The department has four full-time and 20 part-time music staff offering tuition on all orchestral instruments, piano, percussion, organ and singing. The department is connected to the Big School Theatre complex for staging larger-scale concerts, and has its own concert room for smaller events. There is an electronic workshop with music computers and digital recording facilities, a well-stocked library, and many practice rooms. The concert room has a Steinway concert grand, a harpsichord and a two-manual classical style pipe organ which complements the more romantic instrument in the Chapel. The Robert Storrs String Centre provides specialised accommodation for string players and chamber ensembles whilst wind players are accommodated in the newly-opened Lodge extension.

The academic teaching of music forms an important part of the school's curriculum. All students are taught in Year 9, and GCSE and A level music are popular options. There are many platforms on which performers may gain experience, including the regular Informal Concert series, House Concerts, the Arts Odyssey and the House Music Festival. A high proportion of A level students, some of whom have gained scholarships, go on to read Music at university or study at a College of Music.

Music Technology was introduced in September 2006 and is popular as an academic subject.  The fully equipped recording studio and its associated resources also provides opportunities for the wider community to experience the many facets of the recording process and CD production.

The College has a strong choral tradition with weekly choral services; the Chapel Choir regularly sings Evensong at local cathedrals, and has recorded two CDs and broadcast on national radio. The Chamber Choir offers opportunities for advanced singers to explore both sacred and secular repertoire. The Choral Society presents a major work each year in Chichester Cathedral in conjunction with the Eastbourne Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

Chamber Music plays an important role in the ongoing work of the department. There are currently some half a dozen groups that rehearse and receive coaching on a weekly basis. These groups tackle some challenging repertoire and frequently perform in concert. College chamber groups have recently been successful in gaining places in both the semi final and the final rounds of the National Chamber Music Competition for Schools.

The College Sinfonia provides an opportunity for approximately thirty instrumentalists in the lower years to rehearse and perform orchestral repertoire. The Orchestra rehearses on a weekly basis and hosts two concerts each year.

The College Symphony Orchestra performs an extensive symphonic repertoire, with regular opportunities for pupils to present concerto performances. The Swing Band and jazz ensembles explore a wide range of styles ranging from traditional standards to contemporary jazz-fusion. There are a variety of opportunities for rock and other styles of pop musicians including the annual and ever popular Battle of the Bands. A full-scale musical is staged biennially in conjunction with the Drama Department. The String Chamber Orchestra  comprises twelve of the most advanced string players in the College. Directed by the Head of Strings they perform challenging and exciting repertoire at high profile events and venues.

The College's Promusic series of professional concerts provides pupils and members of the local community with the opportunity to experience world-renowned artists in a more intimate and informal atmosphere than is usually found in the concert hall. Performers are encouraged to talk about their repertoire, and concerts are often linked to masterclasses and workshops. Further details of the current programme may be found in the Arts Brochure.

Click here for a copy of the latest music newsletter.

Click here for details of the Gala Concert at the Royal College of Music on 16 March.

Click here for a full history of music at the College