RCM Sparks is the Royal College of Music's exciting learning and participation programme. We provide accessible learning pathways in music, engaging children from their early years to age 18, both at the RCM and in the wider community.
Strong partnerships with schools, communities and local institutions are key to our success. Music education can boost a child’s confidence and learning skills as well as their musical talent. RCM Sparks is committed to providing these opportunities to young people from all backgrounds, hosting public events for all and providing a targeted community programme in the local area.
We also train Royal College of Music students in the field of music education, developing a vibrant new generation of educators with relevant and meaningful practical experience.
Where we work and who we work with
We deliver a varied, engaging programme in schools and community settings in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and the City of Westminster, as well as running a series of public events at the Royal College of Music. We work in strategic partnership with the Tri-borough Music Hub to recruit participants who may otherwise not engage, in particular:
- Children, young people and families from low income-households/low socio-economic groups
- Children and young people from underrepresented groups in higher education
- Children and young people with disabilities
Based on self-reported data, approximately 55% of young people and families engaged in our community programme were from these groups in the 2017/18 academic year, increased from 49% in 2015/16 and 46% in 2016/17.
