Life At Ingenium | The Ingenium Academy

Ingenium Life

Each day brings something new at the Ingenium Academy. From whole-school warmup in the morning to the evening activity, every day is packed with rehearsals, sectionals, workshops, day trips and more.

"Everyone was happy, smiling and willing to help. The teaching was so professional but we were all one big family." - Karolina, Vocal student, Czech Republic

A Typical Week

While each programme has a bespoke timetable of tailored tuition, the whole school comes together for mealtimes, evening activities and outings.

Here is an example of what a week at the Ingenium Academy might look like:

The 3 week course is a full summer experience, with no two days the same and new repertoire, workshops, activities and trips each week. (Students can attend for 1, 2 or the full 3 weeks.)

Each day begins with a whole school warm-up led by our pastoral staff, to energise our young musicians and help them to bring focus and creativity to the day's sessions. The whole school also gathers in the evening to share notices, celebrate birthdays, and reflect on the day before the evening activity begins.

Morning and afternoon sessions are spent in rehearsal, sectionals, one-on-one lessons or other activities based in individual programmes. Musicianship classes are in mixed groups, and offer the opportunity to explore diverse areas of music such as improvisation, conducting, Alexander technique or composition. Find out more about music at Ingenium here.

"Thank you for the most beautiful two weeks of my life ... My mind is still in Winchester, waiting for registrations and school meetings."

- Katarina, Saxophone student, Croatia

Activities and free time

After a full day's music making, evening activities give students the chance to unwind and spend time with their new friends. Our fantastic pastoral team organise an extensive range of fun activities including quiz nights, team games, talent shows, 'Crystal Maze', movie nights, discos and barbeques. Sunday afternoon activities also include team sports, swimming, tennis, theatre, dance, circus skills and arts and crafts.

"I loved the Cabaret night because everyone encouraged each other in their performing; I loved the atmosphere, and it was an eye-opener to see certain musicians blossom and share their talent with us. However the best evening by far was the Scottish dancing!!!!! That was soo fun!" - Martina, Vocal student, Italy

Accommodation

Our students are accommodated in the comfortable boarding houses of Winchester College, which provides a safe and homely environment for the four-week programme. Founded in 1382, Winchester College has over 600 years of history, and is one of Britain's leading independent schools.

The bedrooms and dormitories at Winchester have between 1 and 8 beds. All rooms and floors are single sex, and we take care that our students are placed with other students of a similar age and disposition to ensure that everyone is happy during their time with us. Our pastoral staff also reside in the boarding houses throughout the course in order to provide round-the-clock supervision and care.

This beautiful and ancient school provides both an inspiring cultural environment and excellent facilities for making music together. We can’t wait to return there this year.