Opportunities to perform

Throughout the year, there are several of opportunities to perform at concerts and community events, giving everyone the chance to showcase how much progress they’ve made and how great they sound on their instruments!

These performances aren’t just about the music, they’re a wonderful way to celebrate achievements, share your love of playing with others, and build confidence in a supportive setting. Whether it’s your first time on stage or you’re returning after years away, each event is designed to be enjoyable, uplifting, and a real boost to your musical journey.

Eastbourne Music Tuition’s Concerts

Our Bi-Annual Concert is always a special occasion, where pupils come together to perform for their family and friends in the welcoming performance setting. It’s a lovely opportunity to celebrate everyone’s progress and share the joy of music with a supportive audience.

In our Spring 2026 concert we raised a whopping £260 for the Alzheimer’s Society through the generous support of local businesses, friends and family.

Eastbourne Festival of Arts

This is usually our first competition of the year. Performing on stage at the Hippodrome theatre was an exciting opportunity this year. The raked (sloping stage) certainly added some challenge.

Here Nabi has a quick run through of one of her 6 pieces, prior to the class opening.

Oakland Care home performance

May 2026 saw us play in a local Care Home in Eastbourne.

These concerts bring so much joy to the residents, many of whom have a deep love of music and wonderful memories connected to it. For our players, it’s a chance to share music in a meaningful way, brighten someone’s day, and experience how powerful and uplifting music can be for both the audience and the performers. This year the residents presented certificates to our smaller performers.

A collage or images taken at a care home with cross generation of pupils dressed smartly. A group photo with one holding a flute and another a music folder. Photos of children and an adult sat at the piano. A child holding a certificate.

Maidstone Music Festival

Each November a few pupils go to Maidstone. Some enjoy the festival buzz, the deadline to do their best, the day’s adrenaline, and helpful feedback from an adjudicator — and maybe a cup, trophy, medal or certificate. It’s a chance to show your work and let your hard work and passion shine.

7 year old girl in smart pink dress with shiny shoes stands proudly beside a shiny black grand piano. She holds a certificate.

Nabi is used to the spotlight and confidently plays the piano, even though her feet don't yet reach the floor or pedals.

A smart looking man, with suit and black tie, beard, tash and mid length hair neatly swept back sicks proudly holding 3 medals displaying suggest 1st place in 3 music categories.

Jake plays his flute at festivals often prior to his exams. He returns inspired to learn new tunes and with tips to improve his performance.

Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival

The 2026 Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival was another great performance opportunity for our piano, flute and sax players.

All pupils who take part receive certificates and personal feedback from the adjudicators. It’s a fantastic opportunity to perform in front of a live audience, often on beautiful grand pianos – an inspiring and confidence-boosting experience for every musician with a focus being on younger players, but presenting some open age classes.

In 2025 Nabi was invited to perform at the prestigious GEMS concert which is only for a select few. Performing, on a grand piano on stage in front of a packed auditorium such an incredible dream come true.

2026 Nabi returned to the GEMS concert to receive her awards having come first in some of her classes.

Empty stage with a grand piano on the left and a table with awards or trophies on the right, illuminated by blue lighting, in an auditorium at the Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival.
A table covered with numerous shiny trophies and awards, illuminated by blue lighting, with a sign reading 'Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival' on the front of the table.
7 year old Nabit stands on stage at Gems concert beside the major in adorned with his chain of office.
7 year old girl in pretty white skirt, cardigan and black school shoes stands in a theatre in front of rows of empty chairs. She proudly holds a silver cup.

SPRINGBOARD -Brighton & Hove Performing Arts Festival

Piano and Woodwind syllabuses available from September.

Concerts and Competitions FAQs

Q: What’s the difference between a competition and a festival?
A: Competitions often involve rankings, prizes, and formal judging. Festivals focus more on participation, feedback, and celebration of music.
Some events blend both—I'll help you choose what suits your style and goals.

Q: Who can enter?
A: Most events welcome all ages and levels. Some are graded by ability, others by age group or instrument. I’ll guide you to the right category.

Q: What do I need to perform?
A: Usually:

  • One or two prepared pieces (sometimes with time limits)

  • A copy of your music for the adjudicator

Q: Can I use my own instrument?
A: Flute & Saxophone: Yes—bring your own instrument, reeds (always have a spare reed on the go in case of emergencies), and accessories.

Piano: The venue provides a piano. There may well be a separate warm-up practise room with piano, but it is unlikely that you will get to play on the actual piano before you perform. It may well be a grand piano or be a on castors (so a bit higher), so it’s good to take every opportunity to play your tunes on different pianos before the event, so it’s less worrying.

Q: Do I need an accompanist?
A: Some pieces require accompaniment. Backing tracks may be allowed—check the event rules.

Q: Do you offer transport?
A. The venues can we some distance away, but no I do not offer any form of transport. Families usually travel to the festivals for the day, and it does cost extra for them to spectate. A parent must remain with their own child at all times, until they perform. Sometimes there is a gap between your classes, so be prepared with a picnic or maybe change of clothes to nip to the local park or soft play between performances. Whilst, I try to attend festivals and competitions I can not promise to be at everyone and for every class. With wind pupils and piano pupils the classes can be over different days, making it impractical for me to attend for the whole event.