Activities for schools
![Pupil conducting at a Sparks lunchtime concert for schools Pupil conducting at a Sparks lunchtime concert for schools](/media/Sparks Schools Concert Cadogan Hall pupil conducting 16x9.jpg)
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.
![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.](/media/Sparks Schools Concert Cadogan Hall wide 6x4.jpg)
An RCM Sparks lunchtime concert for schools at Cadogan Hall
![A female student speaking into a speaker, pointing out into the audience.](/media/Sparks Schools Concert Cadogan Hall presenter 6x4.jpg)
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.](/media/Sparks Schools Concert Cadogan Hall pupil on stage 6x4.jpg)
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
29 July 2024, 10:30am
Performance Hall and Parry Rooms
Join us for a friendly and creative course this summer where participants will work imaginatively with a team of young RCM musicians and composers to create a brand-new piece of music as a group.
09 August 2024, 2:00pm
Performance Hall
Enjoy this interactive concert inspired by objects, stories and exhibitions from the Royal College of Music Museum.
Events for teenagers (ages 12-18)
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 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.
![A young Asian girl playing the metal percussion instruments with a mallet, with a women playing a drum in the background.](/media/Sparkles child with Gamelan 3 6x4.jpg)
![A boy looking at a percussion instrument and performing it.](/media/Sparkles child playing Gamelan 2 6x4.jpg)
![A women helping a young boy play on a xylophone, with other children and parents in the background doing the same thing.](/media/Sparkles family with Gamelan 6x4.jpg)
![A young Asian boy playing the metal percussion instruments with a mallet.](/media/Sparkles child playing Gamelan 1 6x4.jpg)
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.