A number of music scholarships are awarded at 11+ (for 5 years) and at 16+ on the basis of merit. Candidates must pass the entrance examination and a music audition conducted by the music department to qualify.
More than simply a financial reward, our Music Scholarships provide access to a range of musical activities to support and nurture the musical potential demonstrated in an audition. This will include:
• Access to our Chamber Music Programme: this is a particular area of specialism at North London. Along with Wycombe Abbey School and Harrow School, NLCS is a founding member of the South East Schoolʼs Chamber Music Festival, and each year pupils perform at the Festival Concert at St Johnʼs Smith Square. Music Scholars receive regular coaching in small ensembles from leading chamber music specialists
• Masterclass or workshop opportunities with leading external musicians
• Solo performance opportunities in our high-profile Drummond Recitals, as part of the Old House Concert Series
• Performance opportunities in smaller ensembles for selected projects
Students currently studying two disciplines
The NLCS Handel Music Scholarship is an annual award equivalent to the cost of individual music lessons at NLCS in two instruments (worth £2,050 in 2023-2024). The Music Department comprises a dedicated team of visiting music teachers who bring with them a wealth of teaching and performing experience across all major disciplines. However, we realise that some music scholars may wish to continue studying with their present music teachers, and they are very welcome to do so.
Students currently studying one discipline
We encourage our music scholars to study an additional discipline alongside their main instrument to further develop their musicianship. However, any music scholars learning just one instrument will be offered a financial award equivalent to the cost of lessons in one instrument (worth £1,025 in 2023-2024).
The NLCS Handel Music Scholarship will also carry with it an additional £125 per instrument studied (i.e. £250 if two instruments are being studied), again awarded annually, to provide assistance towards the cost of sheet music and instrument maintenance across the academic year.
How to apply
A NUMBER OF MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED AT 11+ ON THE BASIS OF MERIT. GIRLS MUST PASS THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION, AND SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED FOLLOWING AN AUDITION BY THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT.
Candidates should be at the standard equivalent to ABRSM or Trinity Grade 5 distinction or above on their first instrument.
Applications are also welcome from pupils performing on the following instruments at Grade 4: Double bass / Oboe / Bassoon / All brass instruments.
How to apply:
Once you have registered your daughter for the 11+ entrance exam, please complete the application form for a Handel Music Scholarship. We will also require a copy of the latest music exam certificate, exam mark sheet(s) and a reference from the teacher of their first instrument. Please send these to admissions@nlcs.org.uk by 15 November 2023. Candidates who meet the required standard will be shortlisted and invited for a 20-minute audition where they will be required to:
- Perform for up to eight minutes: either on one instrument – this could be two pieces or a longer single piece – or on two instruments, if the candidate wishes to perform on a second instrument;
- Sing an unaccompanied song (ideally a folk song or similar);
- Perform a piece of sight-reading;
- Demonstrate their musicianship in some short aural tests;
- Discuss their music-making in and out of school.
Auditions will take place for external candidates on Saturday 27 January 2024.
A NUMBER OF MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED AT 16+ ON THE BASIS OF MERIT. GIRLS MUST PASS THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION, AND SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED FOLLOWING AN AUDITION BY THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT.
Instrumentalists auditioning should be at the standard equivalent to ABRSM or Trinity Grade 8 distinction or above on their first instrument. Vocalists will need to be performing repertoire of at least Grade 7 standard, with the intention of moving towards Grade 8 by the end of Year 12.
How to apply:
1. Once you have registered your daughter for the 16+ entrance exam, please complete the application form for a Handel Music Scholarship. We will also require a copy of the latest music exam certificate and exam mark sheet(s) and a reference from the teacher of their first instrument. Please send these to admissions@nlcs.org.uk by the application deadline.
2. Candidates who meet the required standards will be shortlisted and invited for a 20-minute audition where they will be required to:
- Perform for up to 12 minutes: either on one instrument – this could be two pieces or a longer single piece – or on two instruments if the candidate wishes to perform on a second instrument;
- Perform a piece of sight-reading;
- Discuss their music-making in and out of school.
Auditions will take place during the week of November to coincide with a second-round interview.
All parts of the examination are important and must be prepared by all candidates. The School will provide an official accompanist (candidates will be able to have a short rehearsal with the accompanist prior to the audition); all candidates who need an accompanist must make use of his/her services.
These practical tests will be held in November for internal and external applicants. The times of the practical tests will be notified to successful candidates after the entrance examination.
