Music

Instrumental Tuition

Every child begins their instrumental journey with a term of free violin tuition in Year 3, before moving on to the recorder in Year 4. From there, pupils are encouraged to explore brass, woodwind, strings or the saxophone. They learn keyboard skills in Year 5 to support the class band sessions in Year 6.

Individual lessons are also available in piano, guitar, drums, singing and music theory, giving every child the chance to find their musical voice.

Our Peripatetic Teachers

Saint Ronan’s is home to sixteen exceptional peripatetic music teachers; each a professional musician passionate about sharing their craft. They teach the full range of orchestral instruments, as well as voice, piano, percussion and theory. Many pupils work towards ABRSM exams, while others simply play for the love of it. Because every child’s musical journey is personal, their progress is celebrated in many ways.

Performance opportunities

Performance is central to music at Saint Ronan’s. Throughout the year, pupils take part in a rich programme of concerts and events:

• Musical Breakfasts – informal morning recitals where parents can see their children perform.
• Performance Classes – small, workshop-style sessions that build confidence and collaboration.
• Junior Concerts – for Years 3 & 4, offering a supportive first taste of performing.
• Soloists’ Soirée – a formal showcase in the grandeur of the Great Space, celebrating our senior musicians.

These experiences help our young performers grow in poise, confidence and pride.

Ensembles

Collaboration is at the heart of music-making. From String Theory for Year 3s to our Senior Strings, Wind Band and full School Orchestra, pupils experience the joy of performing together. Our ensembles have played works by Sibelius, Beethoven, Strauss and John Williams, performing in front of packed audiences at the four major concerts each year.

Choirs

Singing is the heartbeat of Saint Ronan’s. Every child in Years 3 & 4 sings in a choir, and the joy of group singing continues through Years 5-8.

Our 45-strong Chamber Choir, led by professional opera singer Frances Bourne, performs at major school events, while the Chapel Choir leads services and sings Evensong both at school and in local churches.

In May 2025, the Chapel Choir recorded A Season to Sing with St Dunstan’s, Mayfield for Signum Records - a proud moment for all involved.

Scholarships and Success 

Saint Ronan’s musicians regularly achieve outstanding success. Pupils who reach ABRSM Grade 5 become Music Scholars, receiving free lessons on their chosen instrument.

Over the past four years, our pupils have earned 32 scholarship awards to leading senior schools, including King’s Canterbury, Hurst, Sutton Valence, Tonbridge, Mayfield, Sevenoaks and Benenden.

Above all, we hope that every Ronian leaves the school with a lifelong love of music and performance, and the confidence to keep making it, wherever their journey takes them.