Music
Music is integral to the life of our school, giving students skills and experiences that stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Music is at the heart of life at Epsom College Malaysia. We believe every student should have the opportunity to experience the joy of music, whether through performance, academic study, or individual lessons. Our programme is ambitious, inclusive, and designed to nurture talent at every level – from beginners discovering their first instrument to advanced musicians preparing for conservatoires. With outstanding facilities, dedicated staff, and a vibrant community, music at Epsom empowers students to express themselves, collaborate with others, and achieve their full potential.
Performance and Ensembles
Performance is at the core of musical life at Epsom. From orchestras and choirs to rock bands and large-scale school productions, students have the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of ensembles and performances. Our programme supports every level of musician – from Prep School beginners through to advanced players in our prestigious Chamber Orchestra. With regular concerts, competitions, festivals, and co-curricular rehearsals, music-making is woven into daily life and celebrated across the whole school.
Orchestras and Instrumental Ensembles
Our orchestral programme supports musicians from their very first ensemble experiences through to advanced symphonic playing.
- Prep School Orchestra introduces our youngest musicians to playing together in a fun, supportive environment.
- Junior Orchestra acts as a bridge between Prep and Senior music, helping developing players gain confidence and ensemble skills.
- Senior Orchestra brings together our most advanced musicians, tackling large-scale works from the classical and contemporary repertoire.
- Chamber Orchestra is our most prestigious ensemble, bringing together the school’s finest players. Performing advanced works, this ensemble has represented Epsom College Malaysia at major venues such as the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. Its reputation for excellence makes it a flagship of our music programme.
- Chamber ensembles, including string quartets and small mixed groups, encourage close listening, collaboration, and leadership.
Choirs and Vocal Groups
Singing is central to the Epsom experience. Every student is encouraged to find their voice, and opportunities exist for all levels.
- Prep Choirs introduce younger pupils to the joy of collective singing.
- Year 7 Choir includes all Year 7 students, ensuring that every child continues to develop their singing as they transition into Senior School.
- Senior Choir performs regularly at concerts and major school events.
- Smaller ensembles such as chamber choirs and contemporary vocal groups allow students to explore varied styles and repertoire.
- House Music unites the entire community in friendly competition, creating one of the most memorable events of the school year.
Bands and Contemporary Music
- Rock bands are a major part of student life, regularly performing at Open Mic Nights, Battle of the Bands, and other school events.
- Student-led groups provide opportunities for creativity, independence and performance experience across a wide range of popular styles.
- Percussion and rhythm sections often feature in contemporary ensembles, supporting a wide range of musical styles.
School Productions
Epsom has a strong tradition of musical theatre, bringing together students from across the school in large-scale productions. Recent productions have included Aladdin, Oliver, and We Will Rock You, with Prep School staging their own musicals such as Bounce the Musical. These events combine singing, acting and instrumental performance, and are among the highlights of the school year.
Performance Opportunities
Students at Epsom enjoy an exceptionally rich performance calendar. These include:
- Formal concerts such as the Gala Concert and Christmas Concert, showcasing large-scale works.
- Informal recitals and Lunchtime Live, providing space for students to share their work in a relaxed setting.
- Festivals and special events, including the Epsom Arts Festival and Sunset Serenade.
- Competitions, such as the annual Instrumental Music Competition and House Music.
Co-Curricular Music
Music is one of the most extensive strands of our co-curricular programme. In addition to the many clubs and activities across the school, we provide a wide-ranging music CCA programme, including ensembles, choirs, bands, and musical theatre. Alongside this, there are nine dedicated practice sessions each week, giving students structured time to rehearse and refine their instrumental or vocal skills. These sessions are a small but important part of a broader programme that allows music to remain central to daily life at Epsom.
Academic Music
Our academic programme provides a clear pathway from the Early Years through to Sixth Form. Students build strong foundations in listening, performing, and composing, supported by music technology in our specialist classrooms. At examination level, we offer IGCSE Music, A-level Music, and the BTEC International Level 3 in Music and Music Production, ensuring pathways for every interest – from performance and composition to recording and sound engineering.
Early Years Music
In the Early Years, music is experienced through movement, sound, and play. Pupils explore rhythm and pitch through singing games, clapping, and movement activities that encourage coordination and self-expression. This foundation builds confidence, develops listening skills, and lays the groundwork for future instrumental and vocal learning.
Prep School Classroom Music
Music in the Prep School builds on these foundations with a lively classroom programme. Singing, listening, and creative composition are combined with instrumental activities, giving pupils a broad understanding of music from different cultures and traditions. Every child is encouraged to take part and to experience music as an active and joyful subject.
Prep School Instrumental Programme
Every Prep pupil has the chance to learn an instrument as part of the curriculum. Options include violin, cello, flute, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone, with teaching delivered in small groups. The programme builds towards a concert each term, giving pupils regular opportunities to perform for parents and peers. Students are also prepared for ABRSM examinations, ensuring structured progress with internationally recognised benchmarks.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)
At Key Stage 3, students develop their musicianship through a wide variety of practical and creative projects. Topics such as film music, blues, folk, and popular styles allow pupils to broaden their musical horizons while refining performance, listening, and composition skills. Technology is fully integrated, with students using notation software and digital audio workstations to compose and arrange their own music.
IGCSE Music
IGCSE Music provides a balanced course in performance, composition, and listening. Students explore a broad repertoire, from classical symphonies to world fusion, and produce assessed portfolios of their own work. The course nurtures critical listening, independent creativity, and polished performance skills, preparing students for advanced study.
A-Level Music
A-Level Music develops advanced musicianship through the combination of performance, composition, and analytical study. Students prepare recital-level performances, compose original works, and engage critically with set works across a range of historical and stylistic contexts. This course is ideal for students considering performance, composition, or musicology at university level.
Instrumental Lessons
More than 150 instrumental and vocal lessons are delivered at Epsom each week. Lessons develop confidence, focus, and resilience while enriching school life through ensemble participation and performance. With expert Visiting Music Teachers, a wide range of instruments available, and clear progression routes through ABRSM, Trinity, and Rockschool exams, every student is supported in their musical journey.
Instruments Offered
We offer individual tuition across a wide range of instruments:
- Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
- Woodwind: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone
- Brass: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba
- Guitars: Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar
- Percussion: Drum Kit
- Keyboard: Piano, Electronic Keyboard
- Voice: Classical and Contemporary Singing
This breadth ensures that every student can find the right instrument for them, whether their interests are classical or contemporary.
Lesson Format
- Lessons are individual, lasting 30 minutes.
- A typical term includes 10 lessons, scheduled on a rota.
- For Year 12 and Year 13 students, and members of our Academies, lessons are timetabled during study periods wherever possible.
- For all other students, lessons are scheduled across the school day — including academic lessons, breaks and CCA times — on a rotating two-week timetable. This ensures fairness, so that no subject or activity is missed repeatedly.
Music Scholarships
Music Scholarships at Epsom College Malaysia are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding musical ability, commitment, and potential. They exist to encourage talented young musicians to continue developing their skills while contributing actively to the musical life of the College.
What We Look For
Applicants for Music Scholarships are expected to:
- Perform to a high standard on their principal instrument or voice (typically Grade 6 and above for Senior School applicants).
- Show a strong commitment to practice, progress, and performance.
- Contribute actively to ensembles, choirs, orchestras, and productions at Epsom.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for music and a willingness to act as ambassadors for the department.
The Scholarship Experience
Music Scholars benefit from:
- Enhanced opportunities for performance, including leadership roles in ensembles and choirs.
- Mentoring and support from our senior music staff.
- Access to workshops and masterclasses with visiting musicians.
- A vibrant community of fellow scholars, working together to raise the standard of music across the school.
Facilities
Our purpose-built music facilities include two specialist classrooms, 20 practice rooms, two large ensemble rehearsal spaces, a recording studio, and a professional 600-seat theatre. From the Theatre Lobby Stage for informal concerts to the Pavilion Festival Stage at the Epsom Arts Festival, students experience the full range of performance opportunities in spaces that rival the best school facilities in the region.
Celebrating Ava’s Success in Her Musical Journey
Music is at the heart of life at Epsom, and we are delighted to celebrate the recent achievements of Ava L., a talented double bassist whose musical journey continues to flourish both within and beyond our school community.This past August, Ava performed with the Selangor Symphony Orchestra (SSO) in collaboration with Orkestra KL and the Daegu International Symphony Orchestra from South Korea. The 2025 ASEAN-Korean Musical Exchange Concert, held at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, brought together outstanding musicians from across the region, including soloists and singers from Malaysia, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. The event was graced by the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur as well as the Ambassadors of South Korea and the Philippines.
Ava performed as the fourth double bassist, making her the youngest musician in this prestigious international orchestra. Her section featured bassists from South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia, a wonderful reflection of how music unites cultures through shared artistry.
Following this performance, Ava was officially appointed Principal Bass of the Selangor Symphony Youth Orchestra (SSYO) and offered a two-year Fellowship Programme with the Selangor Symphony Orchestra (SSO), a remarkable achievement for such a young musician. To maintain her fellowship, Ava is now preparing to complete her ABRSM Grade 8 examination by the end of the year.Ava’s talents extend beyond the concert stage. She is also auditioning for Mamma Mia! at Epsom, drawing upon her early training in Musical Theatre, which she has pursued since the age of four.We believe every student should have the opportunity to experience the joy of music, whether through performance, academic study, or individual lessons. With outstanding facilities, dedicated staff, and a nurturing environment, our Music Department empowers students to express themselves, collaborate with others, and reach their full potential.