In addition to its position in the timetabled week of lessons, music plays a major part in the extra-curricular life of the School. To uphold the traditional importance of music at William Ellis, the Governors reserve a small number of places on entry at II+, for boys with a special interest in, and commitment to, music.

Within the curriculum, all boys are taught through the media of recorder, keyboard and aural technique. There are formal courses at GCSE, Advanced and AS levels. Commonly, a group of boys starts a GCSE course in Year 9 with an examination in Year 10.

A full range of instrumental studies is provided by a team of visiting specialists, who between them teach all the main orchestral instruments, together with piano, guitar and percussion. Many of our Sixth Form students are members of the London Schools Symphony Orchestra and similar groups.

The range of extra-curricular activities is wide and includes a variety of tastes and interests. Established ensembles include the Orchestra, a Wind Band, Chamber Ensemble and Recorder Orchestra. Jazz and Rock Groups meet and perform on an occasional basis.

Concerts take place regularly and involve pupils of all ages and abilities, and intensive tuition, practice, performance and composition weekends at the School's Residential Centre (The Mill) are termly activities.

The Music Department is involved in a joint Thursday-afternoon activity with other schools, which sets out to establish ensemble skills in young instrumentalists. The School is also the venue for the Saturday morning activity of the Young Music Makers, a charitable organisation that provides tuition in music for over 300 young people.