Music at Leighton Park

Music and Music Tech A Level Taster Afternoon on Wednesday 18th October
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Music concert

Yamaha Music Education Partner

We’re proud to be a Flagship Yamaha Music Education Partner, the only school in Europe to hold this prestigious status. It means we have an outstanding array of instruments for our students to use, exclusive teaching materials and specialist training for our staff.
Girl playing piano

Music Department

Our music department is one of the busiest places in school, catering for all musical tastes from classical to jazz, indie to rock. From day one, we’ll offer your child plenty of opportunities to learn, play and perform, at School and out in the wider community. And we’ll give them the chance to be the driving force behind the scenes too, using our state-of-the-art digital recording studio and editing suites.

Steinberg Certified Training Centre

We are also a Steinberg Certified Training Centre, a recognition of excellence in our use of Music Technology across the department. As a global software company, Steinberg support our students in a range of creative endeavours including musical notation and music production.

Yamaha Live Lounge Sessions
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Our Yamaha Live Lounge Sessions enable our musicians to lay down professional quality recordings, reflect on their performances and grow in confidence.

 

See the full playlist +
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Petra Live Lounge

Austin Bursary Awards
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In addition to our main bursary fund, Leighton Park is able to make Austin Bursary Awards for Sixth Form students with particular academic ability and/or musical talent. These awards are means-tested and usually cover between 80-100% of the day fee for the two years of the Sixth Form.

Leighton Park has strength across the creative and performing arts, creating an inspiring, inclusive and vibrant learning community, with students bringing their remarkable talents to bear in performances and productions throughout the year. Watch our short video for a taste of what’s on offer.

 

Find out more +
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Creative Arts - Imagine Better

Student case studies

Esther - violin

Since joining Leighton Park Esther has developed her skill for the violin, started practicing piano, drums, singing as well as composing her own music. As a music scholar, her dedication has inspired students and captivated audiences with her performances. With aspirations to study music at the university level, Esther's passion and potential promise an exceptional future in the world of music.
Watch the film +

Rebecca - bassoon

Meet Rebecca, an exceptional Year 11 student at Leighton Park School. Her love for music and skill of the bassoon have made her a standout in the school orchestra and LP Winds. Discover how Leighton Park has nurtured her musical talents, shaping her for a promising future. Subscribe for more inspiring stories from Leighton Park School.
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Alice - bassoon and singing

In this video, music scholar Alice, shares her love for learning music, her achievements with the bassoon and obtaining a prestigious diploma. Alice's dedication and talent has been fostered and celebrated by our music department and we look forward to what she will accomplish next!
Watch the film +

Meet our Students

Eliza

Eliza - Claire Jones Harp Ensemble

Harp - grade 8 distinction and ARSM diploma distinction

As well as the harp, I have grade 8 in piano, and grade 7s in drums and voice, the latter in both classical and rock & pop. I also love writing music and won the Independent Schools Association composition competition for my age group two years in a row. I enjoy the creative process of song writing and progressing an idea to a fully developed song. I recently recorded at Abbey Road and did a concert tour in the USA with the Claire Jones Harp Ensemble. The music staff at Leighton Park are really supportive and encouraging and offer many opportunities to participate in workshops and events.
Reuben

Reuben - National Children's Orchestra

Bassoon/Contra-Bassoon Grade 7

I'm a Music Scholar in Year 7. I play bassoon and piano, and have also taught myself the saxophone and drum kit. Since starting at Leighton Park, I have really enjoyed composing. Kemme encourages me to do more than I think I can manage and I've surprised myself on what I can achieve! I'd like to try composing for a band soon perhaps. I started playing the Contra Bassoon in September and love that I can play it in the school orchestra - something that most people have never seen before. It's loud and low and rumbles nicely. My greatest achievement so far is being part of the National Children's Orchestra. One of my goals at Leighton Park is to play bassoon (or Contra Bassoon) in the band for one of the school shows. I also like to play football and rugby.
Sian signing at House Music

Sian - Graduated 2023 and now at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Singing - Grade 8 distinction and Flute - Grade 8

It was joining LP that really allowed me to discover how much I loved music. I take advantage of and create as many opportunities as I can because my favourite part of music is collaborating with other musicians. The culmination of music at LP was receiving an offer from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where I am going to do vocal studies next year. This is something that I never would have considered when I first joined LP and demonstrates how significantly it changed my life. The positive attitude and encouragement you are surrounded by is overwhelming and helps you develop hugely as a musician and as a person.
Taylor on sax

Taylor - Reading Youth Orchestra

Saxophone - grade 8, Diploma Level ATCL

My passion towards music started when I was 4. I had a trip to Los Angeles and I saw cool guys playing the saxophone. But what really made me choose the instruments I am playing now is because of my Dad and my Grandpa. They are both great fans of the saxophone. After years of hard practice I have done my Grade 8 and diploma level ATCL. Leighton Park has helped me see that music is not about chasing perfection but rather to enjoy it. Leighton Park has such great music resources with amazing instruments and music technology. This has made me even more interested in music production, and Leighton Park had also provided me with lots of performing opportunities.
Close up guitar

"Music is at the core of what makes this school so special. Since I joined the School in Year 9, I have always felt included and encouraged to participate, both within and outside my comfort zone, and challenged to aspire to greater goals."

Catherine, Year 11

Take a look inside
Take a look +

Opened in January 2019, our MMC building boasts industry-standard tech and facilities – including a Yamaha Live Lounge Recording Studio.

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MMC interior of the music building

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