SMS Music Workshops - Inspiring Whole‑School Music Experiences for 2026/27
- Sussex Music School
- May 12
- 3 min read
Affordable, high‑impact workshops that enrich learning, wellbeing and cultural capital in schools across Sussex.
As schools plan ahead for 2026 and beyond, high‑quality, budget friendly enrichment opportunities which are open to as many pupils are possible, remain a powerful way to raise engagement, strengthen wellbeing and bring learning to life across the curriculum. At Sussex Music School (SMS), our in‑school workshops are designed to do exactly that: deliver memorable, inclusive musical experiences that connect creativity, collaboration and confidence for pupils from Year 1 through to Year 13.
All SMS workshops are led by fully qualified, experienced and DBS‑checked specialist teachers, with flexible formats that fit within the realities of school timetables and budgets. Workshops are designed to be affordable enough for PTA's to fundraise for if needed and can run across one or two days to potentially include the whole school.
Below is an overview of our most popular workshops and what they can offer your school community including our FREE gamelan workshop this summer.
Gamelan Workshops (2026) -FREE workshops for years 5-10
Up to 16 children with a transport subsidy of £80.00 (more on reqeust)
Gamelan offers pupils the rare opportunity to explore Indonesian ensemble music using authentic instruments. Sessions focus on listening, structure and collective performance, making them especially powerful for cultural education and deep musical immersion.
STOMP‑Style Workshops
Years 3–13 | £120 per hour (up to 30 pupils)
Led by STOMP cast member Emma - Using everyday objects and body percussion, STOMP‑style workshops provide an instant, accessible entry point to music‑making. Pupils explore rhythm, teamwork and creative expression in a highly energetic, non‑instrument‑dependent format.
Why school leaders choose STOMP:
No prior musical knowledge required
Ideal for engagement days, transition projects and whole‑class participation
Supports teamwork, confidence and inclusive practice
Improvisation Workshops
Years 2–10 | £120 per hour (up to 30 pupils)
Led by multi - instrumentalist Charlotte and her band members - Improvisation workshops focus on musical conversation, listening and creativity. Pupils learn to respond musically to each other, build ideas collaboratively and develop confidence in making spontaneous choices.
Curriculum links:
Creativity and composition
Speaking and listening skills
Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)
Sea Shanties
Years 2–10 | £120 per hour (up to 30 pupils)
Band leader Ged, leads these inspiring and fun sea shanty workshops which combine history, singing and storytelling. These highly engaging sessions introduce pupils to traditional maritime songs while encouraging strong ensemble singing and rhythm.
Ideal for:
Cross‑curricular history and geography links
Enrichment weeks and themed learning
Building strong vocal participation across a class or year group
Boomwhackers Workshops
Years 1–13 | Variable formats
Led by qualified primary school teacher and STOMP Cast Member, Emma, Boomwhackers provide a colourful, physical way for pupils to understand pitch, rhythm and ensemble playing.
Age‑specific formats include:
Years 1–2: 30–40 minute workshops (£120 per hour, minimum 3 hours)
Years 3–10: Deeper ensemble work (£120 per hour, minimum 3 hours)
Years 7–13: £350 for a 2‑hour session (full‑day options available)
These workshops support progression in musical understanding and are particularly valuable for mixed‑ability groups.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for 2026/27
Schools planning longer‑term enrichment programmes can also explore a growing range of upcoming SMS offers, including:
Music Production (Ableton) workshops
Voice and Breath workshops
Musical Theatre clubs
School bands and ensembles
These options support sustained musical development alongside whole‑school participation.
Why Headteachers Choose SMS Workshops
Delivered by specialist, high qualify, DBS‑checked teachers
Clear links to curriculum, wellbeing and cultural capital
Flexible formats to suit school timetables
Proven engagement from Early Years to Post‑16
Whether you are enriching your music curriculum, supporting pupil wellbeing, or planning a standout enrichment or transition event, SMS workshops offer high‑quality, scalable solutions tailored to your school’s needs.
Find Out More
To discuss availability, funding options or bespoke workshop planning, visit www.sussexmusicschool.com or contact the team directly at info@sussexmusicschool.com.
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