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.
25 May 2025, 11:00am
RCM Museum
Enjoy a variety of family friendly activites in the Royal College of Music Museum this half term.
26 June 2025, 12:00pm
Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
Join some of the RCM's top chamber musicians, together with presenter Lucy Hollins, to explore the characters, instruments and themes featured in Prokofiev's famous Peter and the Wolf.
25 July 2025, 1:00pm
Performance Studio
Join us for a time-travelling journey through centuries of storytelling, music, object handling, and visual communication.
28 July 2025, 10:30am
Recital Hall
Join RCM Sparks for a junior version of our friendly and creative Springboard Composition Course.
28 July 2025, 10:30am
Recital Hall
Join RCM Sparks for a junior version of our friendly and creative Springboard Composition Course.
01 August 2025, 10:30am
Performance Studio
Explore the popular music era and the elements of rock ‘n’ roll in a hands-on interactive one-hour workshop!
08 August 2025, 1:00pm
Recital Hall
Enjoy crafting your very own ukulele and making music in just one afternoon!
15 August 2025, 1:00pm
Performance Studio
Join us for a time-travelling journey through centuries of storytelling, music, object handling, and visual communication.
22 August 2025, 1:00pm
Recital Hall
Explore the elements of Rock 'n' Roll music, dive into Kurt Cobain's songwriting style, and create music using GarageBand.
27 August 2025, 10:30am
Recital Hall
Calling all instrumentalists, singers, composers or song-writers from any musical background!
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.
26 June 2025, 12:00pm
Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall
Join some of the RCM's top chamber musicians, together with presenter Lucy Hollins, to explore the characters, instruments and themes featured in Prokofiev's famous Peter and the Wolf.
27 August 2025, 10:30am
Recital Hall
Calling all instrumentalists, singers, composers or song-writers from any musical background!
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
