Focussing on children and adult amateur musicians, it runs year round weekend courses, an extensive series of education projects with Somerset schools and a Young Artist programme.

It was established in 1993 by Mezzo-soprano Maureen Lehane at her home in Great Elm, a village close to the Somerset town of Frome.

[1] Her desire was to spread education as well as enjoyment of Classical music, which required a building and led to the purchasing of the Great Elm Coach House by local philanthropist Rosemary Bugden.

[6] Starting in 1992, the Great Elm Vocal Award was founded in memory of Peter Wishart, a composer of songs for classical voice.

[10] The Award has supported many accomplished singers of Opera including Amanda Echalaz, Dawid Kimberg, Madeleine Pierard, Anna Devin, Christopher Maltman and Andrew Kennedy.