ACM Summer School

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About ACM Summer School

ACM Summer School offers young creatives (ages 12–17) a hands-on, week-long, immersive introduction to music, production or games, guided by active industry professionals in a supportive, real-world environment.

10–14 August at ACM Guildford

Students between the ages of 12 to 17 are welcome to join

Course price: £399

Hands-On Learning

A choice of three pathways: 

Performance 
Students build confidence as performers through workshops in live performance, stage presence, rehearsal techniques, and creative collaboration. They will develop their musical abilities while gaining experience in performing in front of others.

Music Production
Students learn the fundamentals of music production using industry-standard Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Topics include creating and manipulating audio, working with loops and samples, recording techniques, mixing, and producing professional-quality tracks from concept to completion.

Games Development 
Students explore the creative and technical processes behind game design and development. Through hands-on projects, they will gain insight into game creation, interactive storytelling, digital creativity, and the tools used within the games industry.

Professional Facilities, Safe Learning Spaces

Summer School takes place in ACM’s professional teaching facilities, the same creative spaces used by our higher education students throughout the year. All activities are carefully structured and supervised, with clear schedules and dedicated staff available throughout each day.

Friendships & Connections

At ACM’s Summer School, you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to study at one of the UK’s leading creative industries academies. Working with experienced tutors and using professional facilities, you’ll develop new skills, explore your interests, and meet other young creatives who share your passion. Whether you’re interested in performance, music production, or games, our Summer School is the perfect first step towards further study. Many students go on to progress to ACM’s range of courses, continuing to build their skills and prepare for exciting careers in the creative industries.

A Safe, Supportive Environment 

We know that for many families, ACM Summer School may be the first time your child attends an independent creative programme. That’s why creating a safe, welcoming and well-supported environment is at the heart of everything we do.

Our Summer School is designed specifically for young people aged 12–17, with dedicated staff on-site throughout the week to provide guidance, supervision and support. Whether your child is an experienced musician, producer or gamer, or simply exploring a creative passion, they’ll be encouraged to learn at their own pace in an inclusive and positive atmosphere.

Experienced Staff

Summer School sessions are delivered by ACM’s established team of educators, industry professionals and creative practitioners, the same experienced staff who support students across our wider programmes throughout the year.

Our team is experienced in working with young people and understands how to create learning environments that are engaging, supportive and age-appropriate. All staff working directly with students are appropriately vetted, including enhanced DBS checks, helping to ensure a safe and professional experience throughout the programme.

Students work in small groups, allowing tutors to provide individual attention while encouraging collaboration, creativity and teamwork.

Testimonials

“It was a great week! I met some excellent people who I’m staying in touch with.”

2025 Summer School Student 

“It was amazing. I grew in confidence so much, and it was great playing with other musicians who genuinely enjoy what they do.”

2025 Summer School Student 

“I’m not sure words can truly capture the gratitude I feel for everyone involved in the Summer School. From the very start, you embraced my requests for my son to be included – and for that alone, I am deeply thankful.”

2025 Summer School Parent 

Summer School Courses

FAQs

Yes. ACM Summer School is designed for young people who already have some experience in their chosen area and are looking to develop their skills further. For example, students joining the Performance pathway should be performing at approximately Grade 3 standard or equivalent; however, formal qualifications are not required.

Sessions are delivered by ACM’s experienced teaching team and industry professionals who regularly work with young people throughout the year. All staff working directly with students are appropriately trained, DBS checked and committed to creating a safe, supportive and engaging learning environment.

Students are supervised throughout the day by ACM staff, and clear safeguarding procedures are in place. Students are expected to remain within designated teaching and social areas during scheduled activities. If a participant is not permitted to leave the campus independently during breaks or lunch, this should be communicated to course tutors in advance, so appropriate arrangements can be made.

Students sign in and out each day at the main reception area. Before the Summer School begins, please share whether students will be collected at the end of the day or are authorised to make their own way home. Full arrival and departure information will be provided in advance.

Students should bring a packed lunch, a refillable water bottle, and anything specifically requested for their chosen pathway. Full joining instructions will be provided before the course starts.

Lunch is not provided, so students should bring their own packed lunch or purchase food locally during the lunch break.

We encourage parents and guardians to let us know about any additional learning needs, medical conditions, allergies or other support requirements before the Summer School begins. This allows us to understand how best to support participants and make any reasonable adjustments where possible.

ACM will take reasonable steps to provide a safe and supportive environment for all students. However, we cannot be held responsible for incidents arising from medical conditions, allergies or other requirements that have not been disclosed in advance.

Absolutely. Many students attend with friends, but plenty also attend on their own and quickly make new connections with like-minded young creatives. We also offer a sibling discount of 25%. 

ACM Summer School is designed for young people who already have some experience in their chosen area and are looking to develop their skills further. For example, students joining the Performance pathway should be performing at approximately Grade 3 standard or equivalent; however, formal qualifications are not required.

Definitely. You’ll be working alongside other young people who share similar interests, and many students leave with new friends and creative collaborators.

You’ll take part in practical workshops, creative projects, group activities and industry-led sessions. Every day is hands-on and focused on learning by doing.

Yes. Lots of students come on their own, and our tutors work hard to create a welcoming and supportive environment from day one.

 

Yes. Depending on your chosen pathway, you’ll have access to industry-standard facilities, software and equipment used by professionals.

Absolutely. We encourage students to bring their creativity into sessions and share their work where appropriate.

Whatever you’re comfortable in. There’s no dress code, but you’ll want to wear something suitable for a day of creative activities.

That’s completely normal. Many students feel nervous before their first day. Our team is experienced in helping everyone feel welcome, included and comfortable from the moment they arrive.

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