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Sparks events

Events for ages 4-12Events for teenagersEvents for schoolsGamelan workshops
Children playing guitars at a Sparks Family Create event
Whether you are introducing children to music for the first time, or looking for inspiring ways to delve deeper, RCM Sparks has a programme of events just for you. 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.
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The RCM is currently closed to visitors

However, we invite you to browse RCM Sparks digital resources, created to replace our cancelled workshops, courses and concert series.

View Sparks digital resources

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Events in the summer holidays (ages 4-18)

Join us during the summer holidays for a range of exciting courses, workshops and family-friendly events.

Events for families & children (ages 4-12)

Our Family Create, Ignite and Explorers programmes bring music to life in unforgettable ways, with practical opportunities to participate and insightful connections with wider festivals and performances.

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Singing the Museum to Life: The Greatest Exhibition!

27 October 2020, 10:00am
Online

Ages 8-11

Join us online for this fun RCM Sparks Explorers course!

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Pop-Up Family Workshop: Body Percussion and Beatboxing

26 October 2020, 10:00am
Online

All ages welcome

Perfect family fun from RCM Sparks this half-term. Experience creating rhythms from around the world using nothing but your body!

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Mini Sparks at home

05 November 2020, 10:30am
Online

Age 0-4

Join early years specialist Trish Keelan and musicians from the Royal College of Music for a new series of fun, interactive online sessions.

More events for families and children

Events for teenagers (ages 13-18)

Our bi-annual Springboard Composition Courses allow teenagers to explore their creativity, supported by inspiring professionals and emerging Royal College of Music composers.

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Springboard Songwriting Course

05 November 2020, 4:30pm
Online

Age 12-18

Join us on Zoom for a 6 week course exploring your songwriting skills!

Events for schools

We present one free lunchtime concert every term specially tailored for 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 the excitement of 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.

We do not have anything to show at the moment. Check back regularly for the latest news about our events, or you can subscribe to our mailing list.

Gamelan workshops

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 all abilities. From school pupils (early years to sixth form) to businesses, community groups to groups of friends, sessions can be tailored for each group's requirements. A typical taster session lasts 90 minutes and includes a short introduction to the cultural context of gamelan and a chance to have a go at playing the instruments. By the end of the session you will be able to perform a short piece of traditional Javanese or Balinese music.

Find out more