The Conservatoire, creative Organisation in Blackheath
Arts & Culture

The Conservatoire

Blackheath

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A music and art school for all ages on Lee Road, Blackheath, run as a charity since 1896, with over 800 classes a week, one-to-one lessons, holiday courses and ABRSM exams.

The Blackheath Conservatoire is a registered charity that has been teaching music and art in Blackheath since 1896, serving the boroughs of Lewisham and Greenwich. With more than 800 individual and group classes each week, taught by over 130 professional artists and musicians, it welcomes learners at every stage, from babies at six months to adults, and from complete beginners to those working towards a professional level.

It began as a genuine grassroots project. In 1881 local residents formed the Blackheath, Lee and Lewisham School of Art, and by buying shares in a company set up by local resident William Webster, a chemical engineer, violinist and painter, they funded the building of the Conservatoire of Music, opened in 1896, and the School of Art a year later. Both buildings were designed by Edmeston and Gabriel and were Grade II listed in 1992, and together with the neighbouring Blackheath Halls they form the oldest surviving purpose-built arts complex in London. For much of their history music and art were run separately; today they are one organisation.

Children progress through Discovery and Foundation classes into one-to-one lessons, choirs and ensembles, and can then specialise, while adults come for lifelong learning, with many art classes offering drop-in options. There are holiday courses in the school breaks, ABRSM music exams on site, and a programme of public events. The Conservatoire offers free places too, and its main entrance is step-free, with wheelchair-accessible teaching spaces and studios.

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Classes

Products & Services

Group courses in music and art

Weekly group courses in music and art for all ages, from six months to adults; nearly all open to beginners.

One-to-one music tuition

Individual lessons with professional musicians. Enquiries: tuition@conservatoire.org.uk.

Adult art classes

Art classes for adults, many with drop-in options.

Holiday courses

Half-term and holiday courses for children aged 3 to 14, with some for adults.

ABRSM exams

ABRSM music exams held at the Conservatoire.

Support the Conservatoire

Support a charity that offers free places and arts education for all.

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