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.
RCM Sparks wants to break down barriers that prevent people from accessing music education. We make a number of places and event tickets available for free to the following groups:
*with a household income of less than £31,139.
If you any of these criteria apply to you please make sure to tell us at the point of booking. You may be asked to provide documentary evidence.
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.
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!
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!
09 April 2025, 9:45am
Various locations
This popular two-day course focuses on creative musicmaking, storytelling, arts and crafts, instrumental playing and singing.
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.
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 unrivaled experience of seeing it performed live.
We also run a number of other events and concerts for school groups throughout the year.
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.
100+ practical workshops
for children, young people and families
In the 2022-23 academic year
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:
By the end of the session you will be able to perform a short piece of traditional Javanese or Balinese music.
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.
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.
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.
Royal College of Music
Prince Consort Road
London SW7 2BS
United Kingdom
Registered charity No. 309268
