About EYSM

With a state-of-the-art 300 seat auditorium surrounded by tranquil countryside, EYSM is hosted by St Catherine’s School Bramley and offers one of the best weeks of the musical year. It offers a range of opportunities for both orchestral and small ensemble musicianship.

Please read the Frequently Asked Questions or contact us for any further questions you may have.

Charlotte Barbour-Condini

Finalist - BBC Young Musician competition

It’s rare to find a course where the highest musical ambitions are placed in tandem with genuine support and an exceptionally friendly environment. At EYSM, the joy of communicating and connecting with other people through music has always been at the heart and centre. Regardless of prior experience, every participant is guaranteed to learn so much, and each year I left the course with a renewed enthusiasm for ensemble music making.

Chris Rogerson

Composer

I first came to EYSM in 2000 when I was 10 and I returned to EYSM the two following summers (even though I lived in the USA) because of the fun, engaging atmosphere and collaborative spirit. I could not have been more lucky to have experienced EYSM for 3 summers. You only get so many chances to have experiences that can truly shape your musical life and future as an artist, and I am grateful that I had this chance.

A typical day

Each day will vary according to rehearsal needs, as such this is only a rough guide.

07:15
Morning Options

Alexander Technique / Gospel Choir / Samba Percussion

08:15
Breakfast
09:00
Rehearsals

Full orchestras or sectionals with instrumental tutors
Vocal Course programme of solo and ensemble work

10:40
Break
11:00
Rehearsals

Full orchestras or sectionals with instrumental tutors
Vocal Course programme of solo and ensemble work

12:40
Lunch
13:15
Leisure Activities
  • Sport with the house-staff like football/rounders
  • Swimming, tennis, outdoor chess
  • or time to relax
14:20
Rehearsals

Full orchestras or sectionals with instrumental tutors
Vocal Course programme of solo and ensemble work

16:20
Course Choir

Choir for all students

17:15
Option 1

Chamber Music / Improvisation / World Music / Chamber Choir

18:00
Supper
19:00
Option 2

Chamber Music / Big Band / Musical Theatre / Composition

20:00
Leisure Activities

Full orchestras or sectionals with instrumental tutors

21:15
Bedtimes according to age

Performances

Performances begin on Friday evening with informal showcases of chamber ensembles formed during the week. EYSM Ensembles all feature in the Saturday performances. All are open to friends and family.

How much does it cost?

570

Day Places

Day students can take part in any ensembles and activities enjoyed by their fellow residential students.


Payable as a deposit on application, then a second payment in May. This can be paid in 3 instalments.

  • 2 Meals Provided*
  • All Option Sessions
  • Evening Activities
  • Full Tuition

* Breakfast can be provided at a small additional cost

755

Boarding Places

Residential students have the option to arrive the night before, and stay an extra night after the course, at a small charge which can be paid when travel arrangements have been made at a time close to the course, giving an opportunity to travel from further afield. Students stay in 2 – 3 bed rooms or small ‘dorms’.


Payable as a deposit on application, then a second payment in May. This can be paid in 3 instalments.

  • Full Board
  • All Option Sessions
  • Evening Activities
  • Full Tuition

Booking from abroad?

Please make sure your bank understands that EYSM must receive the full amount in sterling.  Any bank charges must be paid before the full sterling amount is sent to EYSM. 

This means when you pay the deposit, EYSM must receive £220 sterling (for residential applicants). 

Anyone needing help with how to deal with bank charges should contact [email protected] before sending the payment.

Bursaries

Where possible, the EYSM voluntary team finds bursary assistance to help those young people who have the talent to take part, but for whom the fee is a stumbling block.

This is not means-tested, but we do ask parents to explain why they need support, so that our sponsors can read what they say and know exactly how they are helping. Sponsors understand that maintaining music in young people’s education is very costly.

It is important, however, to know that when EYSM helps students to receive bursaries they are not for the full cost of the course. They vary from £100 to 50% of the course fee in respect of what is needed. Parents are encouraged to pay the balance in instalments, based on what they can afford and often over several months. These instalments can continue beyond the dates of the course, if that helps.

There is also some bursary support available if EYSM finds that it does not have all the orchestral instruments or voices it needs to cover the repertoire. And so, although bursary requests should be made as early as possible, it can be worth asking about bursaries if you only find out about EYSM late in the day, just in case we have not filled significant spaces. For more information, please email [email protected].

Festival Bursaries

Local musical festivals across the UK and abroad also support young instrumentalists and vocalists to come to EYSM.  Festival entrants may win a supported place at EYSM and these cover the course fee.

There are festivals all over the UK who support EYSM. If you want to know more about where, email [email protected].

Get in touch

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Course information
[email protected]

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