As NSSO reaches its 28th year, we are delighted to once again return to the spectacular Malvern College as we re-launch after a two-year break due to COVID-19.
Sunday 10th July – Sunday 17th July 2022
We welcome music loving children on all orchestral instruments from grades 3 – diploma level for a week of orchestral music making. Tutored by our professional musicians, the week will also include workshops with surprise guests, fun games and social activities hosted throughout the College’s spectacular facilities and grounds.
Our 2022 Courses
Online applications for 2022 are now open
Who are we?
As NSSO reaches its 28th year we are proud to be hosted at the spectacular Malvern College as we re-launch after a two-year break due to Covid. Having been based in Malvern since 2016, we have enjoyed inspirational music courses with a world class music faculty in a glorious setting on the slopes of the Malvern Hills.
We welcome music loving children on all orchestral instruments from grade 3 to diploma level for a week of orchestral music making tutored by our professional musicians, workshops with visiting surprise guests, fun and games on the College’s magnificent sports fields and facilities and a full programme of social activities throughout the week.
Our pastoral team work hard to make the children feel relaxed and cared-for whilst giving them an inspirational week they’ll never forget.
When are the courses?
This summer two of our orchestras will be hosted simultaneously from 10th-17th July. Students will arrive at lunchtime on Sunday 10th with an afternoon of fun and games (parents are welcome to stay for a slice of cake and to settle their children in).
The course ends with a final concert and afternoon tea on the Sunday for the parents to enjoy before they take their children home.
How many orchestra courses are running this year?
Our Academy is for musicians from grade 3-5 and the Philharmonic for players from grade 6 upwards. These grades are approximate and a guideline only. Don’t worry if you don’t take exams – we will accept people based on the letter from your teacher and your audition recording.
The two courses will run alongside each other, with children from both courses joining each other for sports and evening activities every day.
Who are the faculty?
Our wonderful faculty is headed by our Artistic Director, Nicole Wilson who is a professor at the Royal Academy of Music and was a member of the London Symphony Orchestra and a principal violinist with English National Opera. Nicole is proud to bring world class orchestral tutors and conductors from the UK professional music world to tutor individual sections and full orchestral rehearsals. This year the combined Philharmonic & Sinfonia will be conducted by Eton College’s Head of Strings, Leandro Silvera and the Academy will be led by Andrew McDade, Tuba professor at Cardiff University and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Where are we?
Malvern College has been the permanent home for NSSO since 2016 and is one of England’s great independent schools, located in a glorious nestled on the slopes of the Malvern Hills. The magnificent campus has a rich and distinguished history from buildings dating from the 1860s to state of the art new buildings such as the fully equipped new theatre to the first-class sports complex, which boasts a 25 meter swimming pool and modern gym facilities. Spread over a spacious 250 acres, accommodation in traditional boarding houses, delicious onsite catering and with excellent rehearsal and performance spaces the children will experience a unique, inspiring week to remember.
How do I apply?
We want to make the application process as easy as possible for everyone. All we require from you is 3 things:
- An audition video, the details of which are available here
- A short letter from your current instrumental teacher indicating your approximate standard
- A deposit of £150. If your application is unsuccessful then you will be refunded this money in full. If you cannot afford to pay this full deposit, please contact us at hello@nsso.org
When will I hear if I have won a place on the course?
We aim to contact you with the results of your application within two weeks of applying for the course.
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Shortlisted for Best Classical Music Education Initiative 2020
This Music and Drama Education Excellence award, sponsored by Classic FM, honours an educational project which has used classical music in an innovative way, shown musical excellence and has had a positive impact on a significant number of participants.