The academy was fun, educational and inspiring and the teaching was really excellent, friendly and interactive. I had a wonderful time, made some really good friends and can't wait to come back next year!

Buddy, Bassoon Student, 15, UK

I loved all the workshops, especially the improvisation, gospel and beatbox workshops

Clara, Piano Student, 16, Spain

Everything from the kids' arrival to the workshops to the outings was well organised and well-balanced.

Diana and George, Parents, USA

We were delighted to find Francois so happy after his three-week stay in Winchester. Thank you for having given Francois such a special experience

Catherine, Mother, France

I learnt a lot at the Ingenium Academy. I improved my musical skills loads from all the sight readings, master classes and playing in the orchestra. In addition to that, I enhanced my ability to play in ensemble and to be more in tune. I also got introduced to other aspects of music through all the workshops and musicianship classes.

Layan, Viola Student, 15, Palestine

I honestly think Buddy has had one of the best weeks of his life. We were overwhelmed by the standard of performance last night. The children's ability to have perfected so many things in their time at The Ingenium Academy was astonishing.

Emma, Mother, UK

Karol had the time of his life and his music and piano playing has really improved. To see so many young people so talented and to think that our son had the chance to spend three weeks in this music environment it was our and his dream come true.

Basia, Mother, UK / Poland

I want to thank you very much for giving Adam a wonderful experience, one that he will never forget! As parents, my husband and I saw a big difference in Adam's self-confidence. He came back extremely happy and the first thing he said was that he wished he had signed up for the full 3 weeks! He enjoyed every second. Thanks to you and all your staff. He most certainly wants to go back next summer!

Maie and Karim, Parents, Egypt

The organisation was superb. Karol gained inspiration for his future musical career and has been really motivated.

Basia, Mother, UK / Poland

Our son has benefited greatly in his musicianship. He played with new confidence at the final concert, which was a joy to watch.

Emma, Mother, UK

After my piano lessons I was really happy - they were really interesting, The teaching was so good. I learnt so much especially about the movement of the hands and body in relation to the sound - really amazing!

Clara, Piano Student, 16, Spain

The Ingenium Academy was amazing, unforgettable and incredible - the happiest three weeks of my life!

Anna, Cello Student, 18, UK

I loved working with the members of the City of London Sinfonia because they really helped with playing together as an orchestra. I also enjoyed the other workshops particularly as they caused me to broaden my musical experiences by doing things I'd not necessarily considered before.

Anna, Cello Student, 18, UK

The organisation of the Ingenium Academy was absolutely wonderful! There was excellent attention to detail. The setting was beautiful, comfortable and safe and the atmosphere was friendly, lively , fun and focused.

Zeena and Tim, Parents, UK

It was such a wonderful experience. One that Holly will always remember. We cannot thank you enough.

Zeena and Tim, Parents, UK

My favourite workshop was the gospel singing workshop with Ken Burton. It was special because of the style of his teaching and his originality.

Veriko, Vocal Student, 16, Georgia

It was beyond expectations. Nicole really loved it, the music, the trips, and she also made wonderful friends. Nicole loved this residency so much she would like to repeat it again next year.

Luisa and Raul, Parents, UK and Portugal

Every day at the Ingenium Academy had something fun in it! My favourite workshop was with Jo from the Swingle Singers; she gave us a lot of useful advice and working with her was fun and educational. I liked that she encouraged us to express ourselves and gave us opportunities to improvise.

Doroteja, Vocal Student, 14, Lithuania

I just wanted to say thank you because you have really made my summer unforgettable and hopefully I'll see you again next year!

Claudia, Flute Student, UK and Canada

No words are enough to describe this extraordinary experience. Many thanks for arranging everything; it was perfectly organised from all the aspects, musically and activities etc. Thank you for making me a better person; I did not only improve musically but on the personal side too.

Layan, Viola Student, 15, Palestine

Anna enjoyed the experience thoroughly, discovered other children with similar interests, learned much about her voice, how to protect it and how to improve, and sang a very broad range of repertoire of music.

Diana and George, Parents, USA

The experience exceeded all expectations. Elena has become very motivated musically and has also improved her English.

Maite, Mother, Spain

Eugenie was really impressed when she saw the oboist with whom she had a 1:1 lesson with on TV playing in the PROMS.

Catherine and Richard, Parents, France

The academy was really excellent and way above expectations. The atmosphere at the Ingenium Academy was perfect. Eugenie very much gained what we had hoped for her.

Catherine and Richard, Parents, France

I can only say congratulations for what you have done. My daughter has been totally motivated and happy. I think it was the best summer course she has ever been on.

Maite, Mother, Spain

I am so delighted to be one of the teachers for the Ingenium Academy this summer. It's a
fantastic opportunity for young musicians to get together and make music in a wonderful setting - the kind of experience that sets you up for life!

Joanna Forbes-L'Estrange, Former Musical Director, The Swingle Singers

Whether or not music is to be a career - the discipline, teamwork, concentration and intellectual application needed for excellent music making creates rounded, confident individuals. The Ingenium Academy's ethic is to enhance the all-round musician through courses delivered by a talented and experienced team of musicians with enthusiasm and passion. I am delighted to be involved.

Tom Hammond, former Principal Conductor, Royal Junior Academy of Music

The teaching at the Academy was passionate and in-depth; it gave me a better insight into the music world and life in the industry.

Claudia, Flute Student, 15, UK and Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

Teachers / qualifications: Who will be teaching my son/ daughter?

All music teachers at the Ingenium Academy are outstanding qualified professionals in their musical field and all staff and pastoral team members are cleared at an enhanced level by the Criminal Records Bureau (a legal requirement for anyone working with young people in the UK).
In addition to this all staff member undertake pre-summer training led by a qualified youth leadership professional who has extensive experience in working with young people.
All individual instrument tuition is provided by a current member of the City of London Sinfonia, one of the UK's leading orchestras. A list of our voice, workshop and masterclass leaders and conductors can be found on our relevant tuition pages.
Furthermore all pastoral team members act as mentors to our students being musical themselves; either having studied music at one of the UK's conservatoires or maintained an active interest in music in their adult life. For more information please visit our staff information page.

Funding: Is it possible to receive a scholarship / financial aid to help with fees for my child?

Yes it is possible. The Ingenium Academy is committed to providing financial aid to students who would not be able to attend without it. The Ingenium Trust is a charity set up to fundraise to support students from low income families to attend the Ingenium Academy and fulfil their musical potential thereafter. If you would like to apply for financial aid, please email us at info@ingeniumacademy.com and we will send you the application forms.

Medical insurance: Do we need to have it?

Yes. All international students must purchase suitable health and travel insurance that covers them abroad. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any advice about the type of insurance to purchase.

Travel: Who will meet my child at the airport / train station?

All students provide us with their travel itineraries so that we can ensure to meet each student upon arrival. A member of the Ingenium Academy staff will be at the airport / train station to meet your son / daughter on opening day and accompany them to Winchester to help them unpack, meet the other students and settle in. Similarly with departure, we take all students back to the airport or train station as per their travel itineraries and help them to check in.

Safety: How safe is Winchester / The Ingenium Academy?

The safety and well-being of our students is our number one priority. Winchester is well known as an exceptionally safe, small town and the college is a small campus within the town. This provides the idyllic safe setting for our students to enjoy their summer. Our students are well supervised within scheduled rehearsals, workshops, trips and activities and also during their free time.