The Sound and Music Summer School for Young Composers is a six-day residential course that gives you the opportunity to explore and develop your musical creativity. Whether you create in a DAW, with a band, use notation, improvise or are curious about experimenting with creating music, this is your chance to take things to the next level!
The SaM Summer School is a unique six-day course for 14-18 year olds who want to create new and original music. This program is for UK residents or UK citizens living overseas.
What Can You Expect?
"Without this course I would never have realised that I could be a composer."
The celebrated SaM Summer School, is the only residential course of its kind in the UK for young creators and composers aged 14-18, devised by Sound and Music the national charity for new music, in partnership with The Purcell School of Music.
Our Summer School gives you an opportunity to explore and develop your musical ideas, be inspired by your peers and try new areas of musical creation; from composing for film to writing for voices – you can stretch your imagination and ours too.
You will spend a week at the world renowned Purcell School of Music with 75 other young composers, working with the most talented tutors and professional musicians in the UK today; from new media to jazz and everything in between, you will be surrounded by a wealth of experience and expertise.
Explore Your Unique Style
"I was around such talented individuals that I felt more inspired to create something great."
At SaM we aim to challenge perceptions and encourage creativity – we love to hear and share new music, and innovative approaches and thinking.
During the residential, you will be able to work in your own style of music-making, whilst also working with other composers and musicians to explore new and different ways of making music; from experimental vocal to conventionally notated.
At the end of the week, your new musical creation will be performed at a live, preview event, plus you will receive a recording of the piece of work you have created!
Change Your Life Forever!
“The tutors were all so professional and treated us with so much respect. They were so inspirational”
SaM Summer School takes place at The Purcell School for Young Musicians, the oldest specialist Music School in the UK based in Bushey, Hertfordshire; where you will eat, sleep and create alongside your new friends.
You can get to the Purcell School by train or car and we will send full details and directions to everyone who is participating. A minibus shuttle service will also be operating during the week between Watford Junction station and the school.
On Friday evening and Saturday, preview performances will take place for friends, family and guests – to hear what you have created and celebrate your experiences.
Join Us This Summer!
“One of the best things I’ve ever done in my life”
If you are a talented young composer, enthusiastic about learning and interested in joining us, we would love to hear from you!
If you want more information on what the program offers, costs, and session dates, then check out our website!