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Original poster

If your child got a Music or Academic scholarship at 11, what sort of level/ ability were they?

63 replies

Gameboy · 05/01/2008 17:12

DS1 is only Year 3 at the moment, but I just had a conversation with his music teacher who said he thought he was very musically talented, and asked if I was considering him for a Music Scholarship for the Independent Grammar school.
I was a bit blown away to be honest, as
a) I was obviously pleased to hear about DS's abilities, and
b) I haven't even begun to think about the possibilities of scholarships etc (although we would like him to go to the Grammar if possible)

The reason his teacher asked, was because if we WERE hoping for a scholarship, he felt that DS might want to take up a 2nd instrument in the next couple of years.

So it's now got me wondering about scholarships in general....

If your child got one, what 'level' were they?

e.g. Music Grade level (e.g.Associated Board)
Did they play more than one instrrument?
Did they have 'theory' exam rsults?

or for Academic Scholarships

  • where in their class do you think they were e.g. Top 2-3 children etc?

Do you / the school pretty much know which children are likely to get scholarships i.e. is it REALLY obvious by say Year 4/5 ?

OP posts:
galaxymummy · 06/01/2008 16:33

Usual requirement is grade 5 1st instrument and lesser at 2nd or voice, for younger children look at idea of chorister if can sing as usually will sponsor for senior school. unfortunately my ds had voice like foghorn but friends angel got in to sing at windsor castle.

Original poster
Gameboy · 31/01/2011 14:16

Seeing as I started this thread just over 3 years ago Shock and found it by accident again today, I thought I'd provide an update for those who like them Grin!

My son DID take up another instrument, but only about 14 months ago.

The music teacher at his school also changed, and the new music teacher recognised that DS had some music ability and started coaching him as a soloist in the choir.
It turns out that he has an absolutely beautiful voice Smile (makes me cry when I hear him sing!)

Anyway, although he had only achieved Grade 4 on his 1st instrument and Grade 3 on his second (which admittedly is pretty good after 14 months!) we entered him for a music scholarship at our chosen senior school. And he recently had an audition(yay!).

I've no idea whether he will get it or not, but I'm so proud of him anyway, and I can't believe how far he has come in the last couple of years!

OP posts:
RatherBeOnThePiste · 31/01/2011 14:57

DS's mate was on Grade 6 by the time he did the scholarship exam when he was 10, Grade 7 by the time he started senior school. That was in his primary instrument, he does others to a lesser standard too.

BUT

He is obliged to be in the first orchestra, doing rehearsals at breaks and lunch which increasingly he hates as he wants to be with his new mates. He is obliged to be in every concert they want him in, and he will have to choose Music GCSE when the time comes, not sure about A Level.
So there is a downside too

Original poster
Gameboy · 31/01/2011 15:11

Of course there is a commitment - what did he expect? Hmm

DS's current friends are all in choir & play instruments anyway, and he's well aware that he will be asked to play a role in the overall success of the music department.

OP posts:
FloreatEtonia · 31/01/2011 15:17

There is an expected minimum which is usually:

Grade 3/4 for 11+ on two instruments
Grade 5 for 13+ on one instrument and 3/4 on a second.

This is the minimum but at top schools the candidates will have grade 8 in two instruments for 13+ and may well be choristers which is often more important that the exam grades.

Certain instruments will require high grades such as piano and violin but on an instrument that children generally cannot start until later due to the size then a lower grade is required. I would suggest a rare instrument such as french horn, double bass, bassoon or oboe as flutes, clarinets, violins etc are played by many and the competition is more fierce.

RatherBeOnThePiste · 31/01/2011 16:00

I think the child didn't fully appreciate the commitment!! I think the parents were very glad to have the scholarship!!

Original poster
Gameboy · 31/01/2011 18:16

RBOTP - aah, yes, I can imagine that is the case for quite a few children/parents!
It's unfair on the child not to explain what a scholarship is all about in the first place, and what it means in terms of commitment.

The school DS auditioned at also spent about 10 minutes chatting to him about his musical tastes, and they also asked him what he thought the school would expect from him if he won a scholarship.

Apparently he said 'to play/sing in a variety of music groups/ bands/ orchestras, and to help promote the music department and act as an 'ambassador' for music!' Shock
I don't know where that came from! We hadn't discussed anything about being an ambassador!! (I bet the teachers thought he's been coached for that answer Sad )

OP posts:
separated · 04/02/2011 09:16

Both my children are academic scholars at a reasonably well known public school. They were both level 3 at end if KS1 and high level 5s at end of KS2. Both were in the top 1 or 2 throughout but that will always depend upon the others in the cohort so this is not necessarily indicative. Both were also G & T in maths and literacy also. But it does depend upon the cohort again as G & T is top 10% in each class so fairly meaningless and subjective really.
I did know that mine were both bright almost as soon ad they began to accelerate very quickly once they started school, but some children take longer and it's not always possible to know that soon. Some will level off too as their peers catch them up! (i teach in a primary school).
As for music scholarships...I can't help as mine have given JP all of their lessons. My experience if others though would suggest about grade 5 plus at least one mite instrument but it is potential which is key. A child can learn to play grade pieces proficiently but that does not necessarily demonstrate musicality!
Good luck.
Apologies if many typos - using my phone.

separated · 04/02/2011 09:17

Sorry. Have just spotted that this is an old thread!

RumiStar · 10/11/2018 10:39

Hi can anyone recommend a one to one piano tutor to help my child achieve grades needed to apply for music scholarship in North London independent schools ? We are in Nw11 thanks :)

hertsandessex · 10/11/2018 20:24

Large traditional rural independent - two instruments (or voice) around grade 4 or one grade 4/5 and one grade 2-3 . Exceptionally just one instrument but quite unusual for a scholarship (typically 10% off fees and free lessons on 2-3 instruments). Those good on just one instrument often get a lesser award of a fix reduction in fees (say £1000)

MrsPatmore · 11/11/2018 09:58

RumiStar this is an old thread. You would be better off starting a thread of your own in Secondary Education where there are many helpful posters. Schools prefer orchestral instruments I think for scholarships. Piano Grade 6's are fairly common for Year 7 entry at the London competitive schools I know - I don't think that will get you a music scholarship unless there is also another high grade instrument/voice. Outside of London, scholarship standards are more relaxed.

RumiStar · 11/11/2018 13:24

Thank you , I’m new to mumsnet. This is very helpful thanks again

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