Brentside High School has a strong musical tradition, both inside and outside the classroom. All students in Years 7, 8 and 9 study music and it is also offered at GCSE level. Students are also able to take examination courses in the Sixth Form: Music or Music Technology at AS and A2 ("A") level and Performing Arts at GNVQ Intermediate level.

Students in all year groups are given opportunities to compose and perform on a wide range of instruments, from classroom percussion to keyboards and synthesisers. We use high quality recording equipment to enhance student performances and recordings. In addition to this practical work, students develop their listening and appraisal skills, using a wide variety of musical styles from many different cultures and backgrounds.

We have links with many different musical organisations including English National Opera, Rockschool, London Musici, London College of Music and African Drumming and Gamelan groups.

Extra-Curricular Music
Many students participate in musical activities outside the classroom. These are some of the activities offered:
Brentside Orchestra - Brentside Singers - Year 7 Singers
Year 8 Singers - Indian Music Ensembles - Recorder Ensemble
Lower School Choir - Jazz Ensemble - Rock Bands - Percussion Ensemble - Woodwind Ensemble - String Ensemble
There are currently over three hundred students receiving free instrumental lessons taught by twelve specialist teachers. Many of these students have taken Associated Board and Rockschool Examinations with a 100% success rate.

Instruments to learn
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Piano, Keyboard, Flute, Recorder, Clarinet, Saxophone, Percussion/Drum Kit, Singing, Trumpet, French Horn, Euphonium and Trombone.

IT Facilities
Students in all year groups have access to a range of electronic equipment, from recording and editing equipment to sequencing keyboards. We have a technology room where our computers, which run Cubasis software, are housed. Students throughout the School, including those taking AS and A2 ("A") level Music Technology, use these. We are fortunate to have an electronic drum kit on which our students learn.

Musical Performances
There are many occasions during the School year when our students to perform in front of an audience. There are termly Piano Recitals and Evening Concerts in addition to Celebration of Achievement Evenings, Lunchtime Recitals and assembly performances both at Brentside and at local primary schools.

School Productions
The annual school production is a major event for the Music Department in conjunction with the Drama, Art, Craft & Design and Dance/PE Departments. Many students from all year groups in the school contribute by taking major and minor roles, being part of the chorus, band or the backstage crew. Recent productions include 'Cabaret', 'West Side Story', 'Bugsy Malone', 'Oliver' and 'Romeo and Juliet'.