least one mum with a daughter at one of the music schools

Or Wells Cathedral School as plan b?

NellyBarney do you have any experience of Wells?

Yehudi menuhin?

Or normal school plus junior college at weekends?

How old is DS now?? I'd say go to some of the open days (they're happening now, Purcell is this weekend!). The music schools are all very different in terms of atmosphere so worth looking at more than one. They will be able to tell you exactly what's required / expected for 6th Form entry.

Wells very good as also had a strong 'normal' academic pathway. That's our probable first choice for 6th form. Although DD's current violin teacher also teaches at Chets so that might swing it...

My DS is 15 now. We have now been to look at Purcell, Wells and Chets and he only wants to apply to Chets.

He has now started the application process for Chets and is applying for combined 1st study in Composition and Choral Studies and 2nd Study in piano, with possible additional violin. He has just done an assessment audition and has been invited back to a main audition in March. We are not sure what to expect, whether he is of a high enough standard, and whether it is the best option or not.

We would love to hear from anyone that has experience the audition process and of attending the school, to know what it is like. Although you can get a feel for a school when you look around, you don't really know what its like until you are on the inside.

Head over to the music threads on extra curricular. A few Chets parents there 😊

St Mary's is often top of the Scottish league tables when it comes to academic excellence. It's great for all types of orchestral, vocal and chamber music.
It also prides itself on being one of the friendliest music schools.

Thanks. I wasn't aware of St Mary's in Scotland. I will look into them too.