Music at the Dragon School
Founded in 1877, Dragon School is a prep school in the heart of Oxford, renowned for its strong musical tradition. With over 800 instrumental music lessons taught each week, the school’s commitment to music education is exceptional. Recognising the need for modern facilities, the decison was made to replace the outdated 1960s music school with a state-of-the-art music centre.
Ambitious brief
Working closely with the school, we helped shape an ambitious brief for the new music centre. The design features a purpose-built recital hall, 24 individual practice rooms, three rehearsal spaces, and two striking double-height classrooms. A cutting-edge digital recording suite was also a key requirement.
Our technical specifications encompassed two main categories:
- Acoustic design of teaching spaces, recording studio and the Hall
- Sound, Lighting and AV design for the Hall and recording facilities
Lighting layouts
We also designed lighting layouts and conducted acoustic testing to minimise noise breakout from the music practice rooms, in accordance with planning regulations.
By collaborating closely with the school we delivered a detailed technical specification package for tender. As independent consultants, we ensured the school received appropriate, user-friendly systems – avoiding unnecessary complexity and costly mistakes.
Technical infrastructure
Our early involvement in the design process brought tangible benefits, including optimised layouts for performance areas and early consideration of technical infrastructure such as ventilation, cable routing, and hearing loop systems.
Planning a Performance Space Upgrade?
If you are considering improvements to an existing performance space or developing a new one, we would love to help. Call us on 01603 721511 to discuss how we can support your vision.
Acoustics and Theatre Consultancy Lead for AJA: Ian Rees
Client: The Dragon School, Oxford
Architect: MICA
Contractor: Kingerlee
Project Managers: CPC Project Services
Photos: AJA
