SWMS Partners
South West Music School has the support of some fantastic organisations. Please see below for further information on some of those we work with.
Funders

Department for Education Music and Dance Scheme
South West Music School’s principal funding comes from the DfE via the Music and Dance Scheme (MDS).
South West Music School is a Centre of Advanced Training (CAT) for the South West region of England and covers fourteen local music education hubs (see below).
South West Music School works closely with the region’s elite music school, Wells Cathedral School, also funded within the MDS.

Exeter and District Classical Music Trust
Exeter and District Classical Music Trust donate an annual grant to support students who live in the Exeter postcode area to attend South West Youth Orchestra.
Music Hubs










Wiltshire Music Connect
South West Music School is an Associate of Wiltshire Music Connect.
Being an Associate of Wiltshire Music Connect indicates that SWMS has been through an application process which assesses its skills and abilities as music leaders, as well as knowledge of Safeguarding.
SWMS has proved that up to date DBS checks and Insurance and Child Protection training are in place and has made a commitment to develop skills on an ongoing basis through training & continuing professional development. Our work is connected to a wider network of advice support and progression opportunities.
Click on their website below to find out more.




Collaborators

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra offers SWMS students a wide range of opportunities including cut price concerts, rehearsal sit-ins and masterclasses with top international performing artists.
In 2014 and 2015, South West Music School partnered up with the BSO in delivering the South West Youth Orchestra and Podium projects.

Wellington School
Wellington School in Somerset is the new home of the South West Music School Feeder and Induction workshop series.
In addition, South West Music School and Wellington School will be collaborating in a series of workshops and masterclasses in 2016, including our piano masterclass in March 2016.

Wells Cathedral School
Wells Cathedral School was one of the co-founding partners of South West Music School in 2010 and is one of the four elite music schools funded by the DfE under the Music and Dance Scheme.
Each year, several South West Music School students audition for music scholarships while several SWMS students also attend as day pupils. Many South West Music School mentors and tutors work at Wells as specialist music teachers and Heads of Department.

Bristol Pre-Conservatoire
Founded by ex SWMS mentor Jonathan James, Bristol Pre-Conservatoire bring together talented classical and jazz young musicians in a fun yet challenging environment to develop their ensemble skills and general musicianship.
Find out more at www.bristol-preconservatoire.com.
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What our students
and parents say
about us
“I loved the challenge of having to think about music in a completely new way. I feel so much more confident in improvising now and found it helpful to see how dancers improvise and develop their own choreography, layering up and developing ideas as a group just like we were doing with our music.” SWMS student, following the 2019 Core Residential in collaboration with Swindon Dance
“I just wanted to say a really big thank you for everything you’ve done for me at SWMS. I loved the residentials, they were so much fun and I feel that I got a lot from them and met so many nice, talented people. I’ve loved it all and especially my lessons with Patrick have been fantastic – I’ve learned so much from him in the past two years. Just thanks so much, SWMS is amazing!” Louise, composer
“The residential was one of the best things I have ever done. The place was amazing, I loved it. I really didn’t want to go home! I learned how to take more of a lead role, and how to help others. I learned the basics of harmony work and also I learned perseverance. It was inspiring, fun, and educational.” Sophie, singer songwriter
“I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you and all the tutors at the workshops. I know that Meg is really benefiting from their expertise and we really appreciate that.” Louise, parent
“Emma wanted to thank everyone for a great day at the Woodwind and Brass Day yesterday. She said it was a great experience. As a Mum I could only say “WOW” to her playing. More please!” Jan, parent