What are Sounds Good Music Camps all about?

The Sounds Good Music Camps are a fun, open environment for children to explore music, and have been running since 2009. Sounds Good Camps were founded by Irish Institute of Music and Song/Lark Concert Hall Founder Dr. Michael T. Dawson.

Every child loves music and we believe that every child has the potential to sing and express themselves musically. Our Sounds Good Music Camps are delivered by passionate music educators with a love of music, fun and teaching.

Children can attend camps in our campus in Balbriggan (IIMS) and in Malahide (St. Sylvester’s Parish Centre). We run camps over the Easter, Summer and Halloween Break.

Our Sounds Good Music Camps are for kids aged 7 to 12. They focus on songwriting, singing, musicianship, making new friends and having fun. The kids get to try out new instruments, do rhythm, percussion and instrumental workshops and build their confidence in performance.

Our Sounds Good Junior Music Camps are for kids aged 4 to 7. These camps focus on enjoying music through games and songs. The kids learn new tunes, try out our percussion orchestra, have ukulele and djembe workshops and make lots of new friends.

What to expect during the camp week

• Try out our percussion orchestra, ukulele, djembe and more!

• Learn pop songs, make a band and write your own original song

• Workshops by industry leaders e.g. bodhrán workshop by World Bodhrán Champion, Niall Preston, Singing with Dr Michael Dawson, award winning conductor and Dr Rebecca Gilbert, champion barbershop singer and director of our IIMS Children’s Chorus.

• Each camp ends with a showcase concert in which the kids get to show their family and friends what they have learned during the week

• Our Balbriggan campers get the opportunity to perform on The Lark stage.

No previous experience is required! All we ask for is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

♫ Learn from our fantastic team!
♫ Start your own band!
♫ Write your own songs!
♫ Make Friends!
♫ Play lots of musical games!
♫ Learn how to improve your voice!
♫ Overcome stage fright!

Everything we do has an educational goal, which is fulfilled through fun activities. Music, after all, is something you play.

Here is some feedback from previous campers:

"Alessia absolutely loved the camp! Would definitely recommend."

"Michael and Zach have been singing the songs non-stop at home. Very happy kiddies!"

"Thank you for organising a brilliant camp! Kaifina had a great time and learned a lot in such a short time!"

Our Team

Our team of music educators are professional, qualified, and experienced tutors. They are passionate about providing children with fun-filled musical education.

​Each camp will be staffed by multiple teachers, camp leaders, group leaders and helpers, all of whom are specialists in various aspects of music. Our teachers are carefully selected to facilitate the widest range of musical experiences, from multi-instrumentalists to conductors, rock musicians to composers, choral singers to operatic soloists.

The Sounds Good! Music Camp enriches children of all ages with the love of music.

If you are interested in working with us as a Camp Leader, please email info@iims.ie!

Terms and Conditions

Dangerous, rough or harmful behaviour is not tolerated at Sounds Good Camps.
We have a strong Anti-Bullying ethos at the Irish Institute of Music & Song and any rough or harmful behaviour whether in jest or otherwise will not be tolerated. Students may be asked to leave the camp without refund if they are found to be bullying or harming other children.

​We expect all of our camp students to treat each other, our staff and the musical instruments they are using with respect. Anyone found to be breaking these rules, or any of our musical instruments may be asked to leave the camp without a refund. 

COVID: Any child with symptoms of COVID, with a positive COVID test result in the last 7-days or awaiting results of a COVID test should NOT attend camp.

If a child becomes unwell during the camp-day we will contact their parent/guardian via the emergency contact number supplied and ask them to bring that child home.

Cancelled Camps: In the event of a camp being cancelled by us, relevant fees will be refunded or a place at another camp offered. 

Cancelling Your Camp Order: If you need to cancel your camp order, please get in touch at info@iims.ie. 
If you cancel your booking within 2 weeks of the camp, we will be able to offer transfer of the booking to another week or use your order credit for other events at the IIMS e.g. lessons, concerts etc. 
If you cancel your booking with more than 2 weeks to go, we will be able to offer a full refund of your camp fee.

Once the camp week has begun, no refunds are possible for that week. 

Full information will be sent out to all participants before the camp begins. 

Please Note: Our Sounds Good Camps are open and inclusive camps. We aim for each child to have a positive experience with music and friends, whatever their level of ability. Our camp activities are delivered in groups and we do not have availability of individual instruction for children. If your child has a designated SNA in school or attends a special school, they will need a support person with them at camp. Please contact us directly if booking with an SNA

Stay Safe & Well. 

Sounds Good! Team ​