Specialist music schools

[Musicschoolquestions]

I was wondering whether any current or previous parents with DCs at (residential) specialist music schools might be around to share their experiences please. We are considering making an application next year as DC’s teacher has suggested it. We went along to the virtual open days this year for Chetham’s, Purcell & Wells.

Our favourite from what we could see online was definitely Chetham’s although it is the furthest from where we live. It seemed more diverse which is important to us as a family.

But I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t alarmed by what have been reading about the history of these establishments and their reputation for abuse. One article I read even said that the refurbishment of Chet’s included glass rooms to discourage abuse from taking place .

And then I check myself that am even considering sending DC to such an environment .

Am sure current parents would never say that they have concerns that their children are so vulnerable but then I guess that the parents of the children who had been abused also thought their kids were safe at school.

So, I guess, what I am asking is: are these issues all historic and dealt with? Has the culture of these schools really changed for the better?

I have a friend with a child who left Chets 6th form last year. After a not great time at mainstream school where he mostly hid his musical ability, he had a great time at Chets (albeit abruptly cut short due to covid) and has now gained a place at his first preference music college.

6th form is obviously a different experience than lower school but from what I gather (and many years ago my dh actually sat in the kitchen of the convicted person from Chets) things have changed a lot.

Saying that is it always a case of being vigilant and listening to your child. This could be outing but dd spent 8 years at an MDS dance school and there have been issues we have heard of at other schools with regards to balance of power, self esteem and body image (negative comments etc.) There was an issue at her school with an academic teacher. Dd actually complained about the teacher because after having gained Grade 9 at the subject at GCSE with another teacher, she felt theirA level teaching was poor and there was something she coudn't put their finger on. The teacher suddenly left about a month later and we assumed it was due to standard of teaching. It was only when the local paper reported their removal from the teaching register we found out that inappropriate things had happened BUT it could have happened in any school and it appears from reading the full report that the school acted swiftly and did everything right to safeguard students. It was actually other staff members that raised concerns.

Hi, yes I too would love to hear people’s experiences. I turned down offer at specialist school after reading certain reports also. But two years on I feel that I am holding my child back? I am confused as to how parents let go & trust the school wholeheartedly. I am talking about termly boarding so would not see child for six weeks at a time...apart from zoom, Skype etc.
Is it really beneficial? Life changing? Attended JD before which was an amazing experience & wondering if it’s better than attending a jd?

DD made the move from JD/state secondary combo to music school in September. I can honestly say it's been life changing for her. She was a 'square peg in a round hole', even in a 'musical' state school. Was struggling socially. Had such a long commute to school, then too many subjects so lots of homework. She was knackered and struggled with time and focus for necessary practice. We spent our lives on the road. She had so little time for just hanging out with friends and we lived so far from any of them anyway, that meant another journey for everyone involved. She was sad, stressed and losing her sparkle.

Specialist school has been a complete revelation. All lessons and timetabled practice within the school day, fewer subjects and less homework (she's still covering a range of academics and doing extremely well in them because she's not spread too thinly). And at the end of the day and at weekends she hangs out with a really diverse, international group of amazing friends. She's really taken to life as a boarder. It wasn't something we'd ever wanted or considered, but she has definitely found her place.

Her playing and level of musicianship has rocketed. But school are brilliant at supporting her other passions and interests too. I don't feel she is pigeon holed.

An added bonus this year has been at least some face to face lessons and ensembles at a time when most JD's and private tutors have been entirely remote. I'm not sure how she would have coped with that.

We don't have any safeguarding concerns about the school.

I would strongly recommend you read the submissions about the specialist music schools given to the IICSA enquiry recently.

Things that would concern me are the competitive environment, cult of personality around the teachers, excessive practice of students instruments, tolerated neglect of the academic curriculum and the issues that a lot of students seem to have had with confidence and anxiety.

I am sure some students are happy but wouldn’t consider this for our dc.

This is a good place to access the docs:

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/ianpace.wordpress.com/2019/10/05/the-iicsa-hearings-into-specialist-music-schools-videos-transcripts-documents/amp/

This is a really useful article by a relatively recent pupil (started 2009):

www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2020/january/at-chetham-s-school-of-music

We personally know families with children currently in all four of the English music schools. All of the kids we know are happy and thriving.

It is my understanding and belief that the reports referred to have been taken seriously and I don't doubt that if you were to raise the issues in the reports with the schools concerned they will be able to talk you through the measures now in place to safeguard the children in their care.

Certainly my DD is happy, is succeeding both musically and academically, and has a balance in her life that was missing before.

Obviously some of the things that happened in the past are horrendous and upsetting and of course these things must be taken seriously and learned from so that history never repeats itself. But sadly that's the case in many settings - boarding schools, sports academies, dance schools, care providers...

It's not for everyone, granted. But it was the right decision for my child. And we are very happy not to have experienced any of the issues mentioned by PP.

We have one at Wells - we like it as it is not all music so they offer a broader range of subjects and there are a lot of local DC who are not into music so much. Having said that, just like at Chets there are an awful lot of pupils from the far east who seem to do nothing but practice.... Chets seemed worse for this). It also means that you get a lot of pupils who are more interested in being able to play the flashy pieces mechanically than something easier but more musically. Is this something that will bug your DC?

Thanks very much everyone for sharing your different experiences. Lots of food for thought. We have plenty of time before making a decision as to whether or not to apply so will probably mull it over a lot more. At the moment, thinking we will probably keep going as we are and then think about it a bit more for 6th form perhaps. Thanks again.

Competitiveness and issues rooted in confidence and anxiety could be seen anywhere. In fact, non-specialist environments can be a lot worse in some way. I find specialist schools tend to have a more supportive atmosphere to each other's hard work and success. I know plenty of DCs who practise more than DCs at specialist school by waking up at 5 or 6 am, or/and skipping assembly, some subjects like PE, school clubs and other activities, or/and staying up late, and basically having not much time to enjoy freedom/social life. Their lifestyle would require a lot more discipline and determination. I agree with a cult of personality around the teachers, but it is again not only seen in specialist schools. I wouldn't say the academic side is neglected, but I agree there are fewer choices for reasons. Also, sport is less important as you can imagine which could be a problem for some sporty types. I totally agree some students are happy but not all like any school. From my very limited experience, I think DCs at specialist school tend to have more time for relaxing, socialising and enjoying other interests without micro-management by parents.

My child is 6th form at a specialist school and absolutely loves it. It's not over competitive or obsessive there. The staff are great and the other students are mostly just normal 6th formers too. I'd recommend it- the development musically in just a short time has been amazing. They love boarding too and come home every 3 weeks as a minimum.

Thanks for the information and advice. I would like to know if anybody has children attending Purcell that travel on Saturday to jd’s ? Am undecided between Jd or Purcell or both? Maybe both is better when they’re in sixth form?
Wells is a bit far for me, seems to be the best though for a good balanced education.

I can’t see how a 6th former would have time for both plus A levels. They often have rehearsals at school on a Saturday.

@Maryward I know a few do this but I don't really get why if I'm honest.... DD gets everything she needs musically at school. That was the entire point for us. Travelling to JD on the weekend then just puts more of a load on them, surely?

we are at a JD hock has a lot of Purcell students - for some it is agreed at the outset that they will do both and others join later

I know of safeguarding issues at Purcell in the last 5 years.
I wouldn't feel good sending a dc there.

One of the things we liked about Wells was the no nonsense one strike and you're out drugs policy. Purcell was more relaxed and DC hears on the grapevine (which is very active as they all know each other from orchestra etc) that quite a lot of Purcell pupils do drugs periodically. Having said that Wells has locked them down so firmly that they can't even go to Boots to buy sanpro without incurring the Spanish Inquisition so opportunity isn't there.

A number of Purcell children go to Junior Guildhall - I believe that there are some links with the string teachers there that means they have lessons at Purcell in the week and come to Guildhall for other aspects of the programme.

How old is your DC?

I went to Chets (many years ago!). I had a brilliant time and it was ideal for me as we were too far from London to go to any of the junior depts. I was very lucky with my teachers thank goodness.

I was there from age 10-18. I definitely think going as a sixth former is a good idea.
I have gone on to pursue a performing career but I’d say more than half of my year decided to go to Uni to do something else.

My nephew is at Chet's (mid teens, his second year there). I can only report that he loves it and has only had good experiences. I think if there's been a problem somewhere they'll be taking more steps to avoid it happening again.

I have answered on the other thread concerting Purcell (current parent of many years). In conclusion lots of changes in recent years and very happy but clearly not for everyone and depends on the alternative. Happy to get messages if any questions.

I would also say the people who make the most noise are the one dissatisfied for various reasons and the hugely happy vast majority stay silent.