In recognition of the changing music scene and the ever widening music career opportunities, in September 2016 Wells became the first and only specialist music school to offer popular music as a department in its own right, building on its existing classical music reputation.
The aim of this vibrant department is to support Wells pupils to develop their musical talents and skills to the full as well as to forge close associations with the current music industry to enable the students to be successful young musicians in the 21st century.
Individual and group lessons are available on Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Electric Bass, Drum Kit (via the percussion department) and songwriting and arranging. Vocal studies are available via the vocal department.
Popular Music Bands: across all ages
Junior School Rock School
Battle of the Bands
School Musical Production: in a professional theatre
Supporting Drama Events: with incidental music
Concerts and Performances: across school events
Singer Songwriter Evenings
Songwriting Showcases
Themed Concert Platforms
Recording Sessions: for demo recordings
You’ve Got it Bad, words and music by Marianne, recorded by our Senior School rock and popular music students – click here for the audio track.
The videos below feature singer/songwriter Marianne performing her own lyrics and music.
Co-ordinator of Popular Music – Ed Leaker
Electric Guitar and Electric Bass
James Gale
Songwriting and Arranging
James Gale
Drum Kit
Andy Tween
Although Popular Music is a new department, Wells has a proud history over the last 25 years with many Wells pupils going on to forge careers in the music industry as rock and popular music musicians. Many Wells brass and percussion alumni in particular are now the mainstay musicians in London’s West End Theatres performing regularly in shows such as Phantom of the Opera, Chicago and many more.
Our brass and percussion students have also gone on to become successful songwriters and film composers working out of Los Angeles USA. Richard Jacques (trombone specialist) and Stephen Barton have become very successful video game composers.
Pupils from Wells have gone on to study music technology, including the prestigious Tonmeister course, at university.