We are delighted to share the unforgettable thrill of live performances, workshops and courses with schools, families and young people here at the Royal College of Music and in the local community.
RCM Sparks wants to break down barriers that prevent people from accessing music education. We make a number of places and event tickets available for free to the following groups:
*with a household income of less than £31,139.
If you any of these criteria apply to you please make sure to tell us at the point of booking. You may be asked to provide documentary evidence.
RCM Sparks run events for children and families every term. Current events are displayed below. Tickets are released at the latter end of each term for events taking place the following term.
12 May 2024, 11:30am
Various locations
Join us for an exciting selection of family friendly activities as part of the RCM's popular Festival of Percussion.
28 May 2024, 10:15am
RCM Museum and Weston Discovery Centre
Enjoy a variety of family friendly activities in the RCM Museum this half term and discover our amazing collections through music, stories and crafts!
28 May 2024, 10:30am
Museum Weston Discovery Centre
Discover the wonderful world of musical instruments in this fun exploratory session in the RCM Museum.
28 May 2024, 10:15am
RCM Museum and Weston Discovery Centre
Enjoy a variety of family friendly activities in the Royal College of Music Museum this half term. Discover and engage with our amazing collections through music, stories and crafts!
15 June 2024, 12:00pm
RCM Museum
Join in with collections-based interactive performances on the GERF Family Stage, or visit the RCM Museum for fun musical activities for the whole family.
15 June 2024, 12:00pm
Various locations
South Kensington's Great Exhibition Road Festival features an array of family friendly workshops, talks and performances including impressive RCM brass ensembles. Expect a feast of music,
art, science and culture!
29 July 2024, 10:30am
Performance Hall and Parry Rooms
Join us for a friendly and creative course this summer where participants will work imaginatively with a team of young RCM musicians and composers to create a brand-new piece of music as a group.
09 August 2024, 2:00pm
Performance Hall
Enjoy this interactive concert inspired by objects, stories and exhibitions from the Royal College of Music Museum.
28 April 2024, 11:00am
various
Are you aged 11–18 and love playing the bassoon? Find out more about our Young Bassoon Programme.
We present one free lunchtime concert every term specially tailored for key stage 2 school children. Hosted by a professional presenter and accompanied by a free teacher resource pack, our lunchtime concerts for schools are a fantastic opportunity to introduce young people to classical music and to the unrivaled experience of seeing it performed live.
We also run a number of other events and concerts for school groups throughout the year.
08 May 2024, 1:05pm
Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
Join the RCM Wind Ensemble and English National Ballet School for an interactive RCM Sparks concert exploring the themes, music and dance from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet.
100+ practical workshops
for children, young people and families
In the 2022-23 academic year
The gamelan is the traditional orchestra of Indonesia, and the Royal College of Music has one of the largest sets in Europe. Gamelan has established itself at the centre of music education in the UK and features in the GCSE music course.
RCM Sparks offers practical and creative gamelan workshops for groups of up to 30 people. People of all ages (early years upwards) including those with disabilities, can enjoy gamelan workshops. Playing the gamelan is both fun and relaxing, requires no previous experience, and sessions can be tailored to suit the needs of each group.
A typical taster session lasts 90 minutes and includes:
By the end of the session you will be able to perform a short piece of traditional Javanese or Balinese music.
We are now taking bookings for gamelan workshops during the Autumn Term. Workshops will take place on Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 November at the Royal College of Music.
Workshops held at the Royal College of Music are usually offered subsidised rate of £125 (including booking & administration fee, excluding VAT) for a session lasting 90 minutes.
If you have any queries about booking a gamelan workshop for your premises or would like to talk to us about the practicalities of a gamelan session, please contact our Gamelan team.
The Royal College of Music Museum has undergone a major development, providing new facilities including a new purpose-built gallery and a hands-on discovery area. RCM Sparks is working in close partnership with the RCM Museum to develop of programme of learning and participation events that explore the wonders and historical treasures of the RCM collections.
Please get in touch to find out more.
Royal College of Music
Prince Consort Road
London SW7 2BS
United Kingdom
Registered charity No. 309268
