The streets were alive with the sound of music when HRH The Duchess of Gloucester visited  

Gloucestershire Academy of Music (GAM) on Saturday to celebrate the much-anticipated purchase of its city base near the Docks. Her Royal Highness also had a special message supporting the importance of music education for the young.

The Duchess’s arrival was serenaded by a trio of talented students playing on the steps of Barbican House, where Lord Lieutenant Edward Gillespie received Her Royal Highness, presenting her to new Gloucestershire High Sheriff and past GAM student Julie Kent, outgoing Gloucester Mayor Lorraine Campbell and GAM Executive Director Richard Ashton-Phillips.

The Duchess was then treated to a performance by the academy’s very youngest string players under Principal Glyn Oxley’s direction. The group performed works by Founder Caroline Lumsden, whose Musicland teaching methods have been at the heart of the academy’s success since it was set up 43 years ago.  The Duchess took time chatting to some of the 4-6 year olds, as well as two teachers, both ex-GAM students.

A short tour of the building included dropping in on lessons by Caroline and by vocal teacher Nicholas Perfect. This was followed by a massed performance of the song ‘Do-Re-Mi’ from the film The Sound of Music celebrating its 60^th anniversary and echoing GAM’s teaching system.

Taking part under Glyn’s baton were junior-age singers, intermediate orchestra players and GAM’s 60-plus strong Dementia Choir, organised by musician Becky Chevis and Jenny Harrison.

As Patron of the Royal Academy of Music and the Cathedral Music Trust, The Duchess has long championed the role of music in fostering young talent and community cohesion. Her Royal Highness also attended the reception which followed with distinguished guests, including MP Alex McIntyre, City Council leader Jeremy Hilton, GAM Patron Dame Janet Trotter and former newspaper editor and a director of Gloucestershire County Council’s Economic Growth Board Ian Mean, who commented: “The Duchess’s visit put into clear focus the need for young people to have music in their lives.”

The morning ended with The Duchess unveiling of a plaque commemorating the royal visit.

Executive Director Richard Ashton-Phillips said:  “We are delighted to have welcomed Her Royal Highness to our Academy to celebrate the purchase of Barbican House. Her visit marks a pivotal moment in the history of our organisation and we are hugely excited for our future. It means so much to all the students, staff and volunteers to have this recognition from Her Royal Highness.”

Gloucester Mayor Lorraine Campbell added: “It’s been an amazing, heart-warming day. Music is a very powerful way to unite people. I feel privileged to be here today to see the positive impact GAM are having on the community and their wonderful use of the space. I was delighted by the performance we have seen today. It was an inspired choice of music.”

Praising GAM’s outreach work was former GAM student and  High Sheriff Julie Kent who said: “Having been taught music courses by GAM founder, Caroline Lumsden, when I was just 14, it’s very emotional to see how GAM has developed over the years. It’s a joy to see the intergenerational and outreach work GAM is doing. Barbican House is in a great location in the centre of Gloucester, making it accessible to the local community.”

Photos by Anna Lythgoe for GAM 2025.