Activities 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.
11 May 2025, 11:00am
Parry Rooms
Join us for an exciting selection of family friendly activities as part of the RCM's popular Festival of Percussion.
26 June 2025, 12:00pm
Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
Join some of the RCM's top chamber musicians, together with presenter Lucy Hollins, to explore the characters, instruments and themes featured in Prokofiev's famous Peter and the Wolf.
27 August 2025, 10:30am
Recital Hall
Calling all instrumentalists, singers, composers or song-writers from any musical background!

An RCM Sparks lunchtime concert for schools at Cadogan Hall

Presenter at an RCM Sparks lunchtime concert at Cadogan Hall

Pupil, presenter and conductor on stage at an RCM Sparks lunchtime concert at Cadogan Hall
Other Sparks events
RCM Sparks hosts a regular series of events for families and young people, many of which may be suitable for children at your school.
Events for families and children
11 May 2025, 11:00am
Parry Rooms
Join us for an exciting selection of family friendly activities as part of the RCM's popular Festival of Percussion.
25 May 2025, 11:00am
RCM Museum and Weston Discovery Centre
Enjoy a variety of family friendly activites in the Royal College of Music Museum this half term.
26 June 2025, 12:00pm
Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
Join some of the RCM's top chamber musicians, together with presenter Lucy Hollins, to explore the characters, instruments and themes featured in Prokofiev's famous Peter and the Wolf.
28 July 2025, 10:30am
Recital Hall
Join RCM Sparks for a junior version of our friendly and creative Springboard Composition Course.
28 July 2025, 10:30am
Recital Hall
Join RCM Sparks for a junior version of our friendly and creative Springboard Composition Course.
Events for teenagers (ages 12-18)
27 August 2025, 10:30am
Recital Hall
Calling all instrumentalists, singers, composers or song-writers from any musical background!
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 groups of up to 30 people, from early years onwards. No previous experience is required and sessions can be tailored to 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.
The RCM gamelan is now open for booking.
Unfortunately we are currently unable to hold gamelan workshops at the Royal College of Music, but we will bring our Gamelan to your premises. For schools wishing to host Gamelan Workshops at their premises, please get in touch with us to discuss the delivery, collection and training costs and to explore bespoke options available to you.
Some schools may be eligible for subsidised hosting.
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.




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. 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.