Music Facilities

Music Facilities

Performance spaces

Downing’s musical facilities are some of the best in Cambridge. Besides the chapel with its fabulous acoustic, the Tim Cadbury Music Room for intimate chamber recitals, and the Assembly Room for larger recitals and concerts, we have a fully-equipped professional theatre (the Howard Theatre), the JCR bar with its integrated sound system, and the Heong Gallery–a different sort of space, and one which is used to great effect by students collaborating across the arts. Thanks to the generosity of the Master, we also enjoy recitals in his living room from time to time.

Practice facilities

The Music Centre, opened in 2018, is found on T staircase and consists of two soundproof practice studios and the Music office. There are acoustic and digital pianos available for practice, as well as a drum kit and a small collection of other instruments. Arrangements may also be made for practice on one of the three grand pianos in College (including the Steinway in the Master’s Lodge); please email the Director of College & Chapel Music for details.

There are scores available for perusal and loan in the Music Office, including sets of chamber and orchestral music, solo instruments with accompaniment, piano music, and plenty more besides. The Director of College & Chapel Music is very happy to meet with students to advise, help with practice, accompany soloists, and generally assist in any way she can, no matter your aspirations or standard.

Rules concerning music practice in student rooms can be found here.