Music

Bede’s offers a dynamic musical journey tailored at every stage to the interests and strengths of all our pupils. Year 9 kicks off with a broad array of topics, emphasising a culture of creative collaboration. At GCSE, the curriculum covers Popular Music from the 1960s to today, Film Music, and World Music.

In the Sixth Form, BTEC Music is a standout, "alive" subject focused on building practical skills. Meanwhile, A-Level Music is delivered in small groups, allowing for deep, academic personalisation. From composition to performance, the department ensures every pupil finds their unique rhythm and flourishes.

Bede’s co-curricular music program is exceptionally diverse, catering to every musical passion. Instrumentalists thrive in the Concert Band, while vocalists can choose from the Jazz Choir, Barbershop, and the versatile Bede’s Singers. For those with a theatrical flair, Musical Theatre singing offers a dedicated platform to shine.

A standout highlight is the Cabaret Singers, who take centre stage at our prestigious, eponymous Cabaret concerts on a biennial basis. These high-octane, professional-standard events allow students to showcase their talents, fostering a vibrant, inclusive performance culture that defines the heart of the Bede’s experience.

At Bede’s, we pride ourselves on delivering first-class instrumental tuition for all our pupils. We are very fortunate to have some of the most experienced musicians in the UK on our team, many of whom have worked all over the world in their respective disciplines. The chance to be taught by highly skilled and expert musicians gives our pupils a uniquely inspiring experience: it supports and encourages them in their pursuit of brilliance and enjoyment of their musical, and wider school, interests.

Bede’s boasts exceptional, professional-grade music facilities designed to inspire both performance and production. Our state-of-the-art recording studio seamlessly integrates analogue and digital technologies, providing a high-spec environment where students master sound engineering and audio recording using industry-standard software.

For performance, the department features a number of purpose-built practice rooms equipped with drums, keyboards, and guitars, alongside a suite of Apple iMacs for independent composition. These spaces empower students to experiment, refine their craft, and produce commercial-quality work, ensuring that whether you are a soloist or a budding producer, you have the tools to excel.

Music is the heart of Bede’s, offering professional-grade platforms for every pupil. The calendar is headlined by the spectacular Cabaret—a black-tie gala for 100+ performers—and major productions at Brighton’s Attenborough Centre.

From the high-energy House Music Competition to Bede’s Young Musician of the Year, international tours, and Eastbourne Youth Radio, opportunities are vast. Whether performing pupil-led gigs or joining diverse vocal ensembles spanning classical, rock, and pop, every musician finds their stage. At Bede’s, we balance elite excellence with an inclusive, ambitious musical spirit.