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Frequently Asked Questions

We hope this section answers the questions you might have relating to our Young Musicians’ Summer School at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.

Who is the Young Musicians’ Summer School aimed at?

The Summer School is aimed at young musicians, who play any instrument, sing or compose and are interested in creative work, refining their skills, and challenging themselves musically. ALL instruments (including voice) and musical backgrounds are welcomed.

How old do you have to be in order to take part in the Young Musicians’ Summer School?

You should be aged from 11 – 18.

How much experience do I need to be able to take part?

There are a range of options available to choose from, which are designed to accommodate young musicians from a range of backgrounds, interests and formal experience. A willingness to learn, enthusiasm for making music with others, and an overall passion for music are the most important qualities required. On the application form you have the opportunity to tell us about your musical experience to date including any graded exams you may have taken: there is no minimum standard required, but please give us as much information as possible so we can place you in the appropriate workshop groups.

How does Trinity Laban decide who to offer places to?

 The Summer School is usually extremely popular and we receive many more applications than we are able to offer places to. In making selection decisions, many factors have to be taken into consideration. These include: ensuring a broad range and balance of different instruments within performance workshops; targeting those young people who may not have had much access to similar opportunities in the past; and, ensuring a good balance of age and experience within individual workshop groups, so that everyone involved can feel comfortable and benefit.

Can you let me know about accessibility?

King Charles Court is fully accessible and the course is open to disabled participants. We want to ensure a warm welcome to all so if you have any special requirements, it would be helpful if you discussed them in detail with us beforehand. Please contact us on 020 8305 9361 or musicsummerschool@trinitylaban.ac.uk.

Do you welcome international participants?

Absolutely! Participants come from all over the world to take part in Summer Schools at Trinity Laban. We do ask that participants have a good command of spoken English, as classes are taught in English and there will not be any translators. The Young Musicians’ Summer School is a non-residential course; give this due consideration prior to booking. Once paid, course fees are non-refundable unless the Young Musicians’ Summer School is cancelled.

How many people might there be in a class?

Sessions and workshops range from small groups to larger ensembles. A variety of group sizes and formats is key to the ethos of the summer school. We aim to offer around 60 places.

Do you provide accommodation?

This is a non-residential course, so we do not provide accommodation. We cannot offer recommendations for accommodation; anyone requiring overnight accommodation is responsible for arranging it themselves. However, there are some websites which may help you find somewhere to stay:

Visit Greenwich https://www.visitgreenwich.org.uk/accommodation which has details of hotels, guest houses and hostels, catering for a range of budgets.

For accommodation in Central London try Visit London https://www.visitlondon.com/where-to-stay?ref=nav (hyperlink).

How long are the course days?

A typical day will start at 09.00h and end at 16.30h.

When and where can I pay?

You can apply to take part through completing our online booking form. Once we have offered you a place – which we aim to do from Friday 19 April – you will be directed to the online shop to pay. Please note that any fees paid are non-refundable, unless the course is cancelled by Trinity Laban, and that your place is not confirmed until payment is received.

Should I book my travel straight away?

We strongly advise that you do not book any flights or additional accommodation until you have received an email confirmation from Trinity Laban of your place on the course. Any flight or accommodation bookings made prior to this confirmation are made at your own risk, and Trinity Laban will not be liable for any losses you incur in the event that the Summer School is cancelled.

When will I receive full information regarding the course?

When you apply for a place through the online booking form, an automated receipt is generated and sent to you. After your place is confirmed, you will be emailed a full participant information pack a few weeks before the course is due to start. Until then, the website is the best place to find up-date info.

My payment has been processed; does this mean that the course will definitely go ahead?

Due to the high number of applications that we receive for summer programmes, we process payment upon receipt. In the event that the summer school is cancelled by Trinity Laban, we will issue a full refund. Trinity Laban reserves the right to cancel the course due to low course uptake.

What should I bring?

As well as your instrument(s),  suitable clothing and footwear for playing all day and occasional movement, we suggest you bring a flask or plastic bottle for water. Drinking fountains are also located around King Charles Court. You are welcome to bring a handheld recording device if you wish to record some sessions, and a notebook and pen will be useful for anything you would want to jot down.

Is lunch or dinner provided for students?

No, food is not included but can be purchased at a number of shops and restaurants in the local area (available for independent trips if you have written permission). Participants are welcome to bring their own food to the building too. If you wish to eat your own food: there is space in the café and courtyard. In the Participant Information Pack, we will provide you with more information on options nearby.

How will we supervise and keep safe participants?

We will have a designated Pastoral Manager on site as well as Trinity Laban staff supporting the tutors in sessions and across transitions and breaks. Members of the public are never allowed to enter the building without prior permission. We do wish to make clear that Summer School participants, who have been given prior written permission by their parent/guardian, have the freedom to come and go as they wish during breaks and after the course finishes each day (there will be a system in place to sign in and out).

What do we expect of participants?

We expect you to have fun, work hard, enjoy your time at Trinity Laban and come away inspired! We also expect all participants to behave respectfully to each other, our Summer School teachers, staff and our facilities. Anyone found to be in breach of this will be requested to leave the course immediately. In that instance, no refund of fees paid will be made.

How do I get to King Charles Court?

All classes during the Summer School are located at King Charles Court, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich SE10 9JF. For information on where to find us please visit the Directions page.

Will there be any award for students?

The course is not accredited, but we provide a Certificate of Attendance to every participant who completes the course on the last day.