The Department
The Music department at HBS aims to enable every student to develop their musical potential whatever their ability when they join the school. We focus on helping each pupil develop their musical skills, understanding and knowledge through a vibrant and eclectic curriculum that is practically based and that is both accessible and challenging to all. Throughout the key stages, lessons focus on three core areas of study:
- Performing
- Composing and Arranging
- Listening and Appraising.
Key Stage 3
The aim of the Keystage 3 course is to give students a wide range of practical musical experiences. They explore a wide variety of musical traditions—ranging from film scoring and Klezmer to the origins of Western popular music (Blues, Jazz, Rock ’n’ Roll) and Baroque Ground Bass—while mastering elements like structure, texture, and harmonic devices. Practical group work is supported by digital music software (Logic Express and Sibelius) for composing, and learning culminates in annual performance opportunities like the Year 8 Interhouse Music Festival.
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 4 Music deepens students’ musical abilities – over the two-year course, students refine both solo and ensemble performances through workshop feedback and formal recordings. They create two final compositions—one tailored to a personal interest and one set by the exam board—and study eight set works across four diverse Areas of Study (Instrumental Music 1700–1820, Vocal Music, Music for Stage and Screen, and Fusions) in preparation for the final written exam.
Key Stage 5
Students refine their skills to an expert level by delivering a recorded recital, crafting two externally assessed compositions (one free choice and one board-set brief), and developing high-level analytical musicology skills. Through a written exam, they study four dedicated Areas of Study covering classical repertoire (Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven), popular song (Blues, Jazz, Big Band), and two specialist topics chosen from options such as Programmatic Music, Baroque Sacred Music, or 20th-Century Innovations.