B:Music, the music charity responsible for Birmingham’s Town Hall and Symphony Hall, has announced 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.

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.

To find out more, visit: bmusic.co.uk