Music Scholarships 11 plus

[lolo99]

Can anyone help me with what grades/instruments your children were this year and awarded scholarships.

In my older DDs year, Grade 8 on an orchestral instrument. Grade 6 on voice. The child in question is extremely gifted.

In my younger DDs year, Grade 6 on piano, Grade 4 cello, Grade 4 voice. Plays all of her music from memory. Again, extremely gifted.

There are several children on half scholarships who are all Grade 5 and above.

one im aware of grade 8 cello and grade 6 piano, other is grade 8 violin not sure on their other instrument.

Absolutely depends on the school. Most children are nowhere near the standard mentioned above. And for most, they probably shouldn't be if they've had any sort of "normal" childhood.

I agree that it depends on the school but the grades I mention above are for a nice but not extremely selective school in the Home Counties (commuting distance to London).

The criteria for applying for a scholarship at the school is a minimum Grade 4 with distinction for an ABRSM or equivalent exam.

For those children with an aptitude for music, it is very achievable to be grade 5 or 6 by the time they are 11 and still have a “normal” childhood. The lower grades they may well take two in one year and then take a year to do each of the higher grades.

What is blatantly clear though is that the children in receipt of the full scholarships at our school are truly genuinely gifted. They can play by ear. They can compose. They play from memory. You can just see how music is “in” them.

The children on half scholarships tend to be those who are very good but it has come from hard work, dedication and practice. Obviously to be commended, but the full scholars are in a totally different league.

The grades needed depend on the school and the instrument. My DD attends an independent school that is very strong in music. You need to be grade 5 or above in your main instrument and have a second instrument at grade 3 to even be considered. Piano and violin are the most common instruments and so if that's your principal instrument the standard required will be higher.

@Moominmammacat It is entirely possible for a musically gifted child to do 2 grades a year without any impact on their childhood. My friends son got to grade 3 piano in less than a year having already gotten to grade 5 on another instrument before 10.

Thank you. My DC will be around grade 7 on an orchestral by the time auditions start. Grade 5 on piano . DC has had a childhood and does play from memory. But does practice daily. Hopefully not all schools require a ‘proper’ grade 8.

In my experience schools do not care if you have any actual grades at all and some actually prefer it if you haven't done that route.

We were asked for a rough estimate of grade level but they were much more interested in actual performance ability.

DD was G6/7 level for 1st study and around G2/3 in the others. None were orchestral.