about us

South West Music School is part of a national network of Centres of Advanced Training supported by the Department for Education Music and Dance Scheme for exceptionally talented young musicians aged between 8 and 18.  Funding provided by the Department for Education ensures that each student has adequate resources to undertake the scheme and that all costs are met according to need.

Since its inception in 2007, South West Music School has grown from 15 students in its first year, to a maximum 45 students on the Core Programme and 30 on the Feeder Scheme.

Our programme is inclusive, open to all regardless of musical or personal background. We are also musically inclusive - designed to identify and nurture exceptional instrumental, vocal and composition talent from all areas of music. The only restriction to our programme is the need to possess very high levels of musicianship and commitment.

South West Music School is an independent charity and a company registered by guarantee.  It is governed by a CEO & Artistic Director and overseen by a board of trustees. 

South West Music School (SWMS) is registered in England as a company limited by guarantee (Company No: 7307202) and a charity (Charity No: 1138482) with its registered office at: Foot Anstey, Senate Court, Southernhay Gardens, Exeter, EX1 1NT.
Please do not send post to this address, instead Contact the SWMS office