The School’s purpose in offering Music and Choral awards is to encourage musical boys to develop and fulfil their talent. Award holders are expected to make a full contribution to the School's musical activities. In addition to the award Music Scholars may be offered instrumental tuition free of charge, provided that the tuition is with one of the School’s permanent or visiting teachers. Choral Scholars may be offered singing tuition on the same terms.
 

The Director of Music is pleased to advise potential candidates through a pre-audition assessment.
 

Choral Award
 

The Choral Award is only offered to boys entering the First Year.
 

Choral Scholars are expected to take a leading part in the Chamber Choir and play in an orchestra, ensemble or band if they are competent to do so.
 

Choral Scholarships are awarded in conjunction with the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace. Choral Scholars are therefore required to be, or to become, choristers of the Chapel Royal. 
 

When a Choral Scholar's voice changes, his obligation to the Chapel Royal ceases; but he is expected to remain in the School Chamber Choir or to return to it when he can, and to contribute in other ways to School music.
 

Candidates will be asked to sing at least one prepared piece of their own choice and to sight-read music of an appropriate standard. There will be an opportunity for each candidate to perform an instrumental piece of his own choice and his playing may be taken into account when making the award.
 

Music Award 
 

For the Music Scholarship, candidates may offer any instrument (first or second study): piano, organ, recorder, guitar (any variety), saxophone, voice, composition, or any orchestral instrument. Each candidate will be asked to play two contrasting pieces of his own choice on his first instrument. 
 

Candidates should also offer a second study, but exceptionally talented performers on a single study will be considered. Any further evidence to support an application, such as improvisation, composition, or technology is welcomed.  The candidate’s Headteacher will have supported the application.
 

The Auditions
 

Auditions are held in early February: at the School on a Saturday morning for Music Scholarships; at the Chapel Royal on a weekday afternoon for the Choral Scholarship. A skilled and sympathetic accompanist will be in attendance, but a candidate is welcome to bring his own accompanist if he prefers. Auditions for both types of scholarship will include aural tests and oral questions about general musical topics. 
 

Criteria
 

A Choral or Music Scholarship may only be awarded to a candidate who reaches the qualifying academic standard in the appropriate entrance examination. 
 

Grades 4 or 5 would usually be regarded as appropriate at age 11, Grades 6 or 7 at 13.
 

Candidates for 11+ entry must be under 12 years of age on 1 September 
 

Candidates for 13+ entry must be under 14 years of age on 1 September.
 

Tenure of an award will be subject to the holder’s satisfactory continued academic work, conduct and commitment to his field(s) of expertise at Hampton.
 

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