A music charity for every age and background
The East London School of Classical Music is a registered charity (No. 1196175) that promotes the art and training of classical music for the public benefit, with particular support for children and families from Black and minority ethnic communities.
Since 2015
The East London School of Classical Music (ELSCM) traces its roots to 2015, when a community music initiative was established in East London as part of a Seventh-day Adventist Church Centre of Influence programme. Created to provide affordable, high-quality musical training for students of all ages and abilities, the programme quickly attracted interest from families across a wide range of communities.
In 2016, the project became known as the East London School of Music and expanded its educational activities and outreach in response to growing demand for accessible music education. As the organisation continued to grow, it was registered as an independent charity in 2021, enabling it to broaden its impact and support even more children, young people and adults through music.
Today, ELSCM provides a stimulating and supportive environment where students aged 5 through to adulthood can develop their abilities in instrumental performance, singing, composition and musicianship. Students and tutors work together in a relaxed and encouraging setting, with a focus on creativity, excellence and personal development.
As a non-profit organisation, we are committed to keeping fees affordable and ensuring that high-quality classical music education remains accessible to all. From humble beginnings as a Sunday music programme, ELSCM has grown into a thriving organisation delivering multiple year-round programmes, a student orchestra, regular concerts, examinations and performance opportunities for more than 120 students from diverse communities across East London.
Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.
We make classical training accessible to families who cannot afford lessons or instruments. Playing, singing and learning theory together also builds friendships and supports mental health and wellbeing.
Instrument fund
Quality instruments for students to practise on at home.
Space to play
Professional rooms for rehearsals, recitals and exams.
Bursaries
Direct help with tuition, exam fees and instruments.
Five venues across East, North & Central London
Hyland House School
97 Holcombe Road, Tottenham, London N17 9AB
- Free on-site parking
- Home of the Sunday tuition programme and the Generations United Classical Music Project for the Over 40s/Seniors
Clapton Community Seventh-day Adventist Church
Chelmer Road, Hackney, London E9 6AY
- Free parking at weekends; permits available on weekdays
- Ramp at the front entrance and accessible toilets at the rear
- Main church: The 950 Nelson "Catchgate" Pipe Organ
- Main church: 5ft 10in Feurich grand piano for lessons, masterclasses, exams and community concerts
London Ghana Seventh-day Adventist Church
Chadwin Road, Plaistow, London E13 8NF
- Free parking on site
- Ramp at the front entrance and accessible toilets
- Large hall used for music theory exams
- Main church used for community concerts
The Oasis Seventh-day Adventist Church
c/o Wanstead Methodist Church, Hermon Hill, London E11 2AR
- Home of the Generations United Classical Music Project for Children & Families
Central London Community Seventh-day Adventist Church (CLC)
The Advent Centre, 12 Crawford Place (off Edgware Road), London W1H 5HD
- Our new Central London site
- 5ft 10in Feurich grand piano for lessons, masterclasses, exams and community classical concerts
Performing on bigger stages
Students perform at recitals four times a year. The ELSCM Orchestra brings together players from age eight to adult, and welcomes music students from outside the school.
Through our links with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the HACS Philharmonia Chorus and the HACS Philharmonic Orchestra, students also perform at services, community concerts and national celebrations.
“We don't just teach instruments; we foster the discipline that creates leaders. Music is the medium, but excellence is the outcome.”
What ELSCM has meant to our students
Student
Emmanuel came to ELSCM through church after learning basic piano with his father. Fiona invited him to build his fluency and take up other instruments, and she now teaches him music theory.
Adult student
Karen found that it is never too late to start. Encouragement from her tutors helped her progress through theory exams and her playing, and she now assists on the Children & Families project.
Student
Emmanuella started violin and piano from nothing four years ago. With Kieron's encouragement, including lessons over Zoom while he was abroad, she is now preparing for Grade 4 violin.
Student
Michael has enjoyed every part of ELSCM: concerts, solos, new pieces and new friends, and learning several instruments alongside theory.
How we're run
ELSCM is a registered charity in England and Wales, No. 1196175, governed by a board of volunteer trustees: Doreen Ione Fray, Jason Armstrong and Emmanuel Asamoah. In July 2026 the charity completed its change of name from East London School of Music (ELSOM) to the East London School of Classical Music.
Our programmes are open to everyone, regardless of background, belief, age or ability. All tutors are DBS checked and we follow a written safeguarding policy for children and adults at risk.
Our trustees and annual accounts are published on the Charity Commission register.
Resonating greatness since 2015.