B:Music, the music charity responsible for Birmingham’s Town Hall and Symphony Hall, is thrilled to announce the return of its B:Music Summer School this month. The programme warmly welcomes young musicians from Birmingham and the surrounding areas. This year, the heavily subsidised, non-residential course will run from Monday 11 to Friday 15 August at the world-renowned Symphony Hall, located in the heart of Birmingham. It is open to young people aged between 11 and 19.
The B:Music Summer School is a week-long creative music-making programme that offers a comprehensive and diverse curriculum. Throughout the week, participants will enhance their skills in improvisation, harmony, and ensemble performance by exploring jazz and other genres. The programme culminates in a final showcase for family and friends at the end of the week. This summer school is perfect for those aspiring to advance their music studies as well as those simply looking to learn new skills in a fun, supportive, and encouraging environment.
This year, 66 participants will delve into the world of influential jazz artists, exploring key standard repertoire alongside modern songs and genres shaped by their sounds today. With guidance from 28 tutors, participants will have the chance to explore improvisation as a core part of jazz music and its evolution. Additionally, they will engage in various workshops covering diverse music areas. These workshops, led by tutors with specialisms in African percussion, Indian classical percussion, jazz improvisation, electronics, composition, and free improvisation, will offer a comprehensive learning experience.
This year marks the first time that the B:Music Summer School is being led by the renowned double-bass and electric-bass player, Shiv Singh. An expert in tailoring skill development to the needs of each individual young musician, Shiv is supported by a highly experienced team. This team includes esteemed tutors, music educators, and specialist performers from both the Birmingham and UK music scenes, such as David Austin Grey, Robbie Moore, and Alicia Gardener Trejo.
Smethwick-born Shiv Singh epitomises the success of B:Music’s talent development programmes. His journey began at the age of 15 when he first experienced playing music as a participant at the B:Music Summer School at Symphony Hall. During his three years as a Summer School participant, Shiv had the opportunity to perform and study with some of the UK’s Jazz giants, including Nikki Isle, Shabaka Hutchings, Reuben James, and Kit Downes. Building on this foundation, Shiv pursued his studies at the prestigious Royal Birmingham Conservatoire from 2015 to 2019. Throughout his career to date, he has graced numerous notable venues both in the UK and abroad, such as the Jazz Cafe in London, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, JAZZFEST in Trondheim, and Pizza Express in London.
Shiv Singh said, “The B:Music Summer School is one of the organisation’s flagship talent development programmes. It offers many young musicians their first introduction to the world of music and to Birmingham’s iconic Symphony Hall. This week-long course is open to young musicians aged 11 to 19 years from Birmingham and the surrounding areas and is delivered by some of the country’s top musicians and educators. Over the years, the Summer School has nurtured some remarkable talent, and I am confident that many more outstanding musicians will emerge in the future.
“When I was 15, I had the opportunity to participate in B:Music’s first-ever Summer School. Over the years, I became a support tutor and then a lead tutor, and I am thrilled to return this year as the Creative Director. This role is a significant responsibility, and I don’t underestimate that. Looking back on the first Summer School in 2012, there was one group of us all working together. This year, we have grown to six groups of participants and 28 tutors, which is a testament to the collaborative effort and dedication of the team.
“This year, I want to introduce a new focus: storytelling. We’ve chosen this as our main theme, and I am eager to share it with the participants. Music transcends beyond just understanding its history, players, and genres. It encompasses a significant conceptual and artistic element that makes the music we enjoy relatable. Musicians deeply consider these aspects, and it’s important for participants to develop this well-rounded view, too. This approach is something I believe will set this year apart from previous years. I am also bringing with me a diverse group of tutors, and I am confident that the teachers will be influenced by the young musicians just as much as the young musicians will be shaped by their instructors.”
Katy Minter, Project Officer at B:Music, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “We’re thrilled to have Shiv join us as the Creative Director of the B:Music Summer School this year. It’s going to be an amazing week. Although the Summer School is continuingly evolving, weaving in new and exciting opportunities, it continues to build on the rich legacy that has always been a part of it. We are deeply grateful for the incredible work and strong foundations laid over the years. Growing from 12 participants in 2012 to 66 this year is a testament to the dedication of previous Creative Directors Sara Colman and Percy Pursglove, and many others who have shared their knowledge and experience over the years. It’s truly remarkable that participants are so eager to return year after year.
“This year, we have tabla players and oboists; we’re incorporating instruments that were never part of it in the beginning. This inclusion is making jazz more accessible to people from diverse backgrounds who might not have previously considered jazz as an option for them. The aim of the week is to open participants’ minds to different ways of thinking about and experiencing music. If they leave feeling inspired to play more jazz or explore any related genres, we consider that a success.”
B:Music, as a dedicated charity, is devoted to nurturing the next generation. With the invaluable support of funders and donors, the charity is able to deliver a wide array of projects for young people.
This year’s B:Music Summer School is generously supported by Arts Council England, Gowling WLG (UK) Charitable Trust, Sabina Sutherland Charitable Trust, Mills & Reeve Charitable Trust, Richard Cadbury Charitable Trust, Grimmitt Trust, Thistle Trust, Oakley Charitable Trust, as well as our regular donors, bursary donors, and corporate partners. Their contributions make our talent development programmes possible.
To find out more: https://bmusic.co.uk/make-music/children-young-people/summer-school