Activities for schools

Pupil conducting at a Sparks lunchtime concert for schools

RCM Sparks offer schools a programme of public events and workshops, including gamelan sessions. The RCM Museum also provide tours and workshops for schools.

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 unrivaled experience of seeing it performed live.

We also run a number of other events and concerts for school groups throughout the year.

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RCM Sparks at the Festival of Percussion

11 May 2025, 11:00am
Parry Rooms

Join us for an exciting selection of family friendly activities as part of the RCM's popular Festival of Percussion.

Concerts

Lunchtime Concert for Schools: Peter and the Wolf

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.

Participatory events

Chamber and recital

Visiting artists

Springboard Young Composers Course: Music Creators!

27 August 2025, 10:30am
Recital Hall

Calling all instrumentalists, singers, composers or song-writers from any musical background!

Participatory events

A group of performers, with two women in the centre of an orchestra wearing smart clothes, with a young students putting their hands up in the audience

An RCM Sparks lunchtime concert for schools at Cadogan Hall

A women, with dark hair, speaking into a microphone and pointing out into the audience.

Presenter at an RCM Sparks lunchtime concert at Cadogan Hall

Two women standing, next to a young Asian girl, standing on stage, with an orchestra set up behind them.

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.

See upcoming Sparks events

2700+ children

from all educational phases

accessed a live music experience

In the 2022-23 academic year

Gamelan workshops

RCM Sparks are pleased to offer practical and creative gamelan workshops for all ages and abilities, led by gamelan specialist John Pawson and RCM Musicians. Playing the gamelan is both fun and relaxing, requires no previous experience and is ideal for those who would like to play in a group.

Workshops can be tailored to each group's requirements, offering participants to explore the cultural context of gamelan and have a go at playing the instruments. By the end of the session your group will be able to perform a short piece of traditional Javanese or Balinese music.

Price

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.

How to book

For more information about availability please email gamelan@rcm.ac.uk.

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.