Music

We are committed to the principles of excellence in teaching and to our role in broadening of music as a subject, to offer opportunities to more students to participate in a subject that brings immense enjoyment and creative satisfaction along with academic rigour.

Music is offered as part of the Arts and Culture programme in Forms I and II and then as a chosen academic subject in Forms III to V. The curriculum is broad and interesting – dealing with areas from Jazz and Contemporary Music, Improvisation, Composition and Arrangement, Ensemble playing, World and South African Music as well as Western Classical Music.

In order to benefit from all the streams available, it is recommended that girls are at a minimum level of Grade 2 Theory and Grade 3 Practical when they start the course in Form III. The practical standard required for the solo instrument at Matric level is a minimum standard of between Grade 5 and 6 of any recognized examination board. These include ABRSM, UNISA, Trinity and Rock School.

Many music students have gone on to do music at university and are highly competent musicians. It is naturally a tremendous source of pride for St Mary’s when former pupils go on to become professional musicians. There have been some notable examples: pianist Jill Richards and internationally acclaimed singer Sandra Ford are both St Mary’s old girls.

The music curriculum aims to:

equip students with skills to make effective use of music technology for creative processes
develop the entrepreneurial skills and attitudes that encourage a culture of self-employment
provide knowledge of the elements of music and then apply them in creation, performance and appreciation of music
apply creative problem-solving through performance, composition and analysis of musical works
promote artistic expression through a variety of musical styles and available resources
create an environment where students’ love for music making is stimulated