INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE

FOR CANDIDATES, PARENTS AND TEACHERS

Fettes College offers Music Scholarships to boys and girls with musical potential for entrance to all years of the school from T form (age 10) through to Lower Sixth Form (age 16). Several major awards of up to 33% of school fees (plus tuition on two instruments) are made annually to instrumentalists and singers. In cases of financial need there is also the possibility of supplementing these awards with Bursaries to cover even larger amounts of the fees. Minor Scholarships and Music Exhibitions (tuition on two instruments only) are also available.  The College's Organ Scholarship falls vacant in September 2007, and Organists of Grade 7 and 8 standard are particularly encouraged to apply for this prestigious award.

Musicians at Fettes are placed enviably for a lively involvement in the musical life of Scotland's capital city, as well as benefiting from a very active Music Department within the College. Two orchestras, three choirs and many smaller chamber ensembles all flourish and perform in major concerts throughout the year, some of which take place in various Edinburgh venues including cathedrals, major churches and concert halls. The school regularly performs the major choral works (recently Jenkins' "The Armed Man", Widor's "Mass for Two Choirs and Two Organs", Rutter's "Gloria" and Ramirez' "Misa Criolla") and much emphasis is placed on giving pupils a variety of experiences, both within and outside the College. Recently, the Chapel Choir has undertaken tours to North America and Austria. 

Music Scholars are a key part of the musical life of Fettes: they form the basis of most musical groups and are also invited to participate in the planning of events under the auspices of the Music Society. They need to be, of course, musically motivated, committed both to their instruments and music-making in groups, and they need to be prepared to contribute to school music in a major way. In return, they receive special attention from the Music Staff to monitor progress, ensure an even spread of commitments and assist with their musical development. Music Scholars are expected to take Music as one of their Fourth Form GCSE options.

The audition:

All candidates will be invited to attend for auditions during the first week in February 2008. It is suggested that, prior to the auditions taking place, parents might arrange to visit Fettes to meet the Headmaster and the Director of Music and to see over the school. It is especially useful if the candidate can also attend, as they will feel more at home when attending for the audition. Successful candidates are likely to possess considerable musical potential. The standard required is usually at least Grade 5 (Trinity or Associated Board) on the main instrument at age 13, with an appropriate adjustment for other age groups. However, candidates who have not reached this level need not be deterred from applying, especially in the case of former Cathedral Choristers. A second instrument, or singing, should also be offered, even if only at a basic level. Other instruments may also be offered, but are unlikely substantially to increase the prospect of an offer being made.

Candidates should prepare two contrasting pieces on their main instrument. Pieces should be selected carefully: we shall be looking for musicianship and potential rather than mere technical ability, so a simpler piece played well will be more beneficial to the candidate than a technically more demanding work which is only just within reach. Attention should be paid to technical exercises, sight-reading and aural tests, which are of equal importance to the pieces played. Candidates offering second or third instruments are invited to prepare one piece on each, but please accept that we may not have time to hear all of every piece in these circumstances.

Conduct of the audition:

An accompanist will be provided, where required, or candidates may bring their own accompanist. You will have the opportunity to rehearse with the accompanist before the audition; those offering pieces of Grade 7 standard or above should send copies in advance for the accompanist to prepare if necessary. Once in the audition room, candidates will be invited to warm-up thoroughly and to try out the piano if required. We shall hope to hear the whole of each work prepared on your main instrument, but very long pieces may need to be stopped before the end. The audition will also include sight-reading, aural tests and scales appropriate to the candidate's standard. You are advised to bring spare reeds and strings with you as appropriate and please note that photocopied music is not acceptable. Originals must be used. There will be a short interview at the end of the audition, with an opportunity for the candidate to ask questions. There will also be a separate interview with the Headmaster.

Applications:

Applications for Music Awards should be made on the enclosed form and sent to Mrs Harriet Marshall, Admissions Secretary, at the College, to arrive with her not later than January 2008. The Admissions Secretary will also be pleased to arrange appointments with the Headmaster and the Director of Music and to arrange for tours of the school. If you have any further questions on Music Scholarships in general, the Director of Music, Mrs Joanne Armstrong, will be happy to give advice, either by telephone or in person.

Mrs Joanne Armstrong

Director of Music

Fettes College

Edinburgh

EH4 1QX

0131 332 2281  (College Number)

0131 311 6706 (Music School Direct Line)

jd.armstrong@fettes.com (email)