CREATIVE EXPRESSION AT TWYFORD

Music and Drama are central to life at Twyford - powerful forms of expression that build confidence, creativity and character from the very earliest years through to Year 8. 

Whether discovering a first note, stepping onto a stage or collaborating behind the scenes, every child is encouraged to explore their voice and imagination in an inclusive, supportive environment. Through collaboration, discipline and creative freedom, pupils learn to express themselves with confidence - because in the end, it’s not just about being on stage, but about finding your voice and developing the self‑belief to use it.

MUSIC AT TWYFORD
 

From First Notes to Full Concerts. A rich, inclusive musical journey for every pupil - from Nursery to Year 8. 

Music is an integral part of life at Twyford - woven through the School day and celebrated as a vital expression of creativity and identity. From the very first notes sung in Nursery to the confident performances of our oldest pupils, music is a shared language that brings joy, discipline, and inspiration to all.

Every child at Twyford enjoys a dedicated weekly class music lesson from Nursery to Year 8, with additional weekly singing practice for pupils up to Year 5. In addition, around 70% of pupils opt for individual tuition, with over 250 lessons taking place each week. Many pupils go further, learning one or more instruments with our talented visiting music teachers. From tentative first notes on the recorder to ambitious scholarship auditions, every pupil is both nurtured and challenged at the right level.

IN THIS SECTION 

Performance is at the heart of our musical life. Pupils regularly share their talents through informal concerts, whole-school events, chapel services, and larger productions that showcase the breadth and depth of our musical community.

Boy playing drums

Our music facilities are first-class, with dedicated teaching rooms, practice spaces, and a large rehearsal studio that buzzes with energy throughout the day.

The School supports a wide range of ensembles - including string groups, wind bands, jazz bands, and choirs for all ages. Participation is warmly encouraged, and children quickly discover the magic of making music together. For many, the highlight of the week is ensemble rehearsal - whether playing in a string quartet or singing in harmony with friends.

Performance is at the heart of our musical life. Pupils regularly share their talents through informal concerts, whole-school events, chapel services, and larger productions that showcase the breadth and depth of our musical community. From joyful group singing to solo instrumental performances, every child has the opportunity to step into the spotlight and experience the thrill of live performance.

Our long-standing partnerships with professional musicians and composers have led to exciting collaborations and bespoke works written especially for our pupils. We’ve worked with renowned names like Lin Marsh, Alexander L’Estrange and Howard Goodall - and even commissioned and recorded our own Twyford Carols.

Our choirs have taken part in ambitious joint performances and recordings, and Twyford children are regularly invited to appear in professional operatic productions - offering a rare opportunity to perform alongside leading artists on real stages. Since 2010, we have provided the children for operas at the Grange in Alresford. Over 100 Twyford pupils have performed in operas including Tosca, La Bohème, Albert Herring, and Oliver!

We believe in performance with purpose. Pupils take part in:

  • Termly concerts showcasing their talents
  • Lunchtime concerts for soloists
  • House Music and House Singing competitions with infectious, school-wide energy
  • Professional productions, including Opera at The Grange
  • Major events such as the Royal College of Music performance and Young Voices at the O2 Arena

Our commitment to music is underpinned by a deep understanding of children’s musical development. We choose repertoire that is challenging yet appropriate and always seek to inspire pupils with music that excites their imagination and broadens their horizons. Whether exploring classical works, folk songs, jazz improvisation, or light musical theatre, our pupils develop a rich and diverse musical vocabulary.

At Twyford, music is not an add-on - it is a foundation. From Grade 1 to Grade 8, every musician is nurtured. Whether aiming for a scholarship or just beginning their journey, our inspirational teachers help each child find their rhythm, voice, and confidence.

It is in this environment that children learn not just how to play or sing, but how to listen, collaborate, persevere - and find their unique voice.

Children performing on stage in costume
 
Drama at Twyford


A Stage for Imagination, Confidence and Expression.

Drama at Twyford ignites creativity and nurtures the self-belief necessary for every child to shine. It is a subject where imagination is celebrated and collaboration is essential, teaching children the powerful art of storytelling through voice, movement, and character. 

All pupils engage in weekly lessons led by a specialist teacher, moving far beyond simple script reading to explore improvisation, vocal expression, and dramatic technique. These sessions are purposefully designed to build resilience and communication skills, ensuring that every child, from the most exuberant to the most reserved, finds a comfortable space to grow.

From their earliest years in the Pre-Prep, Twyford children are encouraged to find their feet on stage. Whether beginning with a narrated Nativity, a puppet play or later stepping into the world of Shakespeare and devised theatre, the experience is inclusive by design. As pupils progress through the years, the excitement builds with the Junior Production. Specifically designed for Years 4 and 5, this summer term highlight allows younger pupils to take centre stage in vibrant musical production. Recent performances of The Little Mermaid and Matilda have provided these year groups with their first taste of live theatre, allowing them to develop their stagecraft and ensemble skills in a supportive, high-energy environment before they move toward the more complex demands of the senior years.

The opportunities for performance can be seen in a diverse range of class assemblies, poetry recitals, and ambitious large-scale productions. A popular highlight of the school calendar is the annual Senior Production, involving over 100 pupils across Years 6 and 7. These fully staged musical productions feature live pit bands and offer a professional-grade experience both onstage and backstage, covering everything from acting and dance to lighting, sound, and stage management. Recent triumphs such as Oliver!, Annie, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat have become celebrated milestones of teamwork and school spirit.

For those looking to refine their skills further, Twyford offers recognized drama qualifications through LAMDA and the English-Speaking Board from Year 2 onwards. These exams help pupils learn to present and project with authority, developing communication skills that extend well beyond the theatre.

This enrichment continues with workshops led by visiting professionals, themed drama days, and regular theatre trips that spark new creative ideas. The journey culminates in the Year 8 Leavers’ Production, an immersive, week-long post-exam project where pupils work alongside a professional team to stage a final performance for parents, fostering a lasting sense of achievement and camaraderie.

At its heart, the Twyford drama ethos is simple: everyone has a part to play. Whether a child is under the spotlight in a lead role or working behind the scenes on set design and props, they are a valued and vital member of the ensemble. This spirit of inclusivity ensures that the final goal is not merely a successful performance, but the development of a voice. By providing every child with a platform to express themselves, Twyford equips them with the confidence to navigate the world with poise and self-assurance.

A Stage for Every Imagination

From puppetry to Shakespeare, drama is part of every child’s journey

Every Child, Every Role, Every Chance to Shine

Creating Confident Communicators

Building creativity, collaboration and self-belief through performance

choir singing
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choir singing

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