Saint Ronan’s music programme strives to provide a foundation for basic literacy and appreciation. Students experience music sequentially through singing, moving, playing, listening and creating. Music concepts explored each year level include rhythm, melody, harmony, tone colour, form and expression.

Music naturally reinforces other areas in the curriculum such as literacy, numeracy, science and social services. Because music is a universal language all students can excel and participate freely and equally. In music, we educate, motivate and celebrate the talents of all pupils.

At Saint Ronan’s we encourage a love of music and provide opportunities for all pupils to develop their imagination and self-confidence.

Each class has 2 music lessons per week. Generally, one of these will focus on the elements of music and one on cross-curricular connections in the Pre-Prep. In Years 3 and 4, a recorder programme brings pitch and rhythm notation together to reinforce the reading of staff notation. In Years 5, 6, 7 & 8, practical music making takes the form of a classroom band. The school has a keyboard Laboratory and a complement of Orff instruments for use during these sessions.

Over two thirds of children learn a musical instrument with a group of 10 highly qualified and experienced peripatetic music teachers. They regularly perform in concerts throughout the school year and have achieved excellent results in both Trinity/Guildhall and ABRSM exams.

Extra-curricular music activities include a burgeoning Chamber Choir of 35 members, a Chapel Choir who lead our evensongs, a Junior and Senior String ensemble, the Wind Band and an Orchestra.

An adjudicated house singing competition takes place in the Summer Term. Children love the camaraderie of the musical play presented in conjunction with the Drama Department in the Spring term of each year. Past shows have included Oliver, Grease, and Bugsy Malone, Les Miserables and Me & My Girl.

The Music Department is housed in purpose-built accommodation. The recently opened Harris Building provides a beautiful in which children can explore their musical potential.