This term has been alive with sound: from informal Rush Hour Recitals and co-curricular ensembles to outreach concerts that bring music to the wider community. Every lesson, rehearsal, and recital reflects the School’s commitment to nurturing talent, confidence, and a lifelong love of music.

Our Music Department: Building Musical Foundations

At St Margaret’s, music is supported by both an innovative curriculum and outstanding facilities, ensuring pupils are immersed in musical experiences from the very start of their school journey. From Nursery through to Year 6, children benefit from specialist music teachers who introduce them to a wide range of instruments, styles, and creative exploration. In Years 7, 8, and 9, pupils build on these foundations, developing their skills through a blend of traditional and modern approaches while exploring diverse genres that foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

As Mr Chris Redfern, Director of Music explains;

Pupils can then pursue music at GCSE, refining technique and deepening their understanding, before progressing to A-Level in Music and/or Music Technology, specialising in the areas that inspire them most.

These academic pathways are complemented by the School’s exceptional facilities, including purpose-built classrooms, digital music suites, an outdoor amphitheatre and four fully equipped practice rooms with soundproofing and high-quality pianos.

Peripatetic Lessons: Learning from the Best

A defining strength of St Margaret’s music is the calibre of its peripatetic programme. With 15 specialist teachers delivering over 200 individual lessons each week, pupils benefit from expert tuition across singing, strings, woodwind, brass, percussion, harp, piano, and guitar.

‘All of these lessons are taught by our incredibly professional and wonderful instrumental and vocal teachers. They bring passion, knowledge, and experience into every session, giving our pupils a real insight into life as a professional musician,’ explains Mr Redfern.

For example, brass teacher David Pitts has performed with leading ensembles including the Philharmonia and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, while pianist Lara Melda, winner of the BBC Young Musician competition, has performed internationally, including at the BBC Proms. Such expertise ensures pupils are inspired not only to perfect technique, but also to engage with music at the highest professional level.

Alongside individual lessons, St Margaret’s offers a rich co-curricular programme with a variety of ensembles, choirs, and music clubs. From orchestras and chamber groups to jazz bands, ukulele clubs, and creative music workshops, pupils have countless opportunities to collaborate, experiment, and enjoy making music together.

Rush Hour Recitals: Confidence Through Performance

Performance is central to musical life at St Margaret’s, with pupils encouraged to share their talents both as soloists and in ensembles. A highlight of the term has been the much-loved Rush Hour Recitals, which provide informal, relaxed platforms for pupils to perform. This term alone saw seven recitals, featuring pupils from Year 3 through to the Senior School.

These recitals bring together pupils of all ages and abilities in a supportive environment. From early years assemblies to solo performances, every opportunity helps pupils develop stage presence and self-assurance.

Music in the Community: Outreach Beyond the School

Music at St Margaret’s extends far beyond the classroom, giving pupils opportunities to connect with the wider community. Last term, pupils brought music, joy, and companionship to residents at Beaumont Care Home as part of St Margaret’s Day, sharing their talents and experiencing the profound impact music can have across generations.

In another enriching experience, our music scholars performed solo recitals at St Peter’s Church, St Albans. This lunchtime concert offered pupils a professional public platform and a stepping stone ahead of the Spring Term concerts. As Mr Redfern commented;

Music on the Stage: Concerts and Productions

Music comes alive through a variety of performance opportunities, including the Junior and Senior School Spring Term Concerts, the Radlett Showcase, and Senior and Year 6 productions. These events give pupils the chance to experience professional-standard performances, often collaborating with the dance, drama, and art departments, and performing in venues such as the Radlett Centre. Last year, over 120 pupils took part in the Radlett Showcase alone, gaining invaluable experience working in a professional environment with expert sound and lighting technicians. Each performance, whether part of a termly concert or a flagship event, allows pupils to develop confidence and teamwork, bringing their musical learning vividly to life.

In Harmony: A Lifelong Musical Journey

From the classroom to community venues, from Rush Hour Recitals to professional-level productions, music at St Margaret’s is about far more than technique - it is about confidence, creativity, collaboration, and joy. Every pupil is encouraged to explore, perform, and develop their musical voice. Through consistent exposure to lessons, ensembles, recitals, and outreach, pupils experience music as a living, breathing part of their lives, fostering a love of music that lasts well beyond their time at St Margaret’s.