Pembroke Academy of Music
The Pembroke Academy of Music (PAM) is an open access community music education project for young people aged 7 – 14 living in and around Walworth, a neighbourhood in Southwark, South East London. PAM delivers high-quality instrumental music lessons for children experiencing socio-economic disadvantage; sessions are heavily subsidised.
Through PAM, 50 students receive 30 weeks of small-group lessons in violin, cello, trumpet, trombone, guitar, clarinet or flute. Each week, alongside instrumental tuition, students take part in musicianship classes, ensembles (string ensemble, wind and brass ensemble or guitar ensemble), choir, and composition lessons. Students can borrow instruments free of charge to practice at home.
PAM takes place between 6.30pm and 8.15pm Wednesdays during term time.
Our vision
Music is a part of all of our lives – whether we play it, relax to it, share it, make it, move to it, groove to it or find meaning in it.
That’s why Pembroke Academy of Music, or PAM, believes that all children should have the chance to engage with sustained, high-quality musical training, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
Music is not only a vital part of our lives, but it’s central to developing us as people. Our approach at PAM focuses on developing technical musical skills alongside building soft skills like teamwork and confidence. We offer more than just music lessons. Through PAM, students also enjoy:
- Two PAM concerts at Pembroke House, a student solo recital evening and informal community-based performances in Walworth
- Assistance with scholarship or bursary applications for further education
- Annual trip to Pembroke College, Cambridge University for music workshops with the Pembroke College Chapel Choir
- Trinity College Board music exams when students are ready
- Collaborative projects or workshops with professional musical ensembles and organisations such as Beat Goes On or the Multi -Story Orchestra
- Free tickets to professional music concerts
Unfortunately there are limited spaces on the programme. If you are interested, please get in touch with us throughout the year.