Music at The Lyceum
Music fills our school every day. At The Lyceum, we believe music is vital for both mental and physical wellbeing, and it is an integral part of daily life at our London prep school. From Reception children singing in class to Year 6 pupils performing with our Big Band, every child is encouraged to discover the joy of making music, and many go on to achieve remarkable things.
Music for Every Child
Every pupil from Reception to Year 6 receives weekly class music lessons from our specialist music teacher. Children learn to sing, play, listen, compose and perform. They explore rhythm, pitch and notation, and they discover music from a wide range of cultures, traditions and periods. Musical learning often links to class topics. British Sign Language is often built into our choir performances, which makes music inclusive and expressive for everyone.
Music begins in the Early Years. In Reception, children sing regularly, explore percussion and move to music. For those who want more, our after-school Music Club and Sing & Sign club are open to Reception children.
Instrumental and Vocal Lessons
Our team of 13 visiting specialist music teachers offers individual and small-group lessons during the school day on 18 instruments, as well as singing lessons:
| Family | Instruments |
| Keyboard and harp | Piano, harp |
| Strings | Violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, ukulele |
| Woodwind | Recorder, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone |
| Brass | Trumpet, trombone, French horn |
| Percussion and voice | Drums, singing |
Lessons are open to pupils from Reception onwards, and instrumental pupils are encouraged to join an ensemble as soon as they are ready. Details of lesson charges can be found on our Fees page.
Choirs and Ensembles
Making music together builds friendship, teamwork and confidence. Our ensembles include:
- Three choirs, for Years 1–2, Years 3–4 and Years 5–6
- A Year 1–2 ensemble for our youngest instrumentalists
- The Big Band
- The School Orchestra
Performances Throughout the Year
Performing is a big part of musical life at The Lyceum. Pupils perform in class assemblies, concerts, carol services and local festivals. Every pupil from Year 3 upwards takes part in a musical production. Each summer, pupils from Years 1 to 6 perform in our musical extravaganza at St Giles Cripplegate in the Barbican, one of the highlights of our year.
Music also connects us with our local community. Our choirs have sung for residents of a local care home and performed at community venues across the City.
Music Scholarships and Beyond
Many of our pupils continue their musical journeys at senior school, and some with great distinction. In 2025–26, Lyceum leavers won six music scholarships, at Farrington’s, Forest School, Francis Holland Regent’s Park, Highgate, Queen’s College and UCS. In 2024–25, two of our pupils gained places at specialist music schools, The Purcell School and Yehudi Menuhin School, each with a music scholarship.
Whether your child dreams of a music scholarship or simply loves to sing, our teachers will help them grow as musicians and as performers.
Why Music Matters
Learning music develops concentration, memory, coordination and perseverance, as well as creativity and self-expression. Performing builds confidence, and playing in an ensemble teaches children to listen and work as a team. The government’s National Plan for Music Education highlights the importance of every child having the chance to sing, play an instrument and perform. At The Lyceum, that opportunity is part of every child’s school day.
Explore more of our creative curriculum, including art, STEAM and our extracurricular clubs, such as Music Club, Sing & Sign and Boogie Beats.