Activities for schools

Pupil conducting at a Sparks lunchtime concert for schools

If you're a school teacher looking for an enriching musical experience for your pupils, then look no further! RCM Sparks is proud to offer a range of opportunities for schools including accessible concerts, Gamelan workshops and learning and participation opportunities with the RCM Museum.

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.

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Lunchtime Concert for Schools

19 March 2025, 1:00pm
Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall

Join the RCM Symphony Orchestra for an exhilarating hour of music exploring the musical instruments and themes of Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique.

09 April 2025, 9:45am
Various locations

This popular two-day course focuses on creative musicmaking, storytelling, arts and crafts, instrumental playing and singing.

Participatory events

An orchestra sitting on stage with their instruments in the background, with a female presenter and a female conductor in a conductors podium, with a group of young students putting their hands up.

An RCM Sparks lunchtime concert for schools at Cadogan Hall

A female student speaking into a speaker, pointing out into the audience.

Presenter at an RCM Sparks lunchtime concert at Cadogan Hall

Two female presenters on the stage, standing in a conductors podium, with an Asian girl on stage in a school uniform.

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

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Family Concert: Legends and Tales

20 February 2025, 1:00pm
Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall

Discover the fantastical music of The Legend of Zelda in this thrilling concert for all the family!

Participatory events

Orchestral

Museum half term family fun

16 February 2025, 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!

Participatory events

Museum

Explorers Course

09 April 2025, 9:45am
Various locations

This popular two-day course focuses on creative musicmaking, storytelling, arts and crafts, instrumental playing and singing.

Participatory events

Events for teenagers (ages 12-18)

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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.

How to book

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.

Gamelan team

Booking and general gamelan enquiries

+44 (0)20 7591 4394

gamelan@rcm.ac.uk

A young Asian girl playing the metal percussion instruments with a mallet, with a women playing a drum in the background.

A boy looking at a percussion instrument and performing it.

A women helping a young boy play on a xylophone, with other children and parents in the background doing the same thing.

A young Asian boy playing the metal percussion instruments with a mallet.

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.