Sparks events

Children at a Sparks event and an RCM 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, 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.

Subsidised offer and free tickets

RCM Sparks subsidises the costs of all activities to offer value for money to families and to enable equal access.

In addition, some families can access free places or tickets if they qualify within any of the categories below.

Your child is eligible for Pupil Premium (Free School Meals at a state school) - whether claimed or not.

You can find full details about whether your child may be eligible for free school meals by reading the Tri-borough Music Hub's explanation webpage.

Your family has a household income of less than £31,139
Your family is eligible for Universal Credit
Your family lives in social housing
A member of your immediate family is eligible for Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance

What's On

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.

Response.Write(itemNode28356.SelectSingleNode(

Woodwind and Brass Festival

26 October 2025, 11:00am
Various locations

The RCM’s highly anticipated Woodwind and Brass Festival returns for its second year, under the artistic direction of faculty heads Marie Lloyd and Amos Miller.

28 October 2025, 10:30am
Various locations

This two-day course, run by GALSI and RCM Sparks, is for young brass or percussion players who identify as female or non-binary.

Participatory events

Explorers Course

30 October 2025, 9:45am
Jay Mews Upper Studio

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

Participatory events

Museum Half Term Family Fun

26 October 2025, 11:00am
RCM Museum

Discover and engage with the RCM Museum's amazing collections in a variety of family-friendly activities.

Participatory events

Museum

More events for families and children

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.

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 unrivalled experience of seeing it performed live.

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.

225 practical workshop opportunities

for children, young people and families

In the 2024-25 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.

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:

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

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. 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.