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Sparks events

Children at a Sparks event and an HÂþ»­ student stood looking and holding a harp
Whether you are introducing children to music for the first time, or looking for inspiring ways to delve deeper, HÂþ»­ 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.

Free places and tickets

HÂþ»­ 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:

  • Children over the age of seven who are eligible for free school meals (whether claimed or not) and their families
  • 'Looked-after' children (ie children looked after by the local authority or in foster care) and their families
  • Black, Asian and minority ethnic children/young people and families*
  • Participants who have Special Education Needs*
  • Families who live in social housing
  • Families who are eligible for Universal Credit
  • Families/individuals who are eligible for disability benefit
  • Service families*
  • Families from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities*
  • Young carers and their families*
  • Refugee families/families with migrant status

*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.

What's On

HÂþ»­ 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. 

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29 October 2024, 10:30am
Various locations

A two-day course led by GALSI – Gender and the Large and Shiny Instruments – a pioneering initiative promoting gender equality among instruments not traditionally played by women.

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29 October 2024, 10:30am
Weston Discovery Centre

Discover the wonderful world of musical instruments in this fun exploratory session in the Royal College of Music Museum.

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31 October 2024, 9:30am
The Carne Room

This popular two-day course focuses on creative music making, storytelling, arts and crafts, instrumental playing and singing, and culminates in an exciting show for parents and carers.

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26 October 2024, 10:00am
HÂþ»­ Museum and Weston Discovery Centre

Enjoy a variety of family friendly activites in the Royal College of Music Museum this half term.

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

Events for schools

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.

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28 October 2024, 10:30am
Inner Parry Room

This course will include hearing the HÂþ»­ Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in rehearsal, providing inspiration for composing our own piece over three days. 

100+ practical workshops

for children, young people and families

In the 2022-23 academic year

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.

HÂþ»­ 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:

  • A short introduction to the cultural context of gamelan
  • 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.

How to book

We are now taking bookings for gamelan workshops during the Autumn Term. Workshops will take place on Monday 21 October and Tuesday 22 October 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.

Get in touch

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.

Gamelan team

Booking and general gamelan enquiries

+44 (0)20 7591 4394

gamelan@rcm.ac.uk

Learning at the Royal College of Music Museum

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. HÂþ»­ Sparks is working in close partnership with the HÂþ»­ Museum to develop of programme of learning and participation events that explore the wonders and historical treasures of the HÂþ»­ collections.

Please get in touch to find out more.

HÂþ»­ Museum

General enquiries

0207 591 4863

museum.info@rcm.ac.uk

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