From the Tweed to the Tees: Samling Institute extends its work in state secondary schools with a network of Samling Singing Schools

Joan Rodgers CBE at Samling Academy coaching 15 year-old soprano Ava, who successfully auditioned for the programme after a Samling Futures visit to her school (Photo: Mark Pinder)

Since 1996, the Samling Institute has been transforming the lives of early-career singers and pianists through coaching programmes, performance opportunities and ongoing support. Based in the North East of England, Samling also helps young people who live or study in the region to find and develop their talent for classical singing through Samling Academy where singers aged 14–21 can explore all aspects of classical singing and develop wider performance skills, led by expert vocal coaches, song pianists, actors and movement specialists.

Samling is now widening its support for young people with the launch of Samling Singing Schools. This new project marks a significant expansion to its work in state secondary schools as it creates a network of Samling Singing Schools stretching from the Tweed to the Tees. 

Each Samling Singing School will receive a period of intensive tuition over six weeks, followed by regular support visits. The institute's leaders will work with choirs and small groups to help singers at all levels to develop a secure and healthy vocal technique. They will also provide specialist coaching and share best practice in singing teaching with school music staff, to ensure the legacy of the project.

Egglescliffe School in Stockton-on-Tees will be the first Samling Singing School, with visits starting in February and they will be adding two more schools each year as the project rolls out across the region. 

Matthew Haworth, Subject Leader for Music and Associate Assistant Headteacher at Egglescliffe said:

Over the years I’ve seen students absolutely transformed by their experiences at Samling Academy. We’re thrilled that Samling Institute’s expertise and their passion for excellence will now be available throughout our school and to our feeder primary and partner schools. I am absolutely convinced that this is going to be a very successful partnership.

Further details from the Samling Institute website.