The Bradfield College Choral Foundation
Choral music has long occupied a central place in the life of Bradfield College. Founded to educate and sustain the choir of St Andrew’s Parish Church, the College continues to place singing and performance at the heart of its musical and cultural life.
The Bradfield Choral Foundation has been established to build upon this heritage through the creation of a distinctive and ambitious programme for young singers. Rooted in the traditions of the Chapel and the wider life of the College, the Foundation will provide exceptional musical training within a broad and intellectually ambitious school environment.
Through our unique partnership with the VOCES8 Foundation and with Dr Stephen Dartington as our Programme Advisor, pupils will benefit from specialist vocal training, regular choral services, and a vibrant programme of performance opportunities, equipping them with the skills necessary to pursue future study and develop careers within the music profession.
Partnerships with local Primary and Prep Schools will ensure that the Foundation’s vision extends beyond the College itself. Through workshops, outreach projects, and larger-scale “Big Sing” events hosted at Bradfield, the Choral Foundation will seek not only to nurture exceptional young singers within the College, but also to strengthen opportunities for choral singing across the wider community.
Through the provision of Choral and Organ Scholarships, the Foundation will ensure that these opportunities remain accessible to all.
Our vision is that pupils leave Bradfield not only well-qualified, but deeply formed: shaped by beauty, enriched through music, and equipped to live lives of depth and fulfilment.
David Quinn, Director of Music
The Choral Foundation Programme
The Bradfield Choral Foundation is designed to nurture talented young singers within a culture of musical excellence, intellectual curiosity and personal growth. It will provide pupils with the skills, experience and confidence to pursue choral scholarships at leading universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, or to continue their musical education at one of the UK’s renowned conservatoires.
While some scholars may go on to professional careers in music, the Foundation is intended for all young people who share a passion for singing and a commitment to musical excellence. Its purpose is not simply to prepare future musicians, but to enrich lives through participation in one of the most rewarding and enduring artistic traditions
The Foundation offers a carefully structured programme of training and performance alongside a rich calendar of services, concerts and collaborative projects. Through partnerships with distinguished conductors, musicians and choral organisations, pupils will experience music-making of the highest quality while remaining fully immersed in the wider life of the College.
Exceptional Music Training
- Weekly individual singing lessons with specialist vocal teachers.
- Alexander Technique sessions to support vocal and physical development.
- Expert guidance in vocal technique, musicianship and performance.
A Living Choral Tradition
- An ambitious schedule of rehearsals and Chapel services, including Choral Evensongs twice weekly.
- Participation in major College services and liturgical celebrations.
- Termly visits to major cathedrals and choral institutions.
Performance and Partnership
- A diverse programme of concerts, recitals and public performances.
- Collaborations with leading conductors, musicians and choral ensembles.
- Opportunities to perform challenging and inspiring repetoire.
Scholarship and Progression
- Further development through the Chapel Consort.
- Preparation for university choral scholarship auditions.
- Mentoring and guidance for those considering further musical study.
Partnership with the VOCES8 Foundation
The Bradfield Choral Foundation will benefit from a flagship partnership with the VOCES8 Foundation, one of the world’s leading vocal ensembles and music education organisations. Internationally recognised for artistic excellence, education, and outreach, the VOCES8 Foundation work with young singers and schools across the UK and internationally through and extensive programme of concerts, workshops, mentoring, and leadership development.
Masterclasses
- Central to the partnership will be regular engagement with members of the VOCES8 Foundation through termly coaching sessions, workshops, and masterclasses.
Professional Performances
- Opportunities to sing alongside professional singers in concerts, services, and other performances.
VOCES8 Centre
- Visits to the VOCES8 Centre in London for rehearsals, performances, and recording opportunities.
Young Leaders Programme
- Participation in the VOCES8 Foundation Young Leaders Programme.
Mentoring
- Mentoring for pupils considering university choral scholarships and future careers in singing.
Opportunities
- Opportunities to observe and engage with professional rehearsal, recording, filming, and production processes.
Scholarships and How to Apply
The Bradfield Choral Foundation offers up to four Choral Scholarships each year to pupils demonstrating exceptional musical potential and a strong commitment to choral singing.
Choral Scholars will receive full access to the Foundation programme, in addition to free individual singing lessons throughout their time at the College.
Generous bursary support may also be available, with awards of up to 100% in cases of exceptional musical promise and financial need.
The College is seeking pupils with significant experience in choral singing and high-level musical performance, together with the commitment, discipline, and enthusiasm required to contribute fully to the musical life of the Foundation.
Those interested in auditioning for the programme are welcome to contact the Director of Music directly at dquinn@bradfieldcollege.org.uk.
Formal scholarship auditions are held in February of Year 8, but singers are welcome to visit for an informal pre-audition and discussion at any time from Year 6.
