Ms. Melanie Spanswick took us from counting beats to making real music together. Her masterclass, the duet-and-trio sight-reading, and clear tips on tone and timing changed how I practice. By the final showcase we’d arranged our own piece and recorded a demo—and I felt confident leading my part on stage.
Grade X Student, Mumbai
The Shebbear Music Program is a hands-on, boarding-school intensive that moves students from rhythm basics to confident ensemble playing. Each day blends coached group sessions—ensemble and rhythm labs, sight-reading in duos/trios, choir and aural/solfège—with focused creation time where students arrange short pieces, experiment with composition/beat-making, and learn rehearsal etiquette. Mixed-ability pianists, singers, and other instrumentalists work together; individual lesson slots and open practice rooms ensure personal goals are met while the group builds a shared sound.
Beyond technique, the module emphasises musicality, stagecraft, and the soft skills that matter: listening, timing, leadership, and the confidence to contribute. Students rehearse with British boarders, experience authentic co-curricular life, and prepare a short end-of-course showcase. Each participant leaves with mentor feedback, a recorded performance clip or demo, and a co-branded note/certificate—tangible proof of progress they can share with parents and add to portfolios.
17+
Students Enriched1
Expeditions Conducted1
Stage Performance
Performance Focus
Theory + Technique
Composition Workshops
Masterclasses
UK Cultural Trips
Celebratory Concert
£2500
13 Days
Devon, UK
A two-week intensive designed for all instrumentalists, with a lean toward piano and singing. Ideal for students who want daily coaching, ensemble work, and a closing performance.
Yes. Students are recommended to be at ABRSM Grade 4/5 (or similar) on piano. If piano is a second study, they may bring their first-study instrument and have lessons with Shebbear faculty.
All are welcome. While the course leans to piano and singing, other instruments can be taught by Shebbear’s visiting music teachers, and ensemble parts can be arranged
Melanie Spanswick (course leader; piano specialist) with a singing specialist (e.g., Belinda Michael or Jane Wilkinson).
Each day has four 90-minute sessions (often split into two 45-minute blocks), mixing class work, private lessons, and practice.
Piano technique workshops (healthy movement, tension-free playing).
Sight-reading in duos/trios (four/six hands at one piano).
Composition & aural/solfège creation labs.
Choir and singing sessions/masterclasses.
Across the fortnight, students receive individual piano and singing (or other instrument) lessons, with scheduling depending on cohort size (typical pattern shown as two 45-minute lessons per week per area).
Yes—students use the practice rooms in the school music centre during designated practice blocks.
Yes—there’s a celebratory final concert, and each student receives a graduation certificate.
Children will be staying in our boarding houses on-campus. Both girls and boys have separate houses.
School is capable of meeting all dietary requirements.
The course includes a planned London day and a local area excursion to experience British culture alongside music studies.
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