Easter Music Course

This four-day course, led our lively team of expert Guildhall tutors, is for young instrumentalists playing any bowed string, wind, brass or percussion instrument.

Key information:

Course dates:: Mon 7 – Thu 10 April 2025
Course times:: 10am–4.30pm
Age:: 8-14
Art form:: Music
Fees:: £445
Deadline:: Bookings will close at 5pm on Monday 31 March 2025 or when the course reaches full capacity
Level of study:: Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (under 18)
Mode of study:: In-person
Venue:: Guildhall School of Music & Drama
When:: Easter Courses
Contact details:: shortcourses@gsmd.ac.uk; +44 (0)20 7382 2310

Public booking opens at 11am, Thursday 28 November. Join our mailing list before Monday 25 November to receive priority booking.

Ages 8–14

Course Dates & Times

Monday 8 – Thursday 11 April 2024
10am–4.30pm

The end-of-course concert will take place on Thursday 11 April 2024.

About Easter Music Course

This four-day course is for young instrumentalists playing any bowed string, wind, brass or percussion instrument. It is led by our lively team of expert Guildhall tutors, and aims to support young musicians to nurture their creativity and develop their skills in a friendly environment.

Who is the course for?

Young musicians aged 8 to 14 looking to gain some ensemble experience in a welcoming and supportive environment.

What can I expect?

With an emphasis on fun, participants will experience a wide range of music in different performance settings including orchestra, small ensembles, and choir.

The course culminates in an informal concert for friends and family to showcase the work they have developed during the course, including a piece of original music, which will be created as a group.

Do I need anything for the course?

Please bring your instrument and a pencil.

'Thomas had a super time - he was utterly engaged and enthused by the teaching staff throughout. He made friends and loved the music that he played, finding it challenging and rewarding in equal measure.'

– Parent of participant on Easter Music Course, 2023

Course Fee

£445

Public booking opens at 11am, Thursday 28 November. Join our mailing list before Monday 25 November to receive priority booking.

Participation Bursaries are available for this course. Please note the application deadline for Participation Bursaries is 3 March 2025.

Eligibility

For everyone aged 8–14
ABRSM Grade 1 standard and above (or approx. one year's experience)
Participants must have sufficient English language skills in order to fully engage with the course
For all bowed strings, wind, brass and percussion instruments
Unfortunately, the course cannot accept bookings for recorder, harp, piano, guitar, accordion or any type of amplified instruments

About the Course Tutor

This course is taught by tutors from Junior Guildhall, led by Spencer Down – Brass Coordinator at Junior Guildhall and Creative Director & Head of Music at Guildhall Young Artists King's Cross.

Spencer works with producers and promoters across all genres of music including classical, rock & pop, and film. He has been orchestral director for high profile events including concerts for Queen Elizabeth II in the ballroom at Buckingham Palace and the world premiere of Grammy award-winning singer Imogen Heap’s Love the Earth at the Royal Albert Hall.

He conducts studio sessions, recently conducting the orchestral sessions for a new Netflix film at Air Studios. Honoured to be entrusted with Roy Budd's score to the 1925 classic silent film Phantom of the Opera, he conducted the premiere at London's Coliseum and subsequent performance at the Barbican.

In 2012 Spencer received the Freedom of the City of London for his services to music.