SYMONDS EXPANDS OPPORTUNITIES FOR MUSIC STUDENTS ACROSS HAMPSHIRE
Peter Symonds College is celebrating an exceptional year for music, with a broad programme of study, outstanding progression to leading conservatoires and an expanding range of opportunities for students to perform, collaborate and work with professional musicians and educators. The Russell Music Centre is at the heart of this provision and since summer 2025, it has provided exceptional facilities and opportunities to perform, learn and collaborate, while strengthening links with schools across the region.
The College offers three music courses – A Level Music, A Level Music Technology and BTEC Popular Music Performance – alongside the Hampshire Specialist Music Course (HSMC), giving students opportunities to develop across a wide range of musical disciplines and styles.
The Centre has also strengthened links with schools across the region, creating opportunities for young musicians beyond Peter Symonds to access specialist facilities, work alongside other talented students and learn from experienced performers and educators. Pupils from Kings' School, Wildern School, Deer Park School, The Romsey School, The Westgate School, Amery Hill School, Bitterne Park School, Thornden School, Robert May's School, Hurst Community College, Cantell School, The Gregg School and Winchester College have all taken part in events at the Centre over the past year.
Activities have included Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Participate workshops for GCSE Music students, supported by Hampshire Music Service, a vocal workshop with internationally acclaimed ensemble The Sixteen, the Hampshire Young Pianist Award, and a pop-up Steinway Hub featuring masterclasses with Steinway Artist Charles Owen.
Rachel Platt, Head of Music, said: “The Russell Music Centre has transformed what we can offer both our own students and the wider musical community. One of our ambitions was to create a space that could bring young musicians together from across the region. Over the past year we have been able to host events and partnerships on a scale that simply wasn't possible before. It has been wonderful to see so many visiting students making use of the facilities and benefiting from opportunities to work with professional performers and educators."
As the second season gets underway, the department is also looking ahead to expanding opportunities in popular music and music technology.
Pete Hedley, Head of Subject, said: “We aim to expand opportunities in popular music and music technology, reflecting the vibrancy and creativity of contemporary music-making. Our aim is to continue broadening access to music education across a wide range of styles and disciplines, supporting young learners to explore and develop their own musical voice through engaging and inclusive creative pathways.”
Students have also highlighted the impact of the new facilities.
Symonds student Eddie said: “Having ready access to high quality instruments and equipment has been a game-changer for practising and playing with others.”
Symonds student Quinnlan added: I have most enjoyed the incredible playing opportunities, with the multiple drum kits and band set ups in the Russell Music Centre, which mean music students can work on expanding our creative band playing.
Symonds student Isaac said: “This new building has made the wonderful Steinway pianos more accessible, and the practise rooms are fantastic, which comes together to promote an environment of musical development.”
Symonds student Rafferty said: I absolutely love this department. Every time I walk through the door, I feel inspired to make and learn more music. Every piano and practise room is amazing. The Music Technology side is unbelievable. All of the equipment that we get to use is the best you can get!”
The Centre is also celebrating is first year as an All-Steinway School, a prestigious partnership that has enhanced piano teaching and performance opportunities throughout the college. In 2026, a total of 19 conservatoire places were offered to students, including eight scholarships, with students progressing to leading institutions including the Royal Academy of Music, Trinity Laban, the Royal College, London and the Royal Northern College of Music.
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Posted: 19 October 2026
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