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.
Orchestral Workshop
Our workshop event on Thursday 5 November 2026 is a great opportunity for pupils who are considering joining us in either Year 7 or year 9, to come and experience playing with the St Dunstan's College Orchestra.
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 which ensures every Year 7 child has access to these experiences.
Orchestral Workshop:
Thursday 5 November 2026
Enjoy an afternoon of musical creativity, coaching and performance with the St Dunstan's College Orchestra!
In this inspiring workshop, run by our Director of Music and our Head of Instrumental Studies, you will experience playing in a full-size orchestra, alongside our music staff and current Music Scholars. It's a perfect opportunity for young musicians to get to know our music department staff, meet current students, and experience the incredible buzz of performing as part of our award-winning ensemble.
The workshop runs from 1400 - 1600 and is then followed by a performance to which parents are invited.
This session is aimed at pupils in Year 4, 5, 6 or 8, playing an orchestral string, brass or woodwind instrument at Grade 3 level or above, and particularly those interested in a Music Scholarship.
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
