Running for over 40 years, our residential and non-residential music courses offer young people the chancech to develop, play and perform with other musicians while making friends and having fun.

This year, along side our popular orchestral and vocal courses we are also introducing new contemporary music workshops – details and application below!

2020 Courses and Workshops

Royal Alexandra and Albert School

---

Orchestral Courses

Main Course

For young people of 11 to 18 years old who are approximately Grade 4 standard and above (it is not necessary to have taken any exams).

Opportunities to play in an Orchestra, Wind Band and Jazz Band all with a team of dedicated professional tutors supporting each section and always on hand to help and give advice. A celebration concert will be held on Thursday 9 April at 5pm.

Residential option

Non-residential option

Payment upon request from Surrey County Council. Payment plans available upon request.

Any cancellation after 1 March 2020 will still be charged 50%

---

Mini Course

For players of around grades 1 – 3 with two ensembles to choose from: Strings (for violin, viola, cello and double bass) and Wind Band (for all brass, woodwind and percussion). An end course concert will be held on Wednesday afternoon.

Residential option

Non-residential option

Payment upon request from Surrey County Council. Payment plans available upon request.

Any cancellation after 1 March 2020 will still be charged 50%

---

Come and Try

A free event for 4 – 18 year olds to come and try the many instruments in an orchestra. Trumpet, cello, bassoon, double bass, tuba, percussion and many more. Parental supervision required for this session

• 2pm – 3.30pm

Non-residential.

---

Orchestra Explorers

We are offering two half day courses for anybody that has recently started learning an instrument giving them a chance to play in an orchestra perhaps for the first time.

During each session pupils will play a variety of fun music specially chosen for beginners and will learn how to play as part of an orchestra. The pupils will be tutored by our Surrey Arts teaching team and will be helped and supported every step of the way. The pupils will get a tour of the fantastic Gatton Park site and will get to hear a range of music played by the older children taking part in the main course.

Pupils can choose to do either one of the workshops or can of course do both as different music will be played during each session.
These courses will be most suited to anybody learning an orchestral instrument that can play just a few notes up to about grade 1 standard.

• Two sessions available – 10am – 12.30pm and/or 1.30pm – 4pm

Cost: £20 per session or £40 for both (free lunch included if booked on both). Payment due at time of booking.

Non-residential. Any cancellation after 1 March 2020 will still be charged 50%

---

Singing Workshops

Around the World

8 – 13 year olds

A musical menagerie with folksongs, traditional music, spirituals and more from around the world. Join our fantastic vocal tutors as they take you on a journey through a mix of musical styles and provide tips and tricks to help you with your singing and practice!

• 10am – 12.30pm

Cost: £20. Payment due at time of booking.

Non-residential. Any cancellation after 1 March 2020 will still be charged 50%

---

Sing the Shows

8 – 13 year olds

A workshop for singers working on amazing songs from musical theatre. From classics by Rogers and Hammerstein to new musicals like The Greatest Showman and Mamma Mia, you’ll explore a world of musical delights under the tuition of leading professional musicians and vocal coaches. Experience is not essential – come along and have fun with us!

• 10.00am – 12.30pm

Cost: £20. Payment due at time of booking.

Non-residential. Any cancellation after 1 March 2020 will still be charged 50%

---

Make a Mash Up

13 – 18 year olds

Working with professional musicians and vocal coaches, learn more about your voice with singing exercises and discover how to make a vocal mash up of traditional songs, spirituals and rock and pop music. Ideal for a developing singer looking for an exciting challenge. Singers should be able to hold a tune and have some group singing experience (in a band, choir, a cappella group for example) to get the most out of this workshop. Be ready to improvise and have fun in this exciting workshop!

• 1.30pm – 4pm

Cost: £20. Payment due at time of booking.

Non-residential. Any cancellation after 1 March 2020 will still be charged 50%

---

Contemporary Workshops

DJ & Music Production

A unique 3 hour workshop for young people aged 8 – 16 years old to learn the art of DJ-ing and an introduction to music technology in a fun and educational way. Use mixing consoles to beat match, blend, cut, paste and scratch music to create a DJ mix. No previous musical experience necessary.

• 9am – 12pm for 8 – 11 year olds
• 1pm – 4pm for 11 – 16 year olds

Cost: £30. Payment due at time of booking.

Non-residential. Any cancellation after 1 March 2020 will still be charged 50%

---

Guitar Skills

Studying for a grade? This workshop will cover all the core skills needed for your supporting tests. Session skills such as:

• Creative improvisation
• Sight reading Chord charts/melodic lines
• Music theory/-Ear training skills

This workshop will be based around ‘Rockschool’ and ‘Trinity Rock & Pop’ exams but even if you aren’t studying a graded exam these skills are a vital part of any musicians development.

• 9am – 12pm Grades 1 and 2
• 1pm – 4pm Grades 3 and 4

Cost: £30. Payment due at time of booking.

Non-residential. Any cancellation after 1 March 2020 will still be charged 50%

---

Residential

Students who opt for the residential course will be looked after by a dedicated team of house staff and accommodated in one of the purpose built student halls at Royal Alexandra & Albert School. All of the accommodation blocks contain televisions as well as games rooms and outside of rehearsal time many fun activities are organised. Quiet spaces can also be arranged for pupils wanting to revise.

All meals and refreshments are provided throughout the day and always prove popular with the students.