Activities for schools

RCM Sparks works extensively with schools through a programme of public events and workshops, private gamelan sessions and affiliations with partner schools in the local area.

Events for schools

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.

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

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 all abilities. From school pupils (early years to sixth form) to businesses, community groups to groups of friends, sessions can be tailored for each group's requirements. A typical taster session lasts 90 minutes and includes a short introduction to the cultural context of gamelan and 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.

People of all ages, including those with disabilities, can enjoy gamelan workshops. 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 individual requirements and groups of up to 30 people can be accommodated. Unfortunately, due to redevelopment works, we are unable to hold gamelan workshops at the Royal College of Music at the moment, but we will bring our Gamelan to your premises. Feel free to contact us to discuss possibilities and space requirements.

The RCM Gamelan is currently unavailable for hire/hosting – we will update our pages soon ready for Spring 2022 activity.

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, although workshops at the RCM are not currently available.

For schools wishing to host Gamelan Workshops at their premises, please get in touch with us in the future to discuss the delivery, collection and training costs and to explore bespoke options available to you.

Some schools may be eligible for subsidised hosting. Please speak to us for more information.

Arrange a gamelan workshop at your venue

To book our gamelan for a workshop on your premises, or to talk to us about about the practicalities and possibilities of gamelan workshops, please contact our Gamelan team, who will be happy to discuss options with you. We hope to be able to offer this service again in Spring 2022. 

Partnerships

RCM Sparks forms close partnerships with local schools through our work with the Tri-borough Music Hub. These partnerships allow us to deliver bespoke and strategic music programmes, both in school and at the Royal College of Music, making use of our first-class music educators, workshop leaders and our own students (RCM Sparks Mentors), who support children and schools to encourage a life-long love of music.

Find out more

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. This programme will begin after the museum building reopens soon.