Music is thriving at St Dunstan’s Senior School because of the ambition, dedication and talents of our remarkable students.
Our mission is to nurture the musicians of tomorrow while fostering a lifelong love and appreciation of music in all its forms.
Based in our state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre, the Music Department offers students a rich and inspiring environment in which to grow. Alongside dynamic curriculum lessons and vibrant Forder activities, students benefit from one-to-one tuition with our expert Visiting Music Teachers, all 30+ of whom are industry professionals active across London and beyond. We hold multiple days of ABRSM examinations at the College each term, and outcomes are consistently outstanding: in 2024–25, 38% of entries achieved Distinction and 41% achieved Merit.
In recent years, graduates have progressed to scholarship programmes at prestigious institutions, including top London conservatoires such as the Royal Academy of Music, and Oxbridge.
Open events in the music department, where prospective new students can come and take part in workshops, take place regularly throughout the year. Check our 'Visiting the College' page for further information.
A Range of Ensembles
Our Forder programme boasts a range of ensembles that rival the best in the country, with around 35 activities taking place every single week.
College Orchestra tackles high-level symphonic repertoire, giving students the experience of performing major works at a professional standard. Alongside this, our thriving Concert Band showcases the outstanding wind and brass playing within the College, while the College Choir has recently sung Evensong at Southwark Cathedral and Oxbridge colleges, and performed large-scale choral masterpieces including Handel’s Messiah and Fauré’s Requiem.
Jazz is a particular strength of the department, with ensembles such as our Big Band and Jazz Collective performing regularly, including a recent show at the PizzaExpress Jazz Club in Soho.
Large-scale performances frequently take place at renowned venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, St John’s Smith Square, and Cadogan Hall.
In recent years the department has also embarked on international tours to Rome, Barcelona, and, in 2026, Prague.
Around 600 weekly music lessons cater to a wide range of instruments, voices and music production, with a scheme being introduced in 2025-26 that will ensure every Year 7 child has access to these experiences.
I’ve been able to try so many different styles and instruments, and the teachers really encourage us to be creative. The most exciting part is performing, I never imagined I’d get to play in real London venues at this age. Standing on stage with my friends, sharing music with an audience, is something I’ll never forget.
- Year 8 student
Hero
A Centre of Musical Excellence
