MusicWith its whole-school daily Chapel tradition (further boosted by the acquisition of the 2007 Harrison & Harrison two manual 26 stop tracker action pipe organ), Glenalmond possesses an enviable choral tradition. Approximately one sixth of the College forms the Chapel Choir, which gives regular concerts throughout Scotland, based on its sizeable repertoire of anthems and more extended choral pieces.

Orchestral and chamber music is found in abundance: ensemble music-making is encouraged for all those learning instruments, whether in bands or smaller groups. The College has two acclaimed pipe bands enjoying international demand for their work.

The department underpins its varied and lively programme of practical music-making with firm academic foundations. Pupils are offered a wide-ranging foundation course in the 2nd & 3rd form,centred on work which is developed at GCSE level, should this be an option.

MUSIC2Music GCSE (EdExcel syllabus) has three central requirements – performing, composing (both coursework assignments) and listening/appraising (a written exam).

Uniquely at Glenalmond at present, Music students follow the Cambridge pre-U course in the 6th form. This is a two year course, which is examined at the end of the second year. It is not possible to follow the course for the duration of the Lower 6th year alone. The course extends the GCSE tasks:

  • Listening, Analysis & Historical Study (in topic-based set works – eg the concerto in the Classical period) Weighting 30%
  • Performing: 20 minute recital plus performance on a second instrument or improvisation Weighting 22.5%
  • Composing (harmony – two topics from a list of six) Weighting 22.5%

In addition, there is a personal study (Weighting 25%) chosen from four options:

dissertation or

advanced recital (30 minutes), not to duplicate type of work done in component 2 (a candidate would need to give two recitals on two different instruments, one at Grade 7 level, the other at Grade 8 level and also improvise to capitalise on the full 47.5% of marks potentially available through performance) or

free composition or

music technology project

Music Technology is also taught as a separate subject at AS and A level.

There are three resident music staff ~ Dr Tim Ridley (Director of Music), Robert Gower (Head of Academic Music and College Organist) and Brian Elrick (Piping Instructor). Instrumental tuition is given by a team of 23 specialists (drawn from the breadth of Scotland) who visit the College weekly.