Summer music programme 2026

Songwriting programme 

28-30 July, The Downtowner Youth Centre, Irvon Hill Rd, Wickford SS12 0AQ  
Song-writing Course – Learn about your voice, create lyrics and melodies, build tools to write and record your own songs.  

• Open to secondary‑age young people (11–16) 
• No musical experience needed
• 10am to 2pm each day
• Lunch provided
• £25.00 per day 

Music Technology programme 

4-5 August, The Downtowner Youth Centre, Irvon Hill Rd, Wickford SS12 0AQ  
Music Production Course – Create, Mix and Master. Create your own original beats on iPads using YuStudio, learning how to build rhythms, layer sounds, and arrange tracks from scratch. Then discover the essentials of mixing and mastering to give your music a polished, professional finish—perfect for beginners and aspiring producers. 

• Open to secondary‑age young people (11–16) 
• No musical experience needed
• 10am to 2pm each day
• Lunch provided
• £25.00 per day 

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6 August, The Downtowner Youth Centre, Irvon Hill Rd, Wickford SS12 0AQ  
DJ session – Aspiring DJs can dive into mixing, beat‑matching, and performance skills, guided by expert tutors throughout the session. 

• Open to secondary‑age young people (11–16) 
• No musical experience needed
• 10am to 2pm each day
• Lunch provided
• £25.00 per day 

Live Band skills 

11-13 August, The Downtowner Youth Centre, Irvon Hill Rd, Wickford SS12 0AQ  
Band from Scratch – use the skills you have learned to form a band with others.  Learn covers, produce your own songs as band and perform them for an audience. 

• Open to secondary‑age young people (11–16) 
• No musical experience needed
• 10am to 2pm each day
• Lunch provided
• £25.00 per day 

Music Theatre course 

18-20 August, The Downtowner Youth Centre, Irvon Hill Rd, Wickford SS12 0AQ  
Create your own musical guided by expert, Joe Cummings from the London Music Theatre Orchestra in an exciting, high‑energy course that blends singing, dancing, and drama. With expert guidance and plenty of creativity, you’ll bring ideas to life and experience what it’s really like to make musical theatre from the inside out. 

• Open to secondary‑age young people (11–16) 
• No musical experience needed
• 10am to 2pm each day
• Lunch provided
• £25.00 per day 

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FREE and reduced price places for any of the above Basildon Workshops  

• Children who are LAC or PLAC can access these workshops for FREE. 
• Children who receive Tuition Discount will receive 50% reduction. 
• Find out more about Essex financial assistance.

Music Production Course – Create, Mix and Master 

Braintree Youth Centre, Chapel Hill, Braintree CM7 3QZ 

• Monday 10 August and Tuesday 11 August 
• 10am to 4pm each day 
• Suitable for ages 11-18 
• Suitable for beginners to more experienced producers 
• Course fee £50 

Step into the world of modern music production and learn how to craft your own original beats from the ground up. Using YuStudio on iPads, you’ll explore the full creative process: building rhythms, layering sounds, arranging tracks, and shaping your signature style. 

Once your beat is built, you’ll take it to the next level by learning how to mix and master your track to professional, radio‑ready standards. From EQ and compression to balancing levels and polishing your final sound, you’ll gain the skills producers use to make their music stand out. 

Perfect for beginners and aspiring producers alike, this hands‑on workshop gives you everything you need to turn ideas into high‑quality tracks—right from your iPad. 

Glee club 

Braintree Youth Centre, Chapel Hill, Braintree CM7 3QZ 

• Wednesday 12 August 
• 10am to 4pm  
• Suitable for ages 11-18 
• No experience needed 
• Workshop fee £25 

Love to sing and perform? Join our high‑energy workshop where you’ll learn harmonies, simple choreography, and real stage presence—all in a fun, supportive group. No experience needed, just enthusiasm and a love for music.  

Come and write songs, DJ or Join the Band Workshops  

Discover Bands, Song writing and DJ-ing 

The Hermit Club/Youth Centre, Shenfield Rd, Brentwood CM15 8AG 

• Wednesday 29 July 
• 9.30am to 12.30pm  
• Suitable for ages 8 to 11 
• No experience needed  
• Workshop Cost: £15.00 

This workshop gives you the chance to try it all — play an instrument in a real band, experiment with songwriting, and even step behind the decks to try DJ‑ing. It’s the perfect way to explore different styles of music, discover what you enjoy, and unleash your creativity. 

No experience needed. Just come along, get involved, and see what inspires you. 

Discover Bands, Song writing and DJ-ing 

The Hermit Club/Youth Centre, Shenfield Rd, Brentwood CM15 8AG 

• Wednesday 29 July 
• 1pm to 4pm  
• Suitable for ages 12 to 18 
• All abilities welcome 
• Workshop Cost: £15.00 

This dynamic workshop is perfect for young musicians who want to explore songwriting, band performance, or the art of DJ‑ing. 

Songwriters will work with experienced coaches to craft lyrics, build melodies, and turn their musical ideas into fully formed songs. 

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Instrumentalists will join forces to create rock bands, rehearsing and performing the newly written songs with support from specialist band coaches. (Players should be at least Grade 3 standard on guitar, bass, drums, or keyboard.) 

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Aspiring DJs can dive into mixing, beat‑matching, and performance skills, guided by expert tutors throughout the afternoon. 

Songwriters and DJs of any ability level are welcome — all you need is enthusiasm and creativity. Band players should bring their instrument and be ready to rock. 

Open Mic session 

The Hermit Club/Youth Centre, Shenfield Rd, Brentwood CM15 8AG 

• Wednesday 29 July 
• 5pm to 7pm  
• Suitable for ages 12 to 18 
• FREE

Got a song, a rap, a poem, or a beat you’ve been working on? Bring it to life on stage. Whether you’re a first‑timer or a regular performer, this is your space to share your voice, cheer each other on, and discover new talent. Step up, be bold, and show us what you’ve got. 

Jazz Jam! 

The Hermit Club/Youth Centre, Shenfield Rd, Brentwood CM15 8AG 

• Wednesday 12 August 
• 10am to 4pm Workshop 
• 4pm – Jazz Jam performance 
• Open to instrumentalists of all types, Grade 4–8
• Workshop cost: £25  

Discover the sound, style, and spirit of jazz. 
Led by expert tutors, this interactive workshop will take you on a journey through different jazz styles while developing your improvisation skills in a supportive, creative environment. Finish the experience with a thrilling Jazz Jam, performing alongside musicians from the Essex Youth Jazz Orchestra. 

Drum Jam! 

The Hermit Club/Youth Centre, Shenfield Rd, Brentwood CM15 8AG 

• Thursday 13 August 
• 10am to 4pm Workshop 
• 4pm – Drum Jam performance 
• For ages 10–16 – no matter your experience 
• Workshop cost: £25 

Get ready to drum, groove, and perform! 
Discover drumming styles from around the world, including Samba and African rhythms, in this fun and interactive workshop. Build skills, play together, and show off what you’ve learned in a lively Drum Jam for friends and family at the end. 

DJ Session 

27 July, Galleywood Youth Centre, Watchouse Rd, Chelmsford CM2 8PT 
Aspiring DJs can dive into mixing, beat‑matching, and performance skills, guided by expert tutors throughout the session. 

• Open to secondary‑age young people (11–16) 
• No musical experience needed 
• 10am–2pm each day  
• Lunch is provided 
• Workshop fee: £25.00 per day 

Band from Scratch Course 

28-30 July, Galleywood Youth Centre, Watchouse Rd, Chelmsford CM2 8PT 
Form a band from scratch in this 3‑day course for all; from beginners to more advanced players.   Learning covers, and developing your own sound.  Finish with a live performance for an audience, gaining confidence and real band experience. 

• Open to secondary‑age young people (11–16) 
• No musical experience needed 
• 10am–2pm each day  
• Lunch is provided 
• Workshop fee: £25.00 per day

DJ Session 

31 July, Galleywood Youth Centre, Watchouse Rd, Chelmsford CM2 8PT 
Aspiring DJs can dive into mixing, beat‑matching, and performance skills, guided by expert tutors throughout the session. 

• Open to secondary‑age young people (11–16) 
• No musical experience needed 
• 10am–2pm each day  
• Lunch is provided 
• Workshop fee: £25.00 per day

Music Production Course – Live Band Recording 

3-4 August, Galleywood Youth Centre, Watchouse Rd, Chelmsford CM2 8PT 
Get hands-on with live music production as you learn to record and engineer bands with confidence. From mic setup and signal flow to mixing and mastering, this practical course builds real-world skills to create polished, professional live recordings. 

• Open to secondary‑age young people (11–16) 
• No musical experience needed 
• 10am–2pm each day  
• Lunch is provided 
• Workshop fee: £25.00 per day

DJ Session

5 August, Galleywood Youth Centre, Watchouse Rd, Chelmsford CM2 8PT 
Aspiring DJs can dive into mixing, beat‑matching, and performance skills, guided by expert tutors throughout the session. 

• Open to secondary‑age young people (11–16) 
• No musical experience needed 
• 10am–2pm each day  
• Lunch is provided 
• Workshop fee: £25.00 per day

Music Production Course – Create, Mix and Master 

6-7 August, Galleywood Youth Centre, Watchouse Rd, Chelmsford CM2 8PT 
Create your own original beats on iPads using YuStudio, learning how to build rhythms, layer sounds, and arrange tracks from scratch. Then discover the essentials of mixing and mastering to give your music a polished, professional finish – perfect for beginners and aspiring producers. 

• Open to secondary‑age young people (11–16) 
• No musical experience needed 
• 10am–2pm each day  
• Lunch is provided 
• Workshop fee: £25.00 per day

FREE and reduced price places for any of the above Chelmsford Workshops  

• Children who are LAC or PLAC can access these workshops for FREE. 
• Children who receive Tuition Discount will receive 50% reduction. 
• Find out more about Essex financial assistance.

Music Theatre Course  

The Headgate Theatre, 14 Chapel Street North, Colchester CO2 7AT  

• Monday 27 July and Tuesday 28 July 
• 10am to 4pm each day 
• Suitable for ages 10 – 16 
• No experience needed 
• Music Theatre Course £50 

Join vocal leader Emma Sweeney for an inspiring 2‑day musical theatre workshop packed with singing, performance, and confidence‑building fun. Young people will rehearse and perform songs from popular shows, take part in chorus numbers and sing solos, and work towards a lively staged performance – including in an unforgettable flash mob experience! 

Come and write songs, DJ or Join the Band Workshops  

Colchester Townhouse Youth Centre, 39-42 E Stockwell St, Colchester CO1 1SS 

Discover Bands, Song writing and DJ-ing  

• Monday 3 August  
• 9.30am to 12.30pm  
• Suitable for ages 8 to 11 
• No experience needed 
• Workshop Fee: £15.00 

This workshop gives you the chance to try it all — play an instrument in a real band, experiment with songwriting, and even step behind the decks to try DJ‑ing. It’s the perfect way to explore different styles of music, discover what you enjoy, and unleash your creativity. 

No experience needed. Just come along, get involved, and see what inspires you. 

Discover Bands, Song writing and DJ-ing  

• Monday 3 August  
• 1pm to 4pm  
• Suitable for ages 12 to 18 
• All abilities welcome 
• Workshop Fee: £15.00 

This dynamic workshop is perfect for young musicians who want to explore songwriting, band performance, or the art of DJ‑ing. 

Songwriters will work with experienced coaches to craft lyrics, build melodies, and turn their musical ideas into fully formed songs. 

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Instrumentalists will join forces to create rock bands, rehearsing and performing the newly written songs with support from specialist band coaches. (Players should be at least Grade 3 standard on guitar, bass, drums, or keyboard.) 

---

Aspiring DJs can dive into mixing, beat‑matching, and performance skills, guided by expert tutors throughout the afternoon. 

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Songwriters and DJs of any ability level are welcome — all you need is enthusiasm and creativity. Band players should bring their instrument and be ready to rock. 

Open Mic session – free event 

• Monday 3 August  
• 5pm to 7pm  
• Suitable for ages 12 to 18 
• Suitable for beginners or experience performers 

Got a song, a rap, a poem, or a beat you’ve been working on? Bring it to life on stage. Whether you’re a first‑timer or a regular performer, this is your space to share your voice, cheer each other on, and discover new talent. Step up, be bold, and show us what you’ve got. 

‘Read to the Beat’ music making session

Livewire Theatre Company 

Livewire Theatre Company will be running free summer theatre challenges this summer holidays in Harlow for both primary (year 3+) and secondary age groups.  

Spaces for drama, dance and music available.  

Dates to be confirmed soon.  Please email livewiretheatre@live.com or follow @livewiretheatre on Instagram to be kept in the loop. 

‘Read to the Beat’ music making session

Music Production Course – Create, Mix and Master 

Maldon Youth Centre, The Friary, Carmelite Way, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5GF 

• Wednesday 12 August and Thursday 13 August 
• 10am to 4pm each day 
• Suitable for ages 11-18 
• Suitable for beginners or those with more experience 
• Course fee £50 

Step into the world of modern music production and learn how to craft your own original beats from the ground up. Using YuStudio on iPads, you’ll explore the full creative process: building rhythms, layering sounds, arranging tracks, and shaping your signature style. 

Once your beat is built, you’ll take it to the next level by learning how to mix and master your track to professional, radio‑ready standards. From EQ and compression to balancing levels and polishing your final sound, you’ll gain the skills producers use to make their music stand out. 

Perfect for beginners and aspiring producers alike, this hands‑on workshop gives you everything you need to turn ideas into high‑quality tracks—right from your iPad. 

Glee club 

Maldon Youth Centre, The Friary, Carmelite Way, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5GF 

• Friday 14 August 
• 10am to 4pm  
• Suitable for ages 11-18 
• No experience needed 
• Workshop fee £25 

Love to sing and perform? Join our high‑energy workshop where you’ll learn harmonies, simple choreography, and real stage presence—all in a fun, supportive group. No experience needed, just enthusiasm and a love for music.  

Holiday activities and food programme sessions running for eligible families. See Southend website for more details.

ActivAte sessions – Clacton Green Lodge, 180 Old Rd, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 3AY 

• Funded by Essex ActivAte
• Open to secondary‑age young people (11–16)
• No musical experience needed
• Sessions run 10am–2pm
• Sign up for individual days or the whole week
• Something different to enjoy each day

27-29 July, Band from Scratch 
We Are Music will help you to learn songs and work towards recording them on the final day. 

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30 July, DJ Session 
Aspiring DJs can dive into mixing, beat‑matching, and performance skills, guided by expert tutors throughout the session. 

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31 July, Music Tech session 
Create your own music using apps. 

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3-7 August, Music Theatre
Create a show.  Learn songs from popular from musicals and work towards a performance at the end of the week. 

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Bloco 3-Day Summer Course

27–29 July, Tilbury Pioneer Academy, Dickens Ave, Tilbury RM18 8HJ

Visit Thurrock website for more details.

Orchestra Experience – Film Music 

The Chapel, Felsted School, Dunmow, Essex CM6 3LL  

• Saturday 1 August and Sunday 2 August  
• Showcase 5pm Sunday 2 August 
• Open to young people who play stringed, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments to grade 4–8 standard 
• Orchestra Experience £95 (which includes lunch and refreshments)  

Play thrilling orchestral music with the Essex Young People’s Orchestra, conducted by Matthew Andrews. This 2‑day course builds to a spectacular Sunday 5pm showcase, featuring iconic film music by John Williams, Howard Shore & more 

EYPO is the training orchestra for the Essex Youth Orchestra, offering young musicians a real taste of county‑level orchestral playing. Players may be invited to become permanent EYPO members. 

Be part of the orchestra for the weekend – and beyond! 

Orchestra Experience – Wind Band 

The Chapel, Felsted School, Dunmow, Essex CM6 3LL  

• Monday 3 August to Wednesday 5 August  
• Concert 6pm Wednesday 5 August  
• Open to young people who play woodwind, brass and percussion instruments to grade 5–8 standard 
• Orchestra Experience £95 (which includes lunch and refreshments)  

Essex Youth Symphonic Wind Orchestra (Grades 5–8) 
Experience the power and colour of a full symphonic wind ensemble, conducted by David Rowland. This 2‑day course finishes with an uplifting Sunday 6pm concert for family and friends. 

EYSWO brings together advanced woodwind, brass, and percussion players to perform exciting music in a rich, string‑free orchestral sound world. Stand‑out musicians will be invited to join as permanent members, with opportunities to perform across Essex and overseas. 

Junior Wind Experience  

Felsted School, Dunmow, Essex CM6 3LL  

• Wednesday 5 August 
• 11am to 5pm  
• Suitable for grades 1-4 
• 6pm Showcase concert for family and friends 
• Workshop £25 

Designed for wind, brass, and percussion players at Grades 1–4, this friendly and supportive Wind Orchestra Experience Day offers the perfect introduction to playing in a large ensemble. Young musicians will learn how to rehearse together, follow a conductor, listen across the orchestra, and blend their sound—essential skills for ensemble playing. 

Led by experienced tutors, the day builds confidence through fun, achievable repertoire and teamwork, giving players a real taste of what it’s like to be part of an orchestra. An ideal next step for developing musicians looking to expand their skills, make new friends, and enjoy the excitement of making music together. 

Percussion Workshops  

Junior Percussion Workshop – The Music School, Felsted School, Dunmow, Essex CM6 3LL  

• Tuesday 12 August  
• 9.30am to 12.30pm 
• Suitable for children aged 7-11  

Discover the world of percussion! 
Ever fancied having a go at percussion? This fun, hands‑on morning is perfect for curious young musicians. You’ll explore tuned percussion such as xylophone and glockenspiel, try out different styles of drumming, and learn how to play together as a group. 

Ideal for children who already play piano or drums, can read music, and want to try something new—this session is a great first step towards orchestral percussion. 

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Senior Percussion Workshop – The Music School, Felsted School, Dunmow, Essex CM6 3LL  

• Tuesday 12 August  
• 1pm to 4pm 
• Suitable for children aged 11-18  
• Workshop £15 

Take your percussion skills to the next level. This extended afternoon session is designed for more experienced percussionists, including those already playing in school orchestras, local bands, or county ensembles. Players will work on challenging percussion ensemble pieces, focusing on developing technique, musicality, and ensemble skills in a collaborative setting. 

A rewarding and inspiring session for players looking to stretch themselves and perform advanced repertoire with others. 

Jazz Course 

Saffron Walden High School, Audley End Rd, Saffron Walden CB11 4UH 

• Tuesday 25 August and Wednesday 26 August  
• Suitable for grades 3-8 
• Course fee £120 

Join our popular Jazz Holiday Course with expert tutors Gareth Lumbers and Charlie Bates! 
Open to all young jazz musicians, this inspiring course is packed with energetic workshops, ensemble playing, and opportunities to grow your confidence and creativity. Dive into a range of jazz styles, develop your improvisation skills, and learn how to listen, respond, and groove as part of a live jazz group. 

Led by two highly experienced jazz educators and performers, the course offers a welcoming and supportive environment where players of all instruments can learn, experiment, and shine. Whether you’re new to jazz or looking to sharpen your skills, this course promises inspiring music‑making, new friendships, and plenty of chances to play. 

Saffron Walden Children’s Orchestra – Summer Course 

Saffron Walden County High School 

• Monday 27 July to Thursday 30 July  
• For ages 7+ 
• Suitable for grades 1 – 5 
• The cost is £130 per child, with a second sibling discount of 50%, and financial assistance is available to those eligible for free school meals. 

Saffron Walden Children’s Orchestra (SWCO) is now in its 14th year of running holiday courses for children, aged 7 and above, who play an orchestral instrument of a standard between grade 1-5. The Saffron Walden Children’s Orchestra is a training orchestra for young musicians living in and around Uttlesford.  SWCO is supported by the Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra.  

The course will include four whole days of orchestral playing, with additional workshops in singing and drumming, supervised lunch and playtime. The final concert will take place in Saffron Hall at the end of the course with Conductor, Richard Hull.   The repertoire is varied, ranging from Pirates of the Caribbean to Beethoven’s 5th.  

The aim is to provide a quality orchestral experience for children who are proficient on their instrument grade 1 – 5. It is an ideal place to play a range of music, meet new friends and have fun. Children come from a variety of schools, and everyone is most welcome. Visiting tutors give expert advice and support.  

To book a place on the Summer Course please contact Pippa Hopewell (course administrator) on swco.bookings@gmail.com. for further information. Also visit our web site www.saffronsymphony.org/childrens-orchestra.