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Music
The London Oratory School Music Department aims to provide a wide ranging musical education which combines developing an understanding of different musical styles and genres with practical music making. Music lessons at all levels in the school involve listening, composing and performing in many different shapes and forms. The Catholic ethos of the school also has a strong influence upon the music curriculum and more traditional musical activities such as singing hymns in preparation for school services are a regular occurrence in the lower school, as is the learning of Gregorian mass settings and Marian antiphons.
During the first three years all pupils have two periods of music a week. Emphasis is placed on practical work in which both class singing and instrumental activities feature prominently. Besides lessons in elementary aural, composition and written theory, pupils study and discuss a wide range of musical works from all periods and genres. From fourth form, music is taken as an optional subject and may be studied for GCSE, AS level and A level examinations and for music diplomas.
For pupils with an aptitude for music and a desire to study seriously, the school affords extensive opportunities for tuition, study and performing in public. The school carries on a tradition of choral music which dates back to Saint Philip Neri, the sixteenth century founder of the Oratory, a wide range of both sacred and secular music being sung by the various choirs and groups.
The school has two organs: a three manual Allen organ in the Chapel and a two manual organ in the Arts Centre Theatre. There is also a fine two manual Goble harpsichord for pupils learning keyboard instruments and for use in school concerts.
To view a list of all the co-curricular music groups please click here.
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