Financial Support

Sixth Form Music Awards

Radley College has the following music awards available to boys applying to enter the school in the 6th form:

Organ Scholarships

Candidates for the Organ Scholarship are expected to be at around Associated Board Grade 7 standard on the organ, and at least the same on piano, on application. Experience in accompanying choral music is desirable but not essential. They should be able to demonstrate knowledge of and interest in choral music, particularly in the Anglican choral tradition, though they need not necessarily be singers.

The Organ Scholarship will offer successful applicants the opportunity to work closely with the Radley College Choir, including the Choristers. Organ scholars will gain experience in choral accompanying and conducting, the training of boys' voices, and the accompanying of congregational singing, which is a particular strength at Radley. The organ scholar would be able to play the organ at College services from time to time, under the guidance of the Succentor.

The Organ Scholarship is an excellent preparation for Cathedral and university organ scholarships of all types; the opportunity to work with boys' voices at this stage in an organist's education is almost unique, but the skills gained will also be invaluable in non-Choral foundations.

In addition the Bastyan Scholarship (50% of fees and free music tuition), is awarded each year to a boy of exceptional talent and ability on the organ or piano. A further bursary, if required, can supplement the award, bringing it up to 100% of full boarding fees.

Choral Scholarships

Candidates for Choral Scholarships are expected to be already settled singers and have gained a solid grounding in technique. They should be able to demonstrate an interest in a variety of repertoire, although it is not necessarily a requirement to be able to sing in a wide variety of styles. Aural skills and sight singing should be well developed. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to choir singing and an enthusiasm for singing solo repertoire in public.

Choral Scholarships will offer successful applicants the opportunity to work with specialist vocal teachers at Radley as well as distinguished teachers from outside. Master-classes and competitions are arranged both at the school and elsewhere. They will be key contributors to the Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, Radley Clerkes (an a cappella group) and Compline Clerkes (early music a cappella group) and also contribute to other vocal and instrumental ensembles at Radley College. Radley’s proximity to Oxford affords opportunities both to listen and sing in Oxford college choirs.

Radley has a tradition of regularly winning Choral Scholarships at Oxbridge and at other prestigious universities and applicants will be encouraged to work towards these and other similar goals.

Instrumental Scholarships

Candidates for Instrumental Scholarships are expected to be around Associated Board Grade 8 standard on one instrument and perhaps have further supporting instrumental study at a high level. Instrumentalists should ideally be able to demonstrate a knowledge of and interest in chamber music, orchestral or jazz ensembles; pianists an interest in accompaniment and piano-based ensembles as well as solo repertoire.

Instrumental Scholarships will offer successful applicants the opportunity to work closely with, and have lessons from, distinguished visiting teachers as well as participate in workshops and master-classes arranged both at the school and elsewhere. They will naturally contribute to the various ensembles at Radley College and are encouraged to audition for local and national ensembles and orchestras such as local youth orchestras and the National Youth Orchestra. A breadth of solo performing opportunities from concertos to solo recitals are available and many boys take part in Music Festivals and competitions.

Instrumental scholarships will offer free tuition on the chosen instruments and guidance as to future career paths in music performance either at Conservatoires or University.

Further information relating to all the 6th form Music Awards

• All 6th form scholars will be expected to study either Music or Music Technology at ‘A’ level
• Instrumental tuition is provided free of charge
• Expert guidance as to future career paths in music either at Conservatoires or University is offered
• Candidates are invited to attend informal pre-auditions at Radley, together with a tour of the music facilities and College at any time from 2 years before the awards are made

Audition Procedure

Auditions for entry in September 2014 will take place at Radley College on 20th November 2013 – please see Sixth Form Entrance for the application procedure. The deadline for applications is 1st November 2013.

In the audition, candidates should be prepared for the following:

• To play (or sing) two contrasting pieces on their main instrument
• To play (or sing) a piece on any further instrument
• To sit a Listening Test (along the lines of a GCSE listening exam)
• Aural tests
• A quick study on their first instrument (20 minutes is given of private preparation on a piece which is then performed to the panel in the audition. The candidate will then receive coaching on the piece from a member of the panel)
• A general musical interview
• A separate interview with the Warden of Radley College

Candidates for the Organ Scholarship may also be asked to transpose a simple hymn tune, accompany a singer and to follow a beat. Candidates will be allotted time to prepare on the College organ.

Candidates with a special interest in jazz will be asked to improvise as part of their quick study.

Candidates will be asked to send in advance (by the closing date) copies of their GCSE composition portfolio (consisting of at least two scores and two recordings).

Accompanists will be provided (with rehearsal time allocated) as required.