Music is at the heart of our school.

As a school committed to changing the world for the better and creating 'tomorrow's citizens today' music is central to who we are and what we want to become!

Our holistic approach places great emphasis upon the arts and in particular musical education. We say it is 'the lifeblood' of our school and its influence affects both performers and those who listen and appreciate. Music is a 'golden thread' which weaves its way through our ethos and culture. For many of our students it is a life changer - playing music and their instrument becomes part of who they are and they take this with them wherever they go.

As Director of Music for the past 26 years, I have always believed that if you are inspired, you will want to learn, to work, be part of a team and be the very best you can be.

Music is a commitment. Let’s be honest, what isn’t. However, music is a long term commitment. It isn’t something with instant success (like a game on a computer). It is something that, over time, can be an incredible experiences, bringing musicians together, creating friendships for life, bringing families together and teaching so many valuable lie skills. 

If you are part of it, put your heart in it. Amazing opportunities lie around the corner. 

My top tips for success with Team Music:

Music takes time.

Put in the time at home. Have practice in your daily routines. Musicians need to practice. Only with hard work will success follow. 

Work with us.

We can’t do it for you. We are all busy, so please allocate the time to music. Read the messages we send, celebrate our music. Being busy is not an excuse! 

Commit.

There is menu of amazing choices at school, and you can’t do everything. Music is a commitment. A team. What lessons are we teaching if we just say ‘come when you can’? A team is a team. A reliable musician is a busy musician. 

Learn to read music.

Yes some famous musicians don’t read music, but we need you to read music to be your very best. Musicians now need to have a portfolio of skills, including reading music.

Let us know when things are not going well.

Life changes, so let us be the constant in a life that adapts and grows with you. It’s all about talking.  

Be part of Team Music.

Work with us, embrace our distinctive ethos. What we have is incredibly unique with our all-through music. You simply don’t get this anywhere else.

Say ‘thank you’.

This can be missed. I have a whole team working to get the very best out of each of you. ‘Thank you’ costs nothing but means the world. Please be grateful!

We will continue to do the very best for you, our way, with your families as part of the journey.

Thank you.

Mark Taylor, Director of Music

Simon Balle Music and the Laurel Education Trust.