Colston Hall

Colston Hall is Bristol’s largest concert hall, presenting concerts and entertainment by major names in rock, pop, jazz, folk, world and classical music, stand up comedy and light entertainment, as well as local choirs, orchestras and schools.

Our audiences have been enjoying music here since 1867 and the building remains at the heart of cultural life in the city. In 2013 so far we have hosted music from the likes of Emile Sandé, Richard Hawley, Robert Plant and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra; comedy from Harry Hill, Jimmy Carr and Billy Connolly; as well as being a key player in many of Bristol’s wider events including the Bristol International Jazz & Blues Festival, Slapstick Festival and Doors Open Day.

Our imposing and iconic foyer has made Colston Hall an architecturally significant and striking addition to Bristol’s skyline and befits the many fantastic performers who play here. With a café bar, roof terrace, conferencing and education facilities, plus disabled access to all floors we offer a top quality experience to all our visitors.

We can work with you and your students to help enrich your school’s musical offer. Learn more about the music industry, explore creativity and gain a qualification in the process; from OCN to Arts Awards. We are always open to innovative ways of working together. If you have anything in mind that isn’t listed below, please get in touch and arrange to meet us to discuss your ideas.

At Colston Hall

Tours

Get to know Colston Hall – have a tour tailored to your school’s specific needs. See the backstage areas of the Hall, visit the green room and dressing rooms where stars such as The Beatles, The XX and Rizzle Kicks have hung out and performed.

Talks

Have a talk by a key member of our operational, programming or marketing teams – discover what is involved in the running of a concert venue and the find out about the specific roles involved.

Workshops

We provide a variety of bespoke workshops from songwriting to drumming to rock band sessions, DJ and music production and technology based ensemble work.

At your school

Project based learning

We can work with whole year groups over a period of time to deliver a topic-based project linked to your curriculum. Our Music Leaders will work with your students to produce pieces of music related to a specific area of study. These pieces can then be performed at Colston Hall.

Small group tuition

We are able to offer regular small group instrumental tuition. This can range from Rock Band workshops to short, technical and creative sessions.

Alternative Education Provision

Our alternative education provision is split into two categories: Different Class and Step Up.

Different Class

Different Class is a programme for 12-16 year olds who are at risk of disengaging with formal education. It consists of weekly 2.5 hour sessions during school time, and is based at the Unicorns Studios, Colston Hall. Participants work one to one, in small groups, and in larger ensemble groups towards an Arts Award or other accreditation. Additional one to one targeted mentoring is also offered.

The programme aims to provide effective accredited prevention and early intervention music activities at key stage 3 and 4 in order to successfully re-engage participants in formal education, training, or employment.

Activities include:

• Musical technology
• Live instruments
• MCing and DJing
• Music Industry advice and guidance
• Individual development plan

Step Up

This is a primary to secondary school transition programme, to help children adjust to ‘big school’. The programme includes sessions based at the primary school during terms 5 and 6 and a week-long summer school in the secondary school.

Areas we focus on include:

• Improving self-confidence and motivation
• Improving performance and presentation skills
• Developing creativity
• Improving team-work/social skills

Activities include:

• Getting to know the layout of the new school
• Writing a song
• Trying a variety of musical instruments
• Engaging in different musical games
• Learning how to use music technology
• Performing a song to an audience

One to one mentoring

All the work we do is underpinned by a desire to empower the people we work with. All of our staff are trained music based mentors with advanced communication skills and emotional intelligence. We are able to provide additional one to one mentoring alongside any activity. We can work with you or your students towards personalised learning goals using a variety of strategies.