St Mary’s Music School offers aspiring young singers the opportunity to continue their musical education in a specialist environment. The school’s Vocal Programmes provide exceptional training in vocal technique, performance skills, and ensemble music-making. Choristers who wish to pursue solo singing and are looking ahead to senior school are encouraged to apply as first-study singers, where they will receive dedicated support to continue to develop into confident and expressive musicians.
The journey through adolescence brings significant changes for young singers, particularly in their vocal development. St Mary’s Music School has developed the Changing Voices Programme for S3 and S4 pupils (ages 13–15) of all genders to supporting these aspiring singers through this critical stage, placing vocal health at its core.
The programme nurtures singers as their voices develop, building on their existing musical experiences while ensuring they maintain confidence in their abilities and refine their classical vocal technique. Through specialist teaching, pupils will learn how to use and care for their voices in a way that fosters long-term vocal health. As first-study singers, they are encouraged to explore text, emotional expression, and all aspects of solo performance, along with developing their technical skills.
Individual tuition is a cornerstone of the programme, with each pupil receiving weekly one-to-one lessons from a teacher specialising in this stage of vocal development. In addition, pupils take part in vocal specific performance classes, coaching sessions, sung language classes, and ensemble music-making opportunities, including School Choir, Chamber Choir, and Chamber Music. This comprehensive training ensures a well-rounded vocal and musical education. Pupils on the Changing Voices programme are given an increased amount of contact time on a second study instrument to allow them flexibility within their education as their voice develops. This provides more choice as they progress through the School.
To gain insight into life at St Mary’s Music School, prospective pupils are invited to attend a Vocal Taster Day. Find out more on the St Mary’s Music School News and Events page.
