Summer is finally here, and many parents’ minds are turning to the long summer holidays and what activities to plan for their children. As well as the usual courses offered by music conservatoires there’s lots of free and low cost choices out there, which means that keeping the children musically occupied this summer doesn’t need to break the bank…
For those that are musically minded, summer schools can be brilliant for introducing children to an instrument in a relaxed environment. For more intermediate players they can help
develop technique and performance, inspiring productive playing for the rest of the year.
Apply for a free/low cost music course
Depending on where you live, there are many courses out there that are free or very affordable to attend. Some courses require a minimum playing standard that needs to be met, but not all – however applicants should demonstrate a certain level of enthusiasm and passion for music and learning, and some courses require you to be resident in the area. We’ve found some great examples across the UK and will update this page when we find more, so check back in a few weeks!
SOUTH EAST
Berkshire Music Maestros
25th July – 29th July
£50 per day
There’s something for everyone in this list of courses, from drumming, singing and instrumental wind ensembles. Held in Reading.
For more information email courses@berkshiremaestros.org.uk
SMASH
26th – 29th July 2022
£20-£30
The Surrey Music and Arts in the Summer Holidays (SMASH) activities programme is now available for registration. The activities are taking place in four locations across the county so there are more opportunities to experience DJing, brass and wind instruments, singing, ukulele and being part of a band. The activities are a great way to try different musical instruments and start your musical journey. All instruments and equipment are provided and no previous experience is required to join in and have fun.
Kent Music – Summer Schools
Various dates July 2022
Course fees vary (financial assistance available)
Following an amazing reopening in 2021, the whole team are thrilled to be back at Benenden School for more music making in July 2022. Young musicians of all ages will be coming together musically and socially in the beautiful surroundings of Benenden School, including a brand new, purpose-built concert hall!
Applications are now open for a range of well-loved courses from previous summers. Find out more about the courses and apply through our interactive brochure and the links below
LONDON
Redbridge Creates
July/August
£180
If you or your children interested in creating, learning and exploring the world of Theatre and Music, Redbridge Creates offers you the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill. With a range of workshops suitable for Under 5s, right through to adults.
Classes take place in our dedicated studio spaces with professional lighting and sound systems. Whether you are a beginner or advanced, professional or amateur, drop in and have a chat about how we can help you, or your child, explore what theatre can offer.
Islington
Guildhall School of Music & Drama (gsmd.ac.uk)
25th – 29th July 2022
£249.90 (Islington residents/pupils, bursaries available)
£300 (Non-Islington residents/pupils)
chamber groups and work with others to create your own pieces.At the end of the course there will be a concert where you will be able to perform some of the works looked at during the course as well as some of your own compositions.
Students should be aged 8-15 and need to have been playing their instrument for at least a year.
musiceducation.islington@gsmd.ac.uk
Richmond Music Service
Summer BandIt
–
BandIt gives participants the chance to experience what it’s like to be in a band.
Planned and delivered by an experienced and dedicated team.
Bromley Youth Music Trust
Summer Sounds courses
Learn to play an instrument, sing in a choir, play in a band or orchestra!
WEST MIDLANDS
Jazzlines Summer School
19 August – 23 August
Sign up by 30 June
Jazzlines run a yearly non-residential Summer School course which is free to young musicians from Birmingham and the surrounding areas aged between 11 and 19. You can learn a range of skills including technique, improvisation and ensemble playing.
Derbyshire Music Hub Singing Summer School
25-27 July
£50
If you love to sing, Derbyshire Music Hub’s Singing Summer Schools are perfect for you! It’s packed full of learning new songs from around the world and playing fun musical games – giving you the opportunity to sing your heart out and make new friends!
Wolverhampton Music Service
Inclusic Rockschool summer course
25th-29th July 2022
£Free
Free week of rock and pop band tuition
More info tbc – Sign up c/o info@inclusic.co.uk
EAST SUSSEX
Create Music – Summer Schools
July 2022
Course fees start at £33 for 1-day courses
(10% discount for existing Create Music students)
Create Music is the Music Education Hub for Brighton & Hove and East Sussex.
This year’s Summer School programme includes some well-loved and popular courses for young musicians at all ages and stages of learning alongside open access courses for those with no prior experience but who would like to try something new – such as singing, ukulele or Garageband.
All Summer School courses are delivered by experienced and friendly music teachers, providing a fun and engaging music experience and a celebration performance.
SOUTH WEST
Guildhall Young Artists Somerset
8th- 12th August
£325
A fun action-filled week for 10-18 years, packed full of music and drama workshops, sessions in rock, pop, classical and jazz, music production, DJ-ing, song-writing, singing, acting, script work and characterisation, this summer holiday course is a great way to develop skills in the performing arts. Taking place at Richard Huish College, Taunton, students have access to their facilities including their Mac suite for LogicPro tuition in music production.