EYSM is an international summer course for students 11-21 years with residential or day places for Orchestral Instrumentalists, Singers, Accompanists and Composition students. Young people come to EYSM not only from the UK and Europe but from all over the world. It takes place for a week each year during UK school summer holidays at St Catherine’s School, Bramley, Surrey.
EYSM has 4 main orchestras and a wide variety of musical activities for young musicians at differing stages of playing experience. Required standards are from Grade 6 to post Diploma (or equivalent for overseas students who do not take graded exams). There is no audition for the course.
There are however video-auditions for the Leader of ‘Course Orchestra’ and Violinist applicants should indicate their wish to apply on the application form. Likewise, those who would like to audition to play a movement from a concerto with one of the orchestras should indicate this on the application form.
Check out all the opportunities at EYSM by reading the FAQs in the About EYSM section, where you can also find the sample daily timetable and other key information. You can also watch conductors, tutors, students and others talking about EYSM in short videos spread across the website.
The Course Orchestra is for all EYSM instrumentalists
Students may also play in Sinfonia for some or all of its repertoire
Wind Orchestra players work on amazing repertoire
String players tackle great works in this large string ensemble
There are 15-20 vocal places at EYSM and we aim to take applications from across the range of voices to create a balanced ensemble.
Vocal students have the opportunity to work not only as soloists but in collaboration with other singers as part of a number of choirs and ensembles. All vocal students will have the experience of singing with an orchestra as part of the EYSM Course Choir, which rehearses each day, and there are opportunities for all course participants to take part in the Chamber Choir, Gospel Choir and Musical Theatre Option sessions.
During the week students choose from a range of extra performing opportunities each day. Often it is the chance to try something they have never tried before, or a chance to increase their skills and experience in a favourite musical activity.
Options take place in the morning before rehearsals; in the late afternoon at the close of rehearsals, then straight after the evening meal, before leisure activities.
Take a look at the Typical Day for more information.
I met people I will always look up to, symphonic orchestras and composers like Mahler weren’t as scary any more, and in short, they were the best weeks of my life.
EYSM’s inclusive, democratic way of working immediately put them at ease, gave them confidence and, most importantly, ignited a love for playing music with others that goes from strength to strength.
The special thing about EYSM is the collaboration between the staff and the students, working and performing together in such a positive and open way.
