Announcing Easter Short Courses and Summer Schools for 2025
Learn something new or develop your skills in 2025.
Our programme of Easter Short Courses and Summer Schools covers a wide range of topics across music, drama, production arts, writing and more.
Easter Short Courses include:
- Audition Technique: Acting (in-person), for anyone aged 17 and over, who has an interest in acting and is considering applying for Drama School or an equivalent programme, as well as actors who are interested in improving general audition technique.
- Creative Writing for Ages 15–18 (in-person) led by writer Annie Hayter, exploring a range of literary texts including poetry and fiction, and using artwork, photographs and songs to inspire your own creative writing.
- Introduction to Directing: First Steps (in-person), for anyone aged 16 to 18 interested in an introduction to directing plays, with an emphasis on the preparation required and how to apply this practically within the rehearsal room.
- Mastering Aural Tests (online), for anyone aged 11 to 17 who sings or plays an instrument and wants to work on refining aural skills, whether for exams or personal development.
We have Easter Short Courses available for people aged eight and over, running for two to five days during the school holidays in April 2025. The deadline to book your place on an Easter Short Course is 5pm, Monday 31 March 2025, or when the course reaches full capacity.
Summer Schools include:
- Acting in an Accent: General American (in-person), for anyone aged 18 and over interested in learning about, and working on, accents with a specific focus on General American.
- Advanced Aural Skills for Ages 11-15 (online), for singers, instrumentalists and composers who want to refine their aural skills at a post-grade 5 level.
- Conducting & Ensemble Direction (in-person), for aspiring conductors aged 18 and over, who want a thorough grounding in the physical technique of conducting, score preparation and rehearsal technique.
- Introduction to Music Therapy (in-person), for anyone aged 18 and over considering a career as a music therapist or anyone interested in the MA Music Therapy course at Guildhall, who would like an insight into the course.
- Jazz & Rock Week (in-person), for singers and instrumentalists aged 14 and over, who want to develop their skills in jazz and rock music, feel inspired and have lots of fun.
- Sewing for Beginners (in-person), for people aged 16 and over who want to learn core sewing techniques and gain confidence using a sewing machine.
Summer Schools are for a variety of ages from eleven and over, and will run for two days to two weeks during the summer holidays. The booking deadline is 5pm, Monday 28 April 2025.
Bookings
Further details and fees can be found on the individual course pages.
Join our Short Courses mailing list before Monday 25 November to receive priority booking.
Public booking for Easter Short Courses and Summer Schools will open at 11am, Thursday 28 November.
Participation Bursaries
Participation bursaries are available for selected Easter Short Courses and Summer Schools, which provide financial support to those living in low-income households. View our eligibility criteria and guidance.
In-person Easter Short Courses
The following courses will take place at Guildhall School of Music & Drama in April 2025:
Audition Technique: Acting
Sat 12 – Sun 13 April 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 17+
Whether you are interested in developing a speech for drama school or university, or generally improving your audition technique, this two-day course will give you an introduction into the tools you need to succeed.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Introduction to Directing: First Steps
Sat 12 – Sun 13 April 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 16–18
This two-day course will introduce you to the role of a theatre director. Through practical exercises and discussions, you will work with a professional director, an actor and a designer to understand the collaborative role and process that is required of this exciting role.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Introduction to Screen Acting
Sat 12 – Sun 13 April 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 18+
This two-day course will introduce you to the techniques and skills required for acting in film and television.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Conducting & Ensemble Direction
Mon 7 – Thu 10 April 2025, 10.30am–5.30pm
Ages 18+
This four-day course will give you a thorough grounding in the physical technique of conducting and will see you conduct a variety of repertoire.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Easter Music Course
Mon 7 – Thu 10 April 2025, 10am–4.30pm
Ages 8–14
This four-day course is for young instrumentalists playing any bowed string, wind, brass or percussion instrument. With an emphasis on fun, participants will experience a wide range of music in different performance settings including orchestra, small ensembles, and choir.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Essential Music Theory: Grade 5
Mon 7 – Fri 11 April 2025, 10am–4pm
Ages 11–17
This five-day course is ideal if you are preparing for the ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory exam and/or want to improve your knowledge of music theory.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Music Production in Logic Pro Intensive
Wed 9 – Fri 11 April 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 14–17
This three-day course aimed at beginners will introduce essential elements of Logic Pro, allowing you to get producing, composing and mixing.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Creative Writing for Ages 15–18
Sat 12 – Sun 13 April 2025, 10am–4pm
Ages 15–18
This course, led by London writer Annie Hayter, explores a range of literary texts including poetry and fiction, and uses artwork, photographs and songs as inspiration for creative writing.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Online Easter Short Courses
The following courses will take place over Zoom in April 2025:
Advanced Music Theory: Grade 6
Mon 7 – Fri 11 April 2025, 10am–5pm, BST (UTC+1)
Ages 14+
This five-day online music theory course, led by Guildhall Composition Professor Paul Whitmarsh, is ideal if you wish to prepare for the ABRSM Grade 6 theory exam or if you want to improve your knowledge of music theory.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Film Music Composition for Ages 14–17
Mon 7 – Thu 10 April 2025, 10am–12pm, BST (UTC+1)
Ages 14–17
This online course taking place over four days, will equip you with an understanding of how to write music for film.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Mastering Aural Tests
Mon 7 – Thu 10 April 2025, 10.30am–12.30pm, BST (UTC+1)
Ages 11–17
This online course taking place across four days will help you practise your aural skills and increase your exam confidence.
Further details can be found on the course page.
In-person Summer Schools
The following courses will take place at Guildhall School of Music & Drama in July/August 2025:
Acting in an Accent: General American
Mon 14 – Fri 18 July 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 18+
This five-day course will introduce you to the foundations and principles of working in an accent other than your own, with a focus on a contemporary General American (Mid-Western) sound.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Acting Summer School for Ages 18+
Mon 14 – Fri 25 July 2025, 10am–5.30pm
This two-week course will give you an insight into actor training by exploring the fundamentals of acting in a supportive environment.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Acting Summer School for Ages 16–17
Course 1: Mon 21 July – Fri 1 Aug 2025, 9.30am–5.30pm
Course 2: Mon 4 Aug – Fri 15 Aug 2025, 9.30am–5.30pm
This two-week course offers an inspirational insight into contemporary actor training for young people aged 16 to 17.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Acting Summer School for Ages 12–15
Course 1: Mon 4 – Fri 8 August 2025, 9.30am–5pm
Course 2: Mon 11 – Fri 15 August 2025, 9.30am–5pm
This five-day course will help you connect with your inner creativity, develop your skills, and offer an insight into professional acting training in a fun, welcoming and creative environment.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Introduction to Screen Acting
Sat 2 – Sun 3 Aug 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 18+
This two-day course will introduce you to the techniques and skills required for acting in film and television.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Introduction to Directing: First Steps
Sat 19 – Sun 20 July 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 16–18
This two-day course will introduce you to the role of a theatre director. Through practical exercises and discussions, you will work with a professional director, an actor and a designer to understand the collaborative role and process that is required of this exciting role.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Speaking Shakespeare: Classical Monologue
Mon 28 July – Fri 1 August 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 16+
This intensive summer course, led by Mariah Gale, actor, director and Associate Artist at the Royal Shakespeare Company, is ideal if you want to explore the texts of Shakespeare.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Shakespeare Masterclass
Sat 19 – Sun 20 July 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 18+
This fast-paced and in-depth two-day masterclass will provide you with a step-by-step approach to verse, which will enable you to unlock an audition piece, a role, or a rehearsal room using clues within the verse.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Conducting & Ensemble Direction
Tue 15 – Fri 18 July 2025, 10.30am–5.30pm
Ages 18+
This four-day course will give you a thorough grounding in the physical technique of conducting and will see you conduct a variety of repertoire.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Introduction to Music Therapy
Sat 19 – Sun 20 July 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 18+
This two-day course is delivered by tutors with wide-ranging experience in clinical and professional settings, via a combination of theoretical and practical sessions, case presentations and experiential learning.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Vocal Summer School for Classical Singers
Mon 21 – Fri 25 July 2025, 9am–5pm
Ages 16–21
This five-day course led by senior staff from the Vocal Studies department will enable singers aged 16 to 21 to experience Guildhall School’s world-leading vocal training.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Conducting Summer Course
Course 1: Mon 21 – Fri 25 July 2025, 10am–5pm
Course 2: Mon 28 July – Fri 1 August 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 14–18
This five-day course will give you a thorough grounding in the physical technique of conducting and will see you conduct a variety of repertoire.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Composition Summer Course for Ages 14–21
Mon 28 July – Fri 1 August 2025, 9.30am–5.30pm
This five-day course is a unique opportunity for you to develop your composition skills and write a piece for a small instrumental ensemble. You will work with a composition teacher and performers on your own music and learn about writing for instruments and developing ideas.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Composition Summer Course for Ages 21+
Mon 14 – Fri 18 Jul 2025, 9.30am–5.30pm
This new five-day composition course is a unique opportunity for composers to develop their composition skills and write a contemporary solo piece for specific instrumentalists.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Essential Music Theory: Grade 5
Mon 28 July – Fri 1 August 2025, 10am–4pm
Ages 11–17
This five-day course is ideal if you are preparing for the ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory exam and/or want to improve your knowledge of music theory.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Wind, Brass & Percussion Summer Course
Mon 28 – Thu 31 July 2025, 10.30am–5.30pm
Ages 12–18
This four-day course, taught by Junior Guildhall tutors, will develop your wind, brass and percussion skills in a friendly and supportive environment.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Singers’ Weekend: Jazz, Gospel & World Music
Sat 2 – Sun 3 August 2025, 10am–6pm
Ages 16+
This two-day course, led by Scott Stroman and Guildhall’s Jazz vocal team, focuses on jazz, gospel, world and popular music.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Jazz & Rock Week
Sun 3 – Fri 8 August 2025
Sun 3 August: 2pm–6.30pm
Mon 4 – Fri 8 Aug: 10am–5.30pm
Ages 14+
This six-day course is ideal for instrumentalists and singers who want to develop their skills in jazz and rock music, feel inspired and have lots of fun.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Music Production in Logic Pro for Ages 18+
Mon 14 – Fri 18 July 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 18+
This five-day course for beginners will develop your skills in music technology. You will learn how to compose and produce your own piece through sessions focusing on technical and creative elements of production.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Music Production in Logic Pro for Ages 14–17
Mon 21 – Fri 25 July 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 14–17
This five-day course for beginners will develop your skills in music technology.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Prop Making
Mon 28 July – Fri 1 August 2025
Ages 16+
This five-day course will introduce you to a wide range of techniques and materials used by a prop department for theatre, film or TV.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Scenic Art
Mon 28 July – Fri 1 August 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 16+
This five-day course in scenic art led by Vanessa Cass, Head of Design Realisation at Guildhall School, will introduce you to scenic painting techniques used to create realistic backdrops and set pieces for theatre, events and TV.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Introduction to Theatre Sound Engineering
Fri 18 – Sun 20 July 2025, 10am–6pm
Ages 16+
This three-day course will provide the perfect introduction to sound engineering for the theatre. You will learn the fundamental skills required to use digital sound consoles, PA systems & microphones.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Introduction to Video Projection Mapping
Mon 14 – Fri 18 July 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 16+
This five-day course aimed at beginners will give you a unique opportunity to learn and develop the necessary skills to prepare and project video onto a 3D structure, using industry standard video projection software Resolume Arena 7 and Adobe CC.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Sound Design for Theatre
Mon 21 – Fri 25 July 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 16+
This five-day hands-on course will introduce you to the practical, creative and technological aspects of sound design and management for theatre.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Stage Lighting
Mon 21 – Fri 25 July 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 16+
This five-day course will introduce you to the work of an electrics department in the theatre industry and its accessories, including lamps, lenses, lanterns and luminaires.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Stage Management
Course 1: Mon 21 – Fri 25 July 2025, 10am–5pm
Course 2: Mon 28 – Fri 1 August 2025, 10am–5pm
Ages 16+
This five-day course will give you an introduction into the world of stage management and the skills required, including the art of blocking and cueing to music.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Sewing for Beginners
Sat 19 – Sun 20 July 2025, 10am–4pm
Ages 16+
This two-day course will teach you core sewing techniques and will equip you with confidence to use a sewing machine.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Creative Writing for Ages 15–18
Sat 19 – Sun 20 July 2025, 10am–4pm
Ages 15–18
This course, led by London writer Annie Hayter, explores a range of literary texts including poetry and fiction, and uses artwork, photographs and songs as inspiration for creative writing.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Pitching and Treatments for Screen
Sat 19 – Sun 20 July 2025, 10am–4pm
Ages 18+
This new two-day course aims to demystify the pitching process and help you find the confidence to sell your ideas for the screen.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Online Summer Schools
The following courses will take place over Zoom in July/August 2025:
Advanced Music Theory: Grade 6
Mon 21 – Fri 25 July 2025, 10am–5pm, BST (UTC+1)
Ages 14+
This five-day online music theory course, led by Guildhall Composition Professor Paul Whitmarsh, is ideal if you wish to prepare for music theory exams above ABRSM Grade 5 or equivalent, or if you want to improve your knowledge of music theory.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Advanced Music Theory: Grade 7
Mon 4 – Fri 8 August 2025, 10am–5pm, BST (UTC+1)
Ages 14+
This five-day online music theory course, led by Guildhall Composition Professor Paul Whitmarsh, is ideal if you wish to prepare for the ABRSM Grade 7 theory exam, or if you want to improve your knowledge of music theory.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Advanced Aural Skills for Ages 16–18
Mon 21 – Fri 25 July 2025, 10am–4pm, BST (UTC+1)
Ages 16–18
A course for singers, musicians and/or composers aged 16-18 wanting to refine aural skills at a post-grade 5 level.
Further details can be found on the course page.
Advanced Aural Skills for Ages 11–15
Mon 28 July – Fri 1 August 2025, 10am–4pm, BST (UTC+1)
Ages 11–15
This five-day course will help develop your existing aural skills to the level required for ABRSM and Trinity Grade 8 and above.
Further details can be found on the course page.