Music for little ones and families this summer
It’s nearly that time of year again, when music fills the grounds of Dartington for our annual Summer School & Festival. Established over 70 years ago, the historic Summer School has grown an international reputation as a meeting place for musicians and listeners who come together to listen, learn and play in a welcoming environment.
Taking place over four weeks, from 23 July – 20 August 2022, there will be the usual mix of week-long courses, individual workshops and concerts. Plus, a wonderfully full programme for families and kids.
This year’s expanded family programme includes relaxed concerts from Ensemble Meridiana, Florian Mitrea and Magnard Ensemble, and a series of workshops for babies, children and parents specially devised by Tara Franks of SoundsCreative Projects.
Whether it’s a relaxed sing along with tiny tots or a chance to explore improvisation and composition for older children, or the opportunity to enjoy performances from world class musicians in a relaxed atmosphere, we’ve got something for you…
Workshops for kids and their grown ups:
Family Song, 3pm, Thursday 28 July 2022
Join brilliant workshop-leader and multi-instrumentalist Tara Franks (SoundsCreative) for an invigorating sing-along for the whole family, featuring folksongs and harmonies from around the world.
£5 per ticket, age 8+
Tots Tunes, 10am, Friday 29 July 2022
Join Tara Franks of SoundsCreative Projects for her celebrated music workshop aimed at 0-5 year-olds and their parents/carers. Featuring folk songs from around the world, this is a chance to sing, dance and shake in a class that is as fun and interactive for the adults as it is for the children!
£5 per ticket, ages 0-5 (plus carers)
SoundsCreative Lab, 11.30am – 1pm, Monday 1 – Wednesday 3 August 2022
A three-day collaborative musical workshop for adults and older children exploring rhythm, improvisation, and composition. You don’t need to know how to read music, just bring along an instrument and get stuck in! Ages 8+ welcome.
£30 | £15 students
Come and Blow, 6 – 7pm, Wednesday 17 August 2022
Brass tutors Brett Baker and Paul Archibald lead a fun, open session for brass band players of all ages to join in. For ages 8+. Civic Hall, Totnes.
£5 | £2.50 Under 16 (must be accompanied)
Family-friendly concerts:
Ensemble Meridiana: Family Concert, 10.30am, Wednesday 27 July 2022
Hear members of this vibrant, award-winning ensemble play music from the Renaissance and early Baroque, and learn about their instruments. This concert is a brilliant way to get your kids excited about classical music.
Standard £8 | Under 12s £5 | Family Ticket £20
Florian Mitrea: Family Concert, 10.30am, Monday 8 August 2022
Join pianist Florian Mitrea for a relaxed concert ideal for all the family, weaving classical music with storytelling.
Standard £8 | Under 12s £5 | Family Ticket £20
Leonore Piano Trio: Family Concert, 10.30am, Wednesday 10 August 2022
Following their successful debut at the Dartington Music Summer School & Festival in 2021, the well-loved Piano Trio return to Dartington to present a joyous programme of music for all the family. A rare opportunity to hear world-class musicians play and talk about their instruments in an engaging, relaxed setting.
Standard £8 | Under 12s £5 | Family Ticket £20
Magnard Ensemble: Family Concert, 10.30am, Thursday 18 August 2022
Following their sell-out event at last year’s Festival, this engaging young wind quintet presents another riotous musical adventure for all the family.
Standard £8 | Under 12s £5 | Family Ticket £20
Image credit: Kate Mount
