St Lawrence College Independent School | Music – Connor • St Lawrence College Independent School

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A structured phonics programme puts a strong emphasis on reading and writing skills, ensuring that most pupils exceed the expectations.
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Prep

Beyond the curriculum we encourage our pupils to take on responsibility and they thrive on Leadership opportunities.
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Senior

At St Lawrence College we offer a supportive, caring and challenging environment, founded on traditional Christian values, where children are given every opportunity to fulfil their potential.
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St Lawrence College aims for educational excellence, and nearly all of the Upper Sixth will continue to Higher Education at University.
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Home | Music – Connor

Music at St Lawrence College

Music is a central part of life at St Lawrence College. Our aim is to nurture an appreciation and understanding of music across a wide range of genres and styles, while encouraging pupils to experience the joy of performing. From concerts and ensembles to recording and composing, students are given every opportunity to develop both their skills and their love for music.

student playing the harp

Academic Music

All pupils receive classroom music lessons in Years 7 and 8, exploring musical elements, listening skills, composition, and performance. From Year 9 onwards, music becomes an optional subject at GCSE and A Level. Our curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire musicians of all abilities.

The Music Department is well-equipped, featuring a main classroom with a suite of iMacs, a professional recording studio, and a range of practice rooms to support solo and group rehearsal.

Performance Opportunities

We offer a wide variety of ensembles and performance groups, including:

Orchestra
Senior and Kirby Choirs
Jazz Band
Rock Band
Student-led ensembles tailored to pupil strengths

Popular highlights of the year include our House Singing Competition and the high-energy Battle of the Bands. Regular concerts give all musicians—from beginners to advanced performers—the chance to take the stage and share their talents.

Individual Tuition

Many pupils take individual instrumental or vocal lessons with our team of expert visiting music teachers. Tuition is available across a wide range of instruments and musical styles. Pupils consistently achieve Distinctions and Merits in ABRSM, Trinity, and Rockschool graded examinations.

Click here to view our Music Lesson Information Pack and Booking Form.

Beyond the Classroom

Musical enrichment at SLC extends beyond campus. Pupils enjoy regular trips to concerts in London and the local area, as well as in-house workshops and masterclasses led by visiting professional musicians.

Music tours are a much-loved part of our co-curricular programme. Recent highlights include the Kirby Choir’s performance at Disneyland Paris and in one of the city’s historic churches.

Scholarships

Music Scholarships are offered at 11+, 13+, and 16+ to talented pupils who demonstrate musical ability and potential. For more information or to apply, please contact our Registrar at admissions@slcuk.com.

Jan Evans – Violin and Piano

A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, Mrs Evans brings a rich background in both solo and orchestral performance. She works with pupils across all age groups, from early learners in Pre-Prep to advanced musicians preparing for Grade 8 exams. As a leader of string ensembles and a regular performer with professional orchestras, she encourages her students to take centre stage and grow as both musicians and performers.

David Richard – Piano

Mr Richard is a highly accomplished classical and jazz pianist whose career includes global performances and a debut with the Hector Berlioz Orchestra in Paris. A published author and tutor at the Royal Academy of Music, he brings a professional insight that enriches every lesson. His students benefit from a deep understanding of both the discipline and artistry of piano performance.

Rosie Banks-Francis – Cello

Mrs Banks-Francis brings the prestige of her roles as principal cellist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Scottish Opera to her teaching. She provides expert tuition in both solo and ensemble performance, helping pupils of all levels develop confident technique, musical interpretation, and an appreciation for the expressive power of the cello.

Tamara Young – Harp

Renowned as one of the UK’s leading harpists, Ms Young has performed with top-tier ensembles including the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra. Her lessons are tailored to help students excel in ABRSM exams while discovering the beauty and complexity of the harp. Her teaching combines technical rigour with genuine encouragement.

Charlotte Faux-Bowyer – Woodwind

Mrs Faux-Bowyer has nearly two decades of experience at St Lawrence College, introducing students to a wide range of musical genres—from jazz and funk to baroque and pop. She leads the Junior Wind Band and collaborates with local orchestras and ensembles across Kent. Her energetic and inclusive approach ensures every woodwind pupil feels supported and challenged.

Geoff Mason – Brass

Mr Mason’s early training and performance career with the Coldstream Guards laid the foundation for his expert brass instruction. Today, he teaches at the University of Kent as well as at SLC, sharing his deep knowledge of trombone, trumpet, and low brass instruments. His lessons are shaped by both military precision and a passion for music education.

Adam Coney – Guitar and Ukulele

A respected session musician, Mr Coney has worked with a number of acclaimed artists and brings contemporary industry experience to his teaching. Whether students are learning acoustic guitar, electric, or ukulele, his dynamic lessons support a wide range of musical interests. His style is particularly engaging for pupils keen to explore modern genres and performance skills.

Greg Tassell – Singing

Mr Tassell is a professional tenor whose career includes performances across Europe and appearances on BBC television with the BBC Singers. He also directs the Thanet Chamber Choir. His vocal teaching spans classical, musical theatre, and popular genres, and he supports students in developing strong technique, expressive range, and vocal confidence.