Summer School 2013

We are pleased that the Sound and Music Summer School remains an integral part of our new 2013 programme.

The Sound and Music Summer School is the only UK residential course of its kind for young composers and an inspiring and intensive week full of collaboration, fun, learning and creativity. 

Summer School gives young composers the opportunity to work with composers and musicians from a wide variety of musical traditions, from classical and jazz to world and new media.

From life-changing musical experiences to life-long friendships, there’s so much young people can get out of the course. We always look for young composers* with talent, a commitment to creating their own music and a desire to learn more. Importantly, however, we fundraise for bursaries to ensure admission to the course can be extended to every young person with the talent.

* By composer we mean anyone who creates their own original pieces of music. During the Summer School, participants need to be able to notate their pieces so that performers can play them, but notation can range from traditional western classical to chord charts and graphic scores to text instructions.

The Summer School gives you the chance to:

• Meet and work with leading composers and musicians
• Meet lots of other young composers
• Create your own piece of music
• Explore different styles and methods of composing and music-making
• Have your music recorded and receive a CD afterwards
• Bring your instrument to take part in creative sessions (it doesn’t matter how good a performer you are!)

Video from the 2012 Summer School

Summer School FAQs

What is it?

The Sound and Music Summer School is now in its fifth year and is a partnership between Sound and Music and the Purcell School of Music. Between us, we have many years of providing residential tuition and support for young composers. During the summer school, up to 75 young composers will spend the week learning about all aspects of creating music, working with professional composers and musicians and using the specialist facilities of the Purcell School. You will have the opportunity to work in your own style of composition, explore different ways of making music, and receive a CD of the piece of music you created.

 Where is it?

The course takes place at The Purcell School, Aldenham Road, Bushey, Hertfordshire WD23 2TS. www.purcell-school.org
You can get to the Purcell School by train or car and we will send full details and directions to everyone who is participating so that you can plan your arrival and departure well in advance. We will operate a minibus shuttle service between Watford Junction station and school on arrival and departure days.

When is it?

The Summer School 2013 runs 4 - 10 August. You will need to arrive on Sunday 4 August by 2pm and leave on Saturday 10 August at 5pm. There will be performances of everyone’s compositions either on Friday evening or during the day on the Saturday to which the families and friends of the summer school participants are invited. We consider listening to everyone else's pieces to be an important part of the course and you will be expected to stay until 5pm on the final day, even if your piece is the first one to be performed on Friday evening!

What kind of music?

Our composers and musicians have expertise in a huge range of music-making from conventionally-notated music to electronic music and from jazz to music for film. During the week, you will work in a tutor group of composers and musicians who can work with you on your preferred style of music-making as well as having the opportunity to try out different styles and traditions.

What experience do I need?

The summer school is for talented young composers who are UK citizens, or resident or studying in the UK.You need to be aged 14 - 18 and able to demonstrate your talent for composition, be enthusiastic about creating their own, original music and keen to learn more.

What does it cost and assistance with the costs

It costs £395 to attend the Sound and Music Summer School, which includes all accommodation, food and activities for the week. We are determined that everyone who is accepted on the course should be able to attend regardless of their family’s circumstances and we have a means-tested grant scheme ensure that this happens. If you have any questions about the cost of the Summer School then please contact us and we will be happy to talk to you - we really do want to help you have the most amazing week of music-making!

2013 tutors and tutor groups

Our composers and musicians have expertise in a huge range of music-making from conventionally-notated music to electronic music and from jazz to music for film. During the week, you will work in a group with composers and musicians who can work with you on your preferred style of music-making as well as having the opportunity to try out different styles and traditions. Check them out here.

How to apply

Applications for the 2013 Sound and Music Summer School are now closed.

Please contact Judith Robinson judith.robinson@soundandmusic.org if you have any questions about the Summer School.