Announcing Easter Short Courses and Summer Schools for 2026
Learn something new or develop your skills
Our programme of Easter Short Courses and Summer Schools covers a wide range of topics across music, drama, production arts, writing and more.
Easter Short Courses include:
- Audition Technique: Acting (in-person), for anyone aged 17 and over who has an interest in acting and is considering applying for drama school or an equivalent programme, as well as actors who are interested in improving general audition technique.
- Movement for Musicians (in-person), for musicians aged 18 and over seeking to deepen their physical awareness and expressive range, curious about the role of movement in creative practice.
- Writing a Solo Show (in-person), for anyone aged 18 and over who wants to write a solo show or perform. Performers who have always wanted to write or writers who have always wanted to perform would be well suited to this course.
We have Easter Short Courses available for people aged eight and over, running for two to four days during the school holidays in April 2026. The deadline to book is Monday 30 March 2026 at 5pm or when the course reaches full capacity.
Summer Schools include:
- Acting Summer School for Ages 16-17 (in-person), for those with a passion for acting and theatre, whether you are keen to try something different, exploring your passion, auditioning for drama school or pursuing an acting a career. There are Acting Summer Schools for all ages from 12 and over.
- A Screenwriter’s Toolkit: From Idea to Pitch (in-person), for writers aged 18 and over who have written their first script or have an idea - all levels are welcome.
- Advanced Music Theory: Grade 8 (online), for anyone aged 14 and over working towards the ABRSM Grade 8 theory exam.
- Jazz and Rock Week (in-person), for instrumentalists and singers aged 14 and over who want to develop their skills in jazz and rock music, feel inspired and have lots of fun.
- Musical Theatre Summer Course for Ages 18+ (in-person): this five-day course offers an inspirational insight into the three disciplines of musical theatre: singing, acting and dance. Also available for ages 16-17.
- Residential Drama Summer School for Ages 13-17 (in-person, residential): join us for a vibrant new two-week residential drama summer school at Freemen's School in Surrey, designed for young people passionate about acting and theatre-making.
- Sewing for Beginners (in-person), for anyone interested in learning core sewing skills. The course is suitable for complete beginners or those wanting to refresh existing knowledge.
- Summer Strings Intermediate (in-person), strengthen your skills through focused guidance, take time to practice, learn to respond imaginatively to the repertoire and try new musical ideas.
Summer Schools are for a variety of ages from eight and over, running for two to five days during the summer holidays. The deadline to book is Friday 3 July 2026 at 5pm.
Bookings
Bookings are now open. Further details and fees can be found on the course pages.
Participation Bursaries
Participation bursaries are available for selected Easter Short Courses and Summer Schools, which provide financial support to those living in low-income households. Find out more and see if you are eligible.
In-person Easter Short Courses
These courses take place at Guildhall School of Music & Drama in April 2026.
Acting: Intensive for ages 11-14
Tue 7 – Thu 9 Apr 2026, 9.30am-5.30pm
This new three-day intensive acting course delves into modern industry practice, building upon traditional Stanislavsky-based methods. The course draws on aspects of Utah Hagen, Susan Batson and Meisner providing an efficient toolkit of tips to lift your text from the page to the stage.
Acting: Intensive for Ages 15-17
Fri 10 – Sun 12 Apr 2026, 9,30am-5.30pm
This new three-day intensive acting course delves into modern industry practice, building upon traditional Stanislavsky-based methods. The course draws on aspects of Utah Hagen, Susan Batson and Meisner providing an efficient toolkit of tips to lift your text from the page to the stage.
Audition Technique
Sat 11 – Sun 12 Apr 2026, 10am-5pm
Whether you are interested in developing a speech for drama school or university or just generally improving your audition technique, this two-day course will give you an insight and introduction into the tools you need to succeed.
Introduction to Screen Acting
Sat 11 – Sun 12 Apr 2026, 10am-5pm
This two-day course for ages 18 and over will introduce you to the techniques and skills required for acting in film and television. Learn key techniques including how to prepare for a scene, be present and how to connect with your scene partner, to give authentic and truthful performances.
Movement for Musicians
Sat 11 – Sun 12 Apr 2026, 10am-5pm
This new two-day course is designed to inspire fresh enthusiasm and awareness for the importance of bodywork and movement in artistic practice. Led by movement specialist Bryony Williams, the course offers a safe and creative space for musicians to explore the body as a source of expression, connection and creative energy.
Conducting & Ensemble Direction
Tue 7 – Fri 10 Apr 2026, 10.30am-5.30pm
This four-day course for those aged 18 and over will give you a thorough grounding in the physical technique of conducting and you will conduct a variety of repertoire.
Easter Music Course
Tue 7 – Fri 10 Apr 2026, 10am-4.30pm
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.
Essential Music Theory: Grade 5
Tues 7 – Fri 10 April 2026, 10am-5pm
This course is for ages 11-17 and ideal if you are preparing for the ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory exam and/or want to improve your knowledge of music theory. The course draws upon intuitive musical understanding and focuses on stave notation and associated knowledge.
Movement for Musicians
Sat 11 – Sun 12 Apr 2026, 10am-5pm
This new two-day course is designed to inspire fresh enthusiasm and awareness for the importance of bodywork and movement in artistic practice. Led by movement specialist Bryony Williams, the course offers a safe and creative space for musicians to explore the body as a source of expression, connection and creative energy.
Music Production in Logic Pro for Ages 14-17: Intensive
Tue 7 – Fri 10 Apr 2026, 10am-5pm
This four-day course aimed at beginners will introduce essential elements of Logic Pro, allowing you to get producing, composing and mixing.
Creative Writing for Ages 14-17
Sat 11 – Sun 12 Apr 2026, 10am-4pm
Put pen to paper, let your imagination roam free and conjure your creativity with this new two-day course, led by London writer Annie Hayter.
Writing a Solo Show
Sat 11 – Sun 12 Apr 2026, 10am-5pm
The new course is a dynamic two-day course designed to help you create a one-person performance from scratch. Whether you have a story, a character, or simply the desire to perform your own work, this intensive course will guide you from idea to page and ultimately to stage.
Online Easter Short Courses
These courses will take place over Zoom in April 2026.
Advanced Music Theory: Grade 6
Tue 7 – Fri 10 Apr 2026, 10am-5.30pm
This five-day online music theory course for ages 14 and over is ideal if you wish to prepare for the ABRSM Grade 6 theory exam or if you want to improve your knowledge of music theory.
Film Music Composition for Ages 14-17
Tue 7 – Fri 10 Apr 2026, 10am-12pm
Aimed at beginners, this online course taking place over four days, will equip you with an understanding of how to write music for film.
Mastering Aural Tests
Tue 7 – Fri 10 Apr 2026, 1030am-12.30pm
This online music course for ages 11-14 will help you practise your aural skills, accelerate the learning process and increase your exam confidence. You will work on listening and memorising skills up to the level required for Grade 8 ABRSM.
In-person Summer Schools
These courses take place at Guildhall School of Music & Drama in July/August 2026.
A Screenwriter’s Toolkit: From Idea to Pitch
Sat 1 – Sun 2 August 2026, 10am-4pm
This two-day course for those aged 18 and over aims to demystify the pitching process and help you find the confidence to sell your ideas for the screen.
Acting in an Accent: General American
Mon 13 – Fri 17 Jul 2026, 10am-5pm
This five-day course will introduce you to the foundations and principles of working in an accent other than your own.
Acting in an Accent: Standard Southern British English
Mon 3 – Fri 7 Aug 2026, 10am-5pm
This new five-day course will introduce you to the foundations and principles of working in an accent other than your own, focusing on Standard Southern British English.
Acting Shakespeare Summer Course
Mon 27 – Fri 31 Jul 2026, 11am-5pm
This intensive summer course for ages 16 and over, is led by Mariah Gale, actor, director and Associate Artist at the Royal Shakespeare Company, is ideal for participants wanting to explore the texts of Shakespeare.
Acting Summer Course for Ages 12-15
Course 1: Mon 27 – Fri 31 Jul 2026 | Course 2: Mon 3 – Fri 7 Aug 2026, 9.30am-5pm
This five-day course will help you connect with your inner creativity, develop your skills, and offer an insight into professional acting training in a fun, welcoming and creative environment.
Acting Summer School for Ages 16-17
Mon 13 – Fri 24 Jul 2026, 9.30am-5.30pm
This two-week course offers an inspirational insight into contemporary and classical actor training for actors aged 16-17.
Acting Summer School for Ages 18+
Mon 13 – Fri 24 July 2026, 10am-5.30pm
This two-week course will give you an insight into actor training by exploring the fundamentals of acting in a supportive environment.
Introduction to Directing: First Steps
Fri 17 – Sun 19 July 2026, 10am-5pm
This three-day course for ages 16-18 will introduce you to the role of a director. Through practical exercises and discussions, you will understand the collaborative role and process that is required of this exciting role.
Introduction to Screen Acting
Sat 18 – Sun 19 Jul 2026, 10am-5pm
This two-day course for over 18's will introduce you to the techniques and skills required for acting in film and television.
Musical Theatre Summer Course for Ages 18+
Mon 13 – Fri 17 Jul 2026, 10am-5pm
This five-day course for beginners aged 18 and over will develop your skills in music technology. You will learn how to compose and produce your own piece through sessions focusing on technical and creative elements of production.
Musical Theatre Summer Course for Ages 16-17
Mon 27 – Fri 31 Jul 2026, 9.30am-5.30pm
This five-day course offers an inspirational insight into the three disciplines of musical theatre: singing, acting and dance.
Residential Drama Summer School for Ages 13-17
Course 1: Mon 13 – Fri 24 Jul 2026 | Course 2: Mon 27 Jul – Fri 7 Aug 2026, 9am-5.30pm
Join us for a vibrant new two-week residential drama summer school at Freemen's School in Surrey, designed for young people passionate about acting and theatre-making.
Shakespeare Masterclass
Sat 18 – Sun 19 Jul 2026, 10am-5pm
This masterclass for ages 18 and over will provide you with a step-by-step approach to verse which will enable you to unlock an audition piece, a role or a rehearsal room using golden clues within the verse.
Writing a Two-Hander
Mon 20 – Fri 24 July 2026, 10am-5pm
Whether you’ve got a brilliant idea or just a desire to write, this course will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating a compelling two-character play. For those aged 18 and over.
Composition Summer Course for Ages 14-21
Mon 20 – Fri 24 Jul 2026, 10am-6pm
This five-day course is a unique opportunity for you to develop your composition skills and write a piece for a small instrumental ensemble.
Composition Summer Course for Ages 21+
Mon 13 – Fri 17 Jul 2026, 10am-6pm
This five-day composition course is a unique opportunity for composers to develop their composition skills and write a contemporary solo piece for specific instrumentalists.
Conducting and Ensemble Direction
Easter Course: Tue 7 – Fri 10 Apr 2026 | Summer Course: Tue 14 – Fri 17 Jul 2026, 10.30am-5.30pm
This four-day course will give you a thorough grounding in the physical technique of conducting and you will conduct a variety of repertoire.
Conducting Summer Course
Course 1: Mon 20 – Fri 24 Jul 2026 | Course 2: Mon 27 – Fri 31 Jul 2026
This five-day course will give you a thorough grounding in the physical technique of conducting and will see you conduct a variety of repertoire.
Essential Music Theory: Grade 5
Mon 27 – Fri 31 July 2026, 10am-4pm
This five-day course is ideal for ages 11-17 who are preparing for the ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory exam and/or want to improve your knowledge of music theory.
Harp Intensive for Ages 15-24
Fri 17 – Sun 19 Jul 2026
This exciting new course will help participants develop their harp skills and prepare them for conservatoire with world-class tuition in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Harp Intensive for Ages 9-15
Mon 3 – Thu 6 Aug 2026, 10am-4pm
Join harp teachers from Junior Guildhall for an inspiring four days of immersive learning and performing.
Introduction to Music Therapy
Sat 18 – Sun 19 Jul 2026, 10am-5pm
This two-day course, for those aged 18 and over, is delivered by tutors with wide-ranging experience in clinical and professional settings, via a combination of theoretical and practical sessions, case presentations and experiential learning.
Songwriting Summer Course
Mon 27 – Fri 31 Jul 2026, 10am-4.30pm
This new five-day course, for those aged over 16, will teach you the skills needed to write your own songs and develop your artistic voice.
Jazz and Rock Week
Sun 2 – Fri 7 Aug 2026
This six-day course for those aged 14 and over is ideal for instrumentalists and singers who want to develop their skills in jazz and rock music, feel inspired and have lots of fun.
Music Production in Logic Pro for Ages 14-17
Mon 20 – Fri 24 Jul 2026, 10am-5pm
This five-day course for beginners will develop your skills in music technology.
Music Production in Logic Pro for Ages 18+
Mon 13 – Fri 17 Jul 2026, 10am-5pm
This five-day course for beginners will develop your skills in music technology. You will learn how to compose and produce your own piece through sessions focusing on technical and creative elements of production.
Musical Theatre Summer Course for Ages 18+
Mon 13 – Fri 17 Jul 2026, 10am-5pm
This five-day course for beginners aged 18 and over will develop your skills in music technology. You will learn how to compose and produce your own piece through sessions focusing on technical and creative elements of production.
Musical Theatre Summer Course for Ages 16-17
Mon 27 – Fri 31 Jul 2026, 9.30am-5.30pm
This five-day course offers an inspirational insight into the three disciplines of musical theatre: singing, acting and dance.
Singers' Weekend: Jazz, Gospel and World Music
Sat 1 – Sun 2 Aug 2026, 10am-6pm
This two-day course for those aged 16 and over is led by Scott Stroman and Guildhall’s Jazz vocal team, focuses on jazz, gospel, and world music.
Summer Strings Course: Intermediate
Tue 21 – Fri 24 Jul 2026, 9.30am-5pm
Join us for a new fun and engaging four-day summer strings course for those aged 8 to 14 is led by a team of expert tutors and designed for intermediate level musicians.
Vocal Technique for Contemporary Singers
Fri 17 – Sun 19 Jul 2026, 10am-5pm
This new three-day intensive course is for intermediate level vocalists and above, looking to enhance and improve their overall performance by developing their understanding of vocal technique; enabling greater vocal control, dynamic range and nuance, and breath control. For ages 18 and above.
Vocal Technique for Young Performers
Fri 31 Jul – Sun 2 Aug 2026, 10am-5pm
This new course is for those aged 14-17 looking to improve their overall performance by developing their understanding of vocal technique; enabling greater vocal control, dynamic range and nuance, and breath control.
Wind, Brass & Percussion Summer Course
Mon 27 – Thu 30 Jul 2026, 10.30-5.30pm
This four-day course for those aged 12-17 is taught by Junior Guildhall tutors, will develop your wind, brass and percussion skills in a friendly and supportive environment.
Introduction to Theatre Sound Engineering
Fri 17 – Sun 19 Jul 2026, 10am-6pm
This three-day course for those aged 16 and over will provide the perfect introduction to sound engineering for the theatre. You will learn the fundamental skills required to use digital sound consoles, PA systems & microphones.
Introduction to Video Projection Mapping
Mon 13 – Fri 17 Jul 2026, 10am-5pm
This five-day course is for beginners aged 16 and over and will give you a unique opportunity to learn and develop the necessary skills to prepare and project video onto a 3D structure.
Prop Making
Mon 20 – Fri 24 Jul 2026, 10am-5pm
This five-day course for those aged over 16 will introduce you to a variety of prop making skills and techniques to use within theatre and beyond.
Scenic Art
Mon 20 – Fri 24 Jul 2026, 10am-5pm
This five-day course in scenic art is for those aged 16 and over and is led by Vanessa Cass, Head of Design Realisation at Guildhall School, will introduce you to scenic painting techniques used to create realistic backdrops and set pieces for theatre, events and TV.
Sewing for Beginners
Sat 18 – Sun 19 July 2026, 10am-5pm
This two-day course will teach you core sewing techniques and will equip you with confidence to use a sewing machine.
Sewing: Intermediate
Sat 1 – Sun 2 August 2026, 10am-5pm
This two-day course for those aged 16 and over will take your sewing skills to the next level.
Sound Design for Theatre
Mon 20 – Fri 24 Jul 2026, 10am-5pm
This five-day hands-on course for those aged 16 and over will introduce you to the practical, creative and technological aspects of sound design and management for the stage.
Stage Lighting
Course 1: Mon 20 – Fri 25 Jul 2026 | Course 2: Mon 27 – Fri 31 Jul 2026, 10am-5pm
This five-day course will introduce you to the work of an electrics department in the theatre industry and its accessories, including lamps, lenses, lanterns and luminaires.
Stage Management
Course 1: Mon 20 – Fri 24 Jul 2026 | Course 2: Mon 27 – Fri 31 Jul 2026, 10am-5pm
This five-day course will give you an introduction into the world of stage management and the skills required, including the art of blocking and cueing to music.
A Screenwriter’s Toolkit: From Idea to Pitch
Sat 1 – Sun 2 August 2026, 10am-4pm
This two-day course for those aged 18 and over aims to demystify the pitching process and help you find the confidence to sell your ideas for the screen.
Creative Writing for Ages 14-17
Sat 18 – Sun 19 Jul 2026, 10am-4pm
Put pen to paper, let your imagination roam free and conjure your creativity with this two-day course, led by London writer Annie Hayter.
Writing a Two-Hander
Mon 20 – Fri 24 July 2026, 10am-5pm
Whether you’ve got a brilliant idea or just a desire to write, this course will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating a compelling two-character play. For those aged 18 and over.
Online Summer Schools
These courses take place over Zoom in July/August 2026.
Advanced Music Theory: Grade 8
Mon 13 – Fri 17 July 2026, 10am-5pm
This five-day online music theory course is for those aged 14 and over and is ideal if you wish to prepare for the ABRSM Grade 8 theory exam, or if you want to improve your knowledge of music theory.
Advanced Music Theory: Grade 6
Mon 27 – Fri 31 Jul 2026, 10am-5pm
This five-day online music theory course for those aged 14 and over is led by Guildhall Composition Professor Paul Whitmarsh, is ideal if you wish to prepare for the ABRSM Grade 6 theory exam or if you want to improve your knowledge of music theory.
Advanced Aural Skills for Ages 11-15
Mon 27 – Fri 31 Jul 2026, 10am-4pm
This five-day online music course will help develop your existing aural skills to the level required for ABRSM and Trinity Grade 8 and above.
Advanced Aural Skills for Ages 16-18
Mon 20 – Fri 24 July 2026, 10am-4pm
This course gives you the tools to listen like a pro and think like a composer; it’s a great way to build confidence, connect with other passionate young musicians and prepare for your next musical step.
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