Chetham's School of Music

Chetham’s is the largest specialist music school in the UK, and the only one in the north of England. Originally established as a charity school in 1653, it became a co-educational, specialist music school in 1969 and, over the last 50 years, has established itself as a central part of music education in the UK.

Chetham’s students learn and play in a state-of-the-art New School building, opened in 2012 to provide acoustically designed practice rooms, performance spaces and rehearsal rooms. A full programme of performances takes place in School and across the region, with senior ensembles travelling regularly to London and overseas.

A new, professional concert hall, The Stoller Hall, further enhances the School’s place in Manchester’s cultural community, bringing international artists to perform at Chetham’s and providing a performance space to match the superb standards of playing by our School’s young musicians.

Chetham’s is so much more than a music school. As well as educating the choristers of Manchester Cathedral, it’s a centre of academic excellence, whose students progress not only to leading conservatoires and music careers, but to universities and professional pathways in law, medicine, languages and politics. Students’ wider creativity is celebrated through strong art and drama programmes, whilst superb facilities for ICT, music technology and science, and high quality teaching in small classes across all subjects, all contribute to their academic success.

This unparalleled programme attracts students from across the world, making it a truly international community which celebrates every student’s individuality, passions and potential. Those who join the Chetham’s community – whether as students, staff, parents or audiences – comment on the special atmosphere in the school – an atmosphere which allows every individual to learn, develop and share their skills.

Every student receives individual lessons in first and second study instruments, in addition to ensemble rehearsals, structured practice time and academic music classes.  From day one, life at Chetham’s helps every musician to find his or her own musical pathways, to develop as a performer and professional, and potentially to go on to a hugely successful career.