Guildhall School of Music & Drama to Launch 52 Summer Schools Courses for 2026
The London conservatoire will offer training across music, drama, and production disciplines.
Guildhall School has announced its 2026 Summer Schools programme, featuring 52 courses across drama, music, writing and Production Arts.
The programme includes 11 brand-new courses for participants aged 8+, alongside 15 drama, 3 writing, 15 music and 11 Production Arts courses.
Courses cater to a wide range of experience levels and offer participants the chance to build skills, explore new interests and work with likeminded peers.
Booking closes at 5pm on Friday 3 July 2026, or earlier if courses reach capacity.
Shortlist of courses taking place at Guildhall School:
SUMMER SCHOOLS
DRAMA COURSES
IN-PERSON COURSES
NEW Acting in an Accent: Standard Southern British English (Ages 18+) (in person)
Delivered in person from Monday 3 – Friday 7 August 2026, 10am–5pm.
This five-day course taught by Kat Hicks, a voice and dialect specialist with an MA in Voice Studies from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, will introduce participants to the foundations and principles of working in an accent other than their own. Using practical exercises led by a professional dialect coach, they will learn the foundations of accent analysis and application, with a focus on a contemporary Standard Southern British sound whilst building awareness of the range of speech systems in that area. Participants will be provided with a professional dialect breakdown sheet, sample recordings and appropriate texts.
NEW Acting Summer Course (Ages 8-11) (in person)
Delivered in person from Monday 3 August – Friday 7 August 2026, 9.30am-4.30pm.
This new five-day course invites 8–11-year-olds into a world of playful storytelling where collaboration and imagination take centre stage. The course is taught by alumna Eva Feiler whose TV and theatre credits include We Were the Lucky One (Disney+/Hulu), The Crown (Netflix), Father Brown, Beyond Paradise (BBC), Othello (RSC). Participants will develop performance skills in a supportive space where every voice is celebrated. Areas of focus will include voice, movement, drama games, improvisation & text work. The week will conclude with a short, informal sharing of work for parents/guardians.
Introduction to Screen Acting (Ages 18+) (in person)
Delivered in person from Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026, 10am – 5pm.
This two-day course introduces participants to the techniques and skills required for acting in film and television. Key areas of study include preparing for a scene, developing presence, and connecting authentically with a scene partner to produce truthful performances. The course is taught by actor, director, screenwriter, acting coach and lecturer Ryan Laccohee (Maisie Raine, Coronation Street, A&E, Silent Witness). Participants explore a range of practical techniques, learning repertoire as a large ensemble and in smaller groups, with optional opportunities for individual performance. The course also covers microphone technique, movement and vocal exercises. The workshop culminates in a recorded performance accompanied by a band on Sunday evening.
NEW Introduction to Stage Combat: Level 1 (Ages 18+) (in person)
Delivered in person from Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 July 2026, 9.30am-4.30pm.
This new two-day intensive workshop introduces the participant to the art of stage combat. They will explore the principles behind using violence and conflict safely within storytelling, and learn the essential techniques of both armed and unarmed combat for performance. The course is taught by Jonathan Waller, who has over 100 Fight Director credits for theatre and opera, including Shakespeare's Globe, Cheek by Jowl, The Chichester Festival Theatre, Mischief Theatre. The course combines theory and practice with presentations on the logic of violence, conflict communication and the fundamental principles of skill. The practical elements will include movement fundamentals, structured fight sequences, and weapon work (sword and dagger) alongside unarmed techniques and how they may be used in a performed fight.
NEW Introduction to Stage Combat: Level 2 – Advanced Weapons (Ages 18+) (in person)
Delivered in person from Sat 1 – Sun 2 Aug 2026, 10am–5pm.
This new two-day intensive workshop introduces the participant to the art of stage combat through the use of advanced weapon techniques. The course is taught by Jonathan Waller, who has over 100 Fight Director credits for theatre and opera, including Shakespeare's Globe, Cheek by Jowl, The Chichester Festival Theatre, Mischief Theatre. In this course, one will expand on their technical skills and apply core principles to a broad range of weapon types, deepening understanding of the logic of violence. The practical sessions will build on movement fundamentals and introduce advanced weapon categories: Two-handed weapons (e.g. staff, longsword), Dual weapons (e.g. sword and shield/buckler) and Single sword (e.g. rapier, small sword, Renaissance side sword, sabre). Training will include structured fight sequences and guidance on integrating these techniques into performed fights.
Introduction to Directing: First Steps (Ages 16–17) (in person)
Delivered in person from Friday 17 July – Sunday 19 July 2026, 10am–5pm.
This three-day course will introduce participants to the role of a director. Through practical exercises and discussions, they will work with a professional director and two actors. The course is taught by Lucinda Dawkins. Lucie is co-Lead of SCRUM Theatre, and an associate with Cheek by Jowl. She hosts the theatre podcast ‘Not True, But Useful'. She trained as a director at the Yale School of Drama, where she was the Cullaman Scholar in Directing. On this course, participants will expect to learn about the responsibilities and possibilities of a director's role, finding their creative voice as a director and how to bring a scene to life in collaboration with actors and a creative team.
MUSIC COURSES
ONLINE COURSES
About Advanced Music Theory: Grade 8 (Ages 14+) (online)
Delivered online from Monday 13 – Friday 17 July 2026, 10am–5pm, BST (UTC+1).
This five-day online music theory course is designed for individuals preparing for the ABRSM Grade 8 theory exam or for anyone wishing to strengthen their understanding of music theory. The course is led by Guildhall Composition Professor Paul Whitmarsh whose music has been performed at festivals across the UK, including Aldeburgh, Spitalfields, Cheltenham, Deal, Hampstead and Highgate, Tête à Tête, the bmic Cutting Edge series, and the Park Lane Group New Year Series. The course provides both group and one-to-one tuition, covering theory topics introduced at Grade 8 such as completing an extract from a Baroque trio sonata with a given figured bass line, completing a short extract of music for keyboard with a given outline, continuing a melody after a given opening and answering general questions on extracts of music.
IN-PERSON COURSES
NEW Harp Intensive (Ages 15-24) (in person)
Delivered in person Friday 17 July – Sunday 19 July 2026, 2–5pm & Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July, 10am–5pm.
This exciting new course supports participants in developing their harp skills and preparing for conservatoire study, offering world-class tuition in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The programme has been developed by Imogen Barford, Charlotte Seale and Keziah Thomas. Imogen Barford is a leading freelance harpist whose career spans concerto performances at major UK venues and extensive orchestral, opera and ballet work with London's principal ensembles. Charlotte Seale is an internationally respected teacher and a leading exponent of French harp technique, with former posts at Trinity College of Music, the Royal Northern College of Music, Chetham's School of Music and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. Keziah Thomas is principal harp with the Covent Garden Sinfonia and an acclaimed chamber musician with the Aoyama Trio and 4 Girls 4 Harps, praised by The Times for her attention to the harp's dynamic and rhythmic possibilities.
NEW Harp Intensive (Ages 9-15) (in person)
Delivered in person Monday 3 – Thursday 6 August 2026, 10am–4pm.
This four-day course invites young harpists to join teachers from Junior Guildhall for an inspiring week of immersive learning and performing. The programme offers opportunities to hone technique, develop tools for independent practice, strengthen ensemble and sight-reading skills, explore core orchestral repertoire, and deepen musical expression as both performer and musician. The course has been developed by Harriet Adie and Charlotte Seale. Harriet Adie is the founder of Harp Exam Boot Camp and author of the widely used A–G of Sight Reading series. She is the specialist harp coach for the LRAM course at the Royal Academy of Music and teaches at the Junior Department of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and at Woldingham School. Charlotte Seale is Professor of Harp at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama (Senior and Junior Departments), the Royal Academy of Music (Senior Department), and the Purcell School of Music.
Jazz & Rock Week (Ages 14+) (in person)
Delivered in person Sunday 2 August, 2pm–6.30pm & Monday 3 – Friday 7 August, 10am–5.30pm.
This six-day course is designed for instrumentalists and singers who wish to develop their skills in jazz and rock music, gain inspiration and enjoy a vibrant, creative environment. The course is directed by Scott Stroman, Jazz Professor at Guildhall School, alongside professional musicians and specialist teachers from the School. Stroman has won the BBC Big Band Contest six times, made four albums as director of the Guildhall Jazz Band, and teaches jazz composition, arranging and performance. The week features instrumental and vocal workshops, jazz combos, rock bands, big bands, vocal groups, rhythm workshops, and classes in harmony and improvisation, as well as opportunities to record in Guildhall School's professional recording facilities. Tutor concerts offer a rare chance to see the course faculty perform, while the dedicated “music club” provides a supportive space for Jazz & Rock participants to share performances with one another.
Singers' Weekend: Jazz, Gospel & World Music (Ages 16+) (in person)
Delivered in person Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 August 2026, 10am–6pm.
This two-day course, led by Scott Stroman and Guildhall's Jazz Vocal Team, focuses on jazz, gospel and world music. Scott has been a Professor in the Jazz Department at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama since 1983 and was made a Fellow of the School in 1988. He has won the BBC Big Band Contest six times, made four albums as director of the Guildhall Jazz Band, and teaches jazz composition, arranging and performance. Participants learn songs both as a large ensemble and in smaller vocal groups, with opportunities for individual performance for those who wish to take part. The course explores a variety of repertoire while developing stylistic, rhythmic and harmonic awareness. Sessions also cover microphone technique, movement and vocal exercises. The workshop culminates in a recorded performance accompanied by a band on Sunday evening.
NEW Summer Strings Course: Intermediate (Ages 8-14) (in person)
Delivered in person from Tuesday 21 – Friday 24 July 2026, 9.30am-5pm.
Make music with like-minded participants together in a friendly, supportive setting in this new fun and engaging four-day summer strings course. Participants will strengthen their skills through focused guidance, take time to practice, learn to respond imaginatively to the repertoire and try new musical ideas. The course is taught by Rachel Cooper. Rachel Cooper is a violinist and educator with a Master's degree from the Royal College of Music. A trained Suzuki teacher, she has taught at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama Junior Department and now works with Music Masters as a violin teacher and mentor. She also runs her own Saturday violin programme in West London and performs regularly with freelance ensembles.
NEW Vocal Technique for Contemporary Singers (Ages 18+) (in person)
Delivered in person from Friday 17 – Sunday 19 July 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. Guided by vocalist and vocal coach Fini Bearman, the course focuses on exploring vocal technique in a contemporary music setting (jazz and pop). Fini Bearman is a professor of Jazz Voice & Songwriting at the Guildhall School and has worked extensively in these roles at various higher education institutions across the UK including Trinity Laban, The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Leeds Conservatoire, the Institute of Contemporary Music and Goldsmiths University.
NEW Vocal Technique for Young Performers (Ages 13-17) (in person)
Delivered in person from Friday 31 July – Sunday 2 August 2026, 10am-5pm.
This exciting new three-day course is for young vocalists who have already gained some experience performing or working together with a vocal teacher. Participants will develop their understanding of vocal technique through enabling greater vocal control, dynamic range and nuance, and breath control. Guided by vocalist and coach Fini Bearman, the course focuses on exploring various popular repertoire from within jazz and contemporary music. Fini Bearman is a professor of Jazz Voice & Songwriting at the Guildhall School and has worked extensively in these roles at various higher education institutions across the UK including Trinity Laban, The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Leeds Conservatoire, the Institute of Contemporary Music and Goldsmiths University.
WRITING COURSES
NEW Writing a Two-Hander (Ages 18) (in person)
Delivered in person from Monday 20 – Friday 24 July 2026, 10am-5pm.
Writing a Two-Hander is a hands-on, energising new five-day course designed to take participants from first spark to first draft plan. Over five days, they will develop a clear blueprint for their script and gain the confidence to take it forward — all the way to the stage. Participants will also connect with fellow creatives and leave with tools they can use again and again. The course is taught by award-winning writers and performers Maddie Rice and Tom Machell. Maddie Rice is known for her work on Fleabag (2016), Every Blank Ever (2018) and Handy (2019). Whilst Tom Machell is an award-winning writer and performer from Newcastle upon Tyne, whose credits include the BBC Radio 4 sitcom Tom and Lauren are Going OOT! (2024) and the play Toast F**K (2024). As an actor, Tom has recently appeared in Vera (ITV), Hullraisers (Channel 4) and Emmerdale (ITV).
PRODUCTION ARTS COURSES
IN-PERSON COURSES
Prop Making (Ages 16+) (in person)
Delivered in person from Monday 20 July – Friday 24 July 2026, 10am–5pm.
This five-day course will introduce participants to a wide range of techniques and materials used by a prop department for theatre, film or TV. The course is taught by Aurélie Clark whose credits and projects include Edinburgh Fringe, Pride, Birra Moretti Beer, Intu, Starbucks, Lazy Town, Almeida Theatre, Albany Theatre, Elstree Studios, British Summer Time Hyde Park and Hackney Empire. Prop makers use a variety of materials, techniques and tools and work can range from making intricate period items to iron thrones, Harry Potter's wand, a stormtrooper helmet, to Dr Who's nemesis the daleks. Areas of skills can range from mold-making, sculpture, life-casting, prosthetics, puppetry, armour, woodwork, upholstery and restoration. By the end of the week, participants will have created a number of their own props that they will be able to take away with them.
Scenic Art (Ages 16+) (in person)
Delivered in person from Monday 20 July – Friday 24 July 2026, 10am–5pm.
This five-day course in scenic art led by Vanessa Cass, Head of Design Realisation at Guildhall School, will introduce participants to scenic painting techniques used to create realistic backdrops and set pieces for theatre, events and TV. They will learn how to scale up from a designer's model, techniques for transferring an image, how to prepare a surface for painting, the correct way to mix colours, the appropriate choice of equipment and materials for their paint finish, how to achieve a range of paint effects like wood, stone, metal and marble and how to use textures to replicate bricks, plaster and concrete.
Videos
