Music
At Meridian High School, we believe that music has the power to inspire, connect and transform lives. We are committed to providing students with a wide range of opportunities to explore music, develop their creativity, build confidence and experience the joy of performing and creating music together. Whether students are experienced musicians or simply have a passion for music, there is something for everyone to get involved in.
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre is offered as part of our Personal Development curriculum and provides students with the opportunity to develop their singing, acting and performance skills. Students explore a range of musical theatre genres and productions while learning techniques in characterisation, vocal performance, movement and stagecraft. Lessons focus on building confidence, teamwork, communication skills and creativity through rehearsals, performances and collaborative projects. Students also have the opportunity each term to attend a trip to see a Musical in London's West End.
Songwriting and Music Creation
Our Songwriting and Music Creation lesson forms part of the Personal Development curriculum and gives students the opportunity to express themselves creatively through music. Students explore lyric writing, melody creation, composition techniques and music production. They learn how songs are structured, experiment with different musical styles, instruments and use music technology to create their own original work. The programme encourages self-expression, resilience and creative thinking.
Instrumental and Vocal Tuition
Students can access tuition to develop their musical skills and confidence. Opportunities currently include:
- Piano and Keyboard Lessons
- Singing Lessons
- Steel Pan club
Lessons are delivered by practitioners and provide students with opportunities to develop performance skills, musical knowledge and technical ability.
Choir
Our school choir rehearses three times each week and welcomes students from all year groups. Choir members develop vocal technique, performance skills and musicianship while enjoying a wide range of musical styles and genres.
The choir performs regularly at school and community events throughout the year, providing students with valuable performance experience and opportunities to represent the school within the wider community.
Workshops and Enrichment
Students benefit from a range of exciting workshops and enrichment opportunities delivered by industry professionals and leading arts organisations.
Opportunities include:
- Workshops delivered by staff and students from the BRIT School
- Musical Theatre workshops linked to West End productions including Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Les Misérables and Matilda the Musical.
- Performance masterclasses and creative arts workshops.
- Visits from performers and practitioners.
These experiences provide students with insight into the performing arts industry and inspire them to explore future opportunities within music and theatre.
Culture Week
Music plays an important role in our annual Culture Week celebrations. Students explore music from a wide range of cultures, traditions and countries around the world. Through listening activities, performances, discussions and creative projects, students develop an appreciation of the diversity of music and its importance within different communities and cultures.
Performance Opportunities
Students are encouraged to perform regularly and celebrate their talents through a variety of events across the school year.
Performance opportunities include:
- Talent shows
- Christmas Carol Concert
- Community performances
- New Addington Carnival performances
- Assemblies and celebration events
These events help students develop confidence, resilience, presentation skills and a love of performing.
Our Music Partnerships
The Music Studio, New Addington
We work closely with The Music Studio and Play Place in New Addington, a community-based music organisation that provides opportunities for young people to access music tuition, rehearsal spaces, recording opportunities, live performance experiences and creative music projects. Their work supports aspiring musicians, singers, songwriters and producers by providing access to professional facilities and expert guidance.
Croydon Music and Arts
Our partnership with Croydon Music and Arts provides students with access to high-quality music education opportunities across the borough. Croydon Music and Arts offers instrumental and vocal tuition, ensembles, orchestras, choirs, holiday programmes, workshops and progression routes for young musicians. They support students of all abilities, from beginners through to advanced performers.
The BRIT School
The BRIT School is a nationally recognised centre of excellence for the performing and creative arts. Through outreach programmes, workshops and partnership opportunities, students gain access to specialist arts experiences and industry expertise. The BRIT School provides progression routes into music, musical theatre, performance, production and creative industries, helping students understand the pathways available to them beyond school.
Careers in Music
The music industry offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities. Through our music enrichment programme, students learn about the many pathways available within the creative industries.
Careers linked to music include:
- Performer or Musician
- Singer or Vocalist
- Songwriter or Composer
- Music Producer
- Sound Engineer
- Recording Technician
- Music Teacher
- Musical Theatre Performer
- Arts Administrator
- Event Manager
- Music Therapist
- Community Arts Practitioner
- Radio and Media Production
- Music Marketing and Promotion
Students are encouraged to explore the wide variety of careers available both on and behind the stage.
Taking Music Further: Local Opportunities
Students who wish to continue developing their musical interests beyond Meridian can access a range of opportunities across New Addington and Croydon.
These include:
- Instrumental and vocal lessons through Croydon Music and Arts. Croydon Music and Arts
- Community choirs and ensembles. Croydon Voices
- Youth music groups and bands.
- Music production and recording opportunities through The Music Studio. The Music Studio- Play Place
- Workshops and outreach programmes delivered by The BRIT School.
- Holiday courses, performances and music projects across the borough.
- Progression routes into further education and specialist arts training.
We are proud to support students in discovering their musical talents and developing a lifelong appreciation of music. Through performance, creativity and collaboration, music at Meridian helps students build confidence, express themselves and become active contributors to their school and community.
