Welcome to the website of Chetham’s School of Music.
I am writing at the end of an extremely eventful school year. Those of you who follow developments at Chetham’s at all closely will know that we have now built a whole New School! We are currently moving in and everything is going remarkably to plan! All the instrumental and musical teaching and learning will happen in our New School Building, as will the vast majority of the academic curriculum. All the Music Department admin is also moving over, as is the Development and Marketing Office. Do have a look elsewhere on this website for a full overview of our New School Building, which has already started providing the world-class facilities that our students deserve and will also serve as a national and international resource for music education.
Fundraising efforts are continuing in earnest, and we are now less than £1 million away from our £31 million target for the new School Building. Support from The Department of Education, The NWDA, and a range of trusts and individual donors has enabled us to raise an enormous amount in truly challenging economic times. One of the main public spaces in the new School Building is now called The Carole Nash Hall, seating 100 people and recognising Carole’s generous support. We are also looking for support to complete our 400-seat Concert Hall, so we hope that will have a new name before long!
There are still so many ways to support Chetham’s at this incredible time of transformation, so if you, or anyone you know, are interested in becoming a part of the story, through Room-Namings, Atrium Wall Plaque engravings, joining The Humphrey Chetham Club, or becoming a Friend of Chetham’s, then do get in touch with Lucie Kennedy, Director of Marketing and Development, on
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or 0161 838 7206.
The next piece of the jigsaw in the development of Chetham’s School of Music is the conversion of the former classroom block, the Nicholls Building, into the new home for Victoria House. We are hoping very much that this conversion can take place over the next academic year and that all our boarders between the ages of 7 and 13 will enjoy living in their new accommodation. This is the first of a series of works on the original site of the Chetham’s School and Library, preparing for the opening of a major new heritage and arts Visitor Attraction in the next couple of years.
For those of you unacquainted with Chetham’s, here is some background - with 290 students (aged 8 - 18) Chetham's School of Music is the largest specialist music school in the UK and the only Music School based in the North of England. In the heart of Manchester, our vibrant cosmopolitan city centre location complements a dynamic music programme - we regularly collaborate with the city's leading cultural venues on a range of projects and initiatives, to present exciting opportunities for our students. Chetham's is an integral part of the North West's rich cultural heritage, housed in buildings that are nearly 600 years old and boasting a truly unique and magical atmosphere. Our medieval buildings are one of Manchester's real gems - playing music in the Baronial Hall is undoubtedly an experience in itself! The cultural and physical landscape of Manchester will be enhanced hugely through our new learning environment. We're also proud to share a city location with the Royal Northern College of Music, The Bridgewater Hall and the Hallé and BBC Philharmonic orchestras - Chets students regularly benefit from our strong links with these organisations through events and festivals. Many of Chetham's international array of tutors also teach at the RNCM and are principal players with many of the UK's leading orchestras.
On this website you will find full details of our Concert and Outreach Programme, together with of course a great deal of information about School life in general.
Last but by no means least you will also find an application form to become a student at Chetham's!
Claire Moreland
Head
August 2012
