St Catharine’s has for many years maintained a strong musical profile, with activities suited to all levels of experience and taste.
With two distinguished choirs - the mixed voice College Choir and the UK’s first College-based Girls' Choir; the Kellaway Concert Series, which brings high-quality, innovative music-making to the College; an active Music Society; and with opportunities for performance and participation from folk and jazz to classical and world music, musical life at St Catharine’s is as rich and varied as it has ever been.
Are you a keen singer or instrumentalist? Find out about our choral and instrumental awards.
You can find more out about reading Music as an academic subject.
Feedback from former students
'Music is integral to the St Catharine’s community. A wide variety of ensembles and styles of music are available to explore, providing an immersive environment which is open to students of all abilities and subjects. As a Kellaway Instrumental Scholar, I was able to gain much performing experience through the various recital opportunities that annually occur in College. What makes Catz special, though, is its dedication to helping students pursue their individual interests. I was fully supported in all the musical activities that I wished to engage in throughout my degree, whether these occurred within College or outside of the University.'
Megan Wheeler (2016), Scholarship to Trinity College of Music
'St Catharine’s offered me an incredible wealth of opportunity and support in both a practical and an academic sense. I was able to tailor my time at St Catharine’s in my own way, involving myself in a huge range of musical activities provided by both the College and University. In particular as a choral scholar I was able to perform in a variety of venues all over the world as well as singing on several CDs recorded by the chapel choir. Opportunities such as this paved the way for my postgraduate Musical Theatre studies in London.'
Joe Beighton (2014), Scholarship winner at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
'As a music student and choral scholar, St Catharine’s has enabled me to explore music on new levels. From being President of the Music Society to a founding member of two Catz-based chamber ensembles, I have been able to expand my interests and skills in ways I could never have imagined. Catz's inclusive environment, within a vibrant University music scene, provides opportunities and support for musicians of all subjects. Playing and singing alongside my College friends, staging concerts, and hearing world-class musicians in our very own Chapel are just some of the highlights of my experience.'
Frances Leith (2012), Scholarship winner at Royal Academy of Music
'I have been amazed by the range and variety of opportunity that has been available to me as a music student at St Catharine’s: much more than I could ever have expected. As well as the demands of an extremely rewarding three years as Organ Scholar, I have been able to develop my musicianship in other areas, particularly in chamber and contemporary music.'
Freddie Brown (2008), répétiteur with Welsh National Opera
