As a parent, you want your child to thrive, discover their passions, and develop their unique talents. At Barney, music is at the heart of co-curricular life.
A symphony of opportunities
We truly believe every child is a musician, and we’re passionate about nurturing that potential in an inclusive, inspiring environment. From their very first notes, your child will be immersed in a world of musical possibilities. We pride ourselves on the joy and creativity that come from making music together.
We offer a diverse range of ensembles, from the uplifting Chapel Choir to the energetic Junior Big Band, developing pupils’ skills and building camaraderie. For personalised progress, our highly experienced visiting music teachers (VMTs) offer one-to-one instrumental and vocal lessons. Many are professional performers, bringing real-world industry expertise directly into their teaching. These 30-minute weekly lessons are on a rotational basis, ensuring your child won’t miss the same academic lesson each time. Our VMTs tailor tuition to individual needs, supporting coursework, ensemble pieces, or preparing for ABRSM and MTB exams.
For our most dedicated and advanced musicians, elite ensembles like the Jazz Collective offer challenging repertoire, specialist coaching, and high-profile performance opportunities both in school and beyond – an excellent platform for those considering music at university or as a career.
Taking the stage
Cultivating confidence through performance
We believe that performing is key to building confidence. Your child will have numerous opportunities to showcase their talents in various settings, from weekly lunchtime concerts to our impressive bi-annual Gala event. These performances are important for pupils’ development as musicians and prepare them for even bigger stages.
Academic excellence
A foundation for future success
Our academic music curriculum, from Pre-Prep through to GCSE and A-Level, mirrors our co-curricular philosophy: ‘every child is a musician.’ In lessons, pupils are collaborative and engaged, developing essential skills and embedding knowledge in an authentically musical setting. Our expert teaching guides pupils to achieve their greatest potential, providing an excellent foundation for those aspiring to study Music at university or conservatoire level.
Community · Character · Ambition
Community that lasts a lifetime
Barney is a down-to-earth, inclusive community where laughter matters and friendship runs deep. From our vibrant boarding houses to the daily rhythm of school life, this is a place where everyone belongs and everyone contributes. The bonds formed here last a lifetime, and the culture of support and belonging stays with our students long after they leave.
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