B:Music's acclaimed Summer School returns to Symphony Hall from Monday 10 - Friday 14 August 2026, bringing together 72 young musicians aged 11 to 19 for an inspiring week of collaborative music making, creativity and performance.

Designed for instrumentalists and vocalists of all abilities, the five-day programme explores the rich traditions of jazz and its influence on contemporary genres including R&B, soul, funk, and hip hop.

Participants will develop skills in improvisation, harmony, ensemble performance and composition before showcasing their work in performances at the end of the week.

This year's Summer School has expanded thanks to the Helen Walsh Talent Development Fund, enabling more bursaries than ever before and allowing a record number of young people to take part.

Free places, together with free lunches and travel, are available for eligible participants through B:Music's bursary scheme, ensuring that financial circumstances are never a barrier to musical opportunity.

Throughout the week, participants will work with an outstanding team of professional musicians,
educators and industry experts from a range of musical and cultural backgrounds.

Alongside daily ensemble sessions, students will take part in a masterclass exploring creative, non traditional ways of using instruments and the voice, discovering how sound, rhythm and language can become powerful tools for self-expression.

The programme reflects B:Music's long-standing commitment to developing the next generation of  musicians by creating clear pathways from participation to professional careers.

This year's theme of self-expression encourages participants to explore their own identity through music, while learning how jazz has evolved and continues to influence today's musical landscape.

The week concludes with informal showcase performances on Thursday and Friday, giving participants the opportunity to share their work with family and friends in the world-class surroundings of Symphony Hall.

To find out more: bmusic.co.uk