Chetham's Summer School — Residential Music Course in Manchester

The Summer School combines four parallel courses: the Orchestral Course, the Piano Course, the Singing and Performance Course (ages 14–17) and the Jazz and Improvisation Course. Each day is action-packed with workshops, ensemble playing, musicianship sessions and personalised guidance from professional music tutors, leading to final performances at The Stoller Hall, the camp's professional concert venue. Applicants should be playing their instrument at ABRSM Grade 4 level or above; no auditions are required.

The residential fee of £1,300 (including VAT) covers all tutoring, lessons and masterclasses, all social activities, on-site accommodation from Monday afternoon check-in to Sunday afternoon check-out, three meals a day, and participation in the final concerts with two tickets for the family. A non-residential option is available at £1,200 including lunch and dinner. Payment can be made upfront or by instalments, and discounts are available for siblings attending together.

Residential participants stay in the school's purpose-built boarding facilities in central Manchester, supervised by the school's pastoral team, with evening activities, games and shared experiences after the music stops each day. Room allocation details are confirmed at booking.

Three meals a day — breakfast, lunch and dinner — are included for residential students. Non-residential students receive lunch and dinner, with breakfast available for £5 per day.

Alongside intensive music-making — orchestral rehearsals, piano masterclasses, singing and performance work, and jazz improvisation — students enjoy social activities, games and evening entertainment organised by the staff team throughout the week.

The camp uses the specialist facilities of the UK's largest specialist music school, including practice rooms, rehearsal spaces and The Stoller Hall, a purpose-built professional concert venue where the final concerts take place.

Students spend a week making music with other young musicians from around the world, guided by professional tutors. The camp is a Duke of Edinburgh Approved Activity Provider, and part of the award can be completed during the week. Instrument hire may be possible for students travelling from overseas, and advice auditions for full-time study at the school are offered during the week.