The first school in England to give music an important role in the curriculum: 1853-1908.

What is it about?

Edward Thring, headmaster of Uppingham School in the English Midlands, introduced holistic education in his school from Bonn, his wife's home town in Prussia. An important ingredient was music. Bonn also supplied most of the music teachers.

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Why is it important?

Uppingham was the first school to give music a prominent role in the curriculum, to appoint full-time expert musicians, and to give them remuneration and status on par with other teachers. Most came from Prussia, were instilled in the tradition of Mendelssohn’s Conservatorium, and their proficiency allowed them to play alongside leading instrumentalists of the day. Those able in composition added to a repertoire of school songs and hymns. All pupils benefited from their work: in class teaching, congregational singing, instrumental lessons, choirs and choral societies, chamber groups and orchestras, and through exposure to the classics of European music and concerts by performers of international renown.

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