Junior Guildhall Prospectus 2020
CONTENTS
About
Welcome 4 Leadership and Teaching Staff 6 Collaboration 10 Recent student success 10 Alumni 12 Courses
Music Course Jazz Programme Kindergarten Course Brass and String Training Programmes Drama Course
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Information
Visit us How to apply Finance and funding Dates for the diary
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ABOUT
Welcome to Junior Guildhall
Guildhall School of Music & Drama is one of the world’s leading conservatoires and drama schools. Located in the heart of London, studying in this culturally rich and dynamic environment is a unique experience. Junior Guildhall is the specialist pre-conservatoire department of the Guildhall Young Artists division (GYA). This division includes Centre for Young Musicians (CYM) London, the London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO) and Regional CYM Centres across the UK which, together with Creative Learning, provides opportunities for over 2,500 young people to find their creative voice. Taking place on Saturdays, Junior Guildhall provides access to world-class facilities where students work with outstanding teachers and world-renowned artists. The School offers advanced training to young people between the ages of 4 and 18, which they are able to combine with their general education. Our training prepares talented musicians, singers, composers and actors to access Higher Education courses in their chosen discipline, if that is their wish. Some Junior Guildhall students have gone on to reach the very peak of their chosen professions to become household names. Others use their craft behind the scenes to help bring performances to stage and screen. Regardless of their ultimate direction, students find that the professional artistic environment of Guildhall School provides them with valuable life skills and the means to develop their individual talents to the full. The atmosphere at Junior Guildhall is infectious and full of energy, and many students and staff travel long distances from across the UK and beyond to attend. Students develop their talents to their full potential, nurtured by expert teaching staff in a creative and supportive environment. We welcome talented young musicians and actors from all backgrounds and have funding available to support those who may need financial assistance to attend. Most importantly, students make lifelong friends and, for many, Saturday is the highlight of the week. Please come and visit us and be inspired to apply to take the next step on your creative journey. We look forward to meeting you. Alison Mears
Director of Guildhall Young Artists and Safeguarding
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Leadership Junior Guildhall has over 120 experienced and inspirational teachers, many of whom are members of major professional orchestras in the UK. Many also teach undergraduate and postgraduate students at Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
Senior Management Team
Alison Mears BMus (Hons) PGCE FGS FISM
Rosie Whitfield ARCM DipRCM PGCE BIFF
Director of Guildhall Young Artists and Safeguarding
Head of Junior Guildhall
Nigel Springthorpe PhD BMus FLCM
Paul Whitmarsh MA MMus
PGCert RCM PGCE
Head of Academic Studies
Head of Junior Music Courses
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William Bruce ARCM
Robert Porter GGSM LRAM
Head of Strings
Head of Wind, Brass & Percussion
Coordinators
Spencer Down BMus
Jeffery Wilson GRSM
Rob Farrer LGSM BMus
Brass Coordinator & Brass Training Programme Coordinator
Composition Coordinator
Percussion Coordinator
Shelagh Sutherland ARAM LRAM MSTAT
Marilyn Rees BMus
Jonathan Taylor BA MA
Piano Coordinator
Vocal Coordinator
Jazz Coordinator
Oliver Weston BA PDMPerf
Peter Esswood ARCM
Cyrilla Rowsell BEd Adv Dip
Jazz Coordinator
String Chamber Music Coordinator
(British Kodรกly Academy)
String Training Programme Coordinator
Alasdair Middleton
Drama Coordinator 7
Teaching Staff Music Course Conductors Brass Band & Wind Orchestra
Spencer Down BMus Choirs
Daniel Turner MA(Oxon) MMus Marek Maryniak Dip Mus Th ALCM MSc
BA PGCE
String Ensembles
Julian Clayton Gonzalo Acosta Symphony Orchestra
Julian Clayton Spencer Down BMus Associate Conductor Music Course Teaching Staff String Chamber Music Consultant
Jeremy Menuhin Coaches
Gonzalo Acosta Patricia Birchall ARCM BMus Rebecca Breen Emanuela Buta MA DipRAM LRAM Eulalie Charland BMus MMus Peter Esswood ARCM Felicity Lipman LRAM MSTAT HonFRAM Belinda McFarlane BMus Alfia Nakipbekova Maureen Parrington ARCM Margaret Powell DSCM ASCM John Rogers LRSM LTCL BSc DipRCM(T & Perf) MMus
Viola
Trombone
Eulalie Charland BMus MMus Boris Kucharsky* ARCM MM AD Sebastian Müller BMus Ivo Stankov LRAM PGDipRAM RCSM (Madrid) Robert Turrell FTCL LTCL Faith Whiteley LRAM
Rob Burgess GGSM Susan White BMus MMus
Cello
William Bruce ARCM Oliver Gledhill PhD MA(Mtpp) PGCA ARCM Selma Gokcen BMus MMus DMA Tim Lowe* BMus MMus Alfia Nakipbekova Stefan Popov* FGS Margaret Powell DSCM ASCM Gillian Thoday LRAM Daisy Vatalaro BA MA Double Bass
Percussion
Rob Farrer LGSM BMus Glyn Matthews AGSM Piano
Frances Angell Katarzyna Borowiak MA (Fr Chopin Cons)
Premier Prix GSM
Andrew Bottrill GGSM Premier Prix MA Alexander Boyd AGSM Stephen Coombs* MA ARCM ARAM Joan Havill* FGSM ARCM LRSM Chenyin Li DMA MMA MMus Premiere
Prix PGDip BMus
Zoë Mather AGSM Sanae Nakajima Gareth Owen BMus PGDip MMus Lucy Parham*AGSM Premier Prix
Harp
Helen Reid* MA ARCM Laura Roberts* AGSM Elizabeth Rossiter BMus MMus PGDip MMP Michael Schreider MA PhD Melanie Spanswick MMus GRSM
Ruth Faber ARCM Charlotte Seale ARCM Premier Prix Guitar
Matthew Robinson BMus MPerf Flute/Piccolo
Caroline Li BMus PGDip LRAM Lisa Nelsen BMus PGDip Kate Walter MMus BMus Oboe/Cor Anglais
(Concert Recital Diploma)
DipRCM ARCM (PG)
Shelagh Sutherland ARAM LRAM STAT Voice
Marilyn Rees BMus Rachel Sherry BA MA LRAM ProfCert
TLHPE FHEA
Rachel Broadbent BMus Rebecca Wood BMus PGDip Orch Training
Conducting
Clarinet/Bass Clarinet
Composition
Neyire Ashworth AGSM Advanced
Violin
Bassoon/Contra Bassoon
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Martin Knowles AGSM
Elizabeth Hosford GGSM LGSM Colin Paris* Eloise Riddell MA BMus LRAM ATCL Martin Rosso* MMU (consultant)
David Spencer BMus GRNCM Robert Turner Robert Turrell FTCL LTCL Gonzalo Acosta Anna-Liisa Bezrodny BMus MMus PGDip Patricia Birchall ARCM BMus Eulalie Charland BMus MMus Ralph de Souza* Alda Dizdari BMus MMus Ruth Hahn AGSM Advanced Solo Studies Boris Kucharsky* ARCM MM AD Felicity Lipman LRAM MSTAT HonFRAM Sebastian Müller BMus Akiko Ono Krzysztof Smietana* FGS David Spencer BMus GRNCM Ivo Stankov LRAM PGDipRAM RCSM (Madrid) Sara Trickey BA PGDip Robert Turrell FTCL LTCL Faith Whiteley LRAM
Tuba
Solo Studies Dip
Derek Hannigan AGSM LRSM Peter Sparks Rosemary Cow Robert Porter GGSM LRAM Saxophone
Christian Forshaw* BMus Sarah James BMus LRAM DipRAM Trumpet/Cornet
Eleanor Lovegrove BMus Andrew Mitchell ARCM Gerry Ruddock French Horn
David Bentley GGSM ARCM Euphonium
Spencer Down BMus
Scott Wilson BMus MMus Michael Christie ARCM Marek Maryniak Dip Mus Th ALCM MSc
BA PGCE
Rhiannon Randle MA(Cantab) MA(GSMD) MPhil
Paul Whitmarsh MA MMus Jeffery Wilson GRSM Musical Awareness Resources Coordinator
Michael Christie ARCM Musical Awareness
Michael Christie ARCM John Dack BA PhD PGDipMIT MSc MMus MA Joy Ellis CertGSMD(P), BA, MMus Marek Maryniak Dip Mus Th ALCM MSc
BA PGCE
Adam Osmianski Rhiannon Randle MA(Cantab) MA(GSMD) MPhil
Susannah Self ARCM MPhil Paul Whitmarsh MA MMus
Electronic Studio
Seth Scott BMus Alexander Technique
Karin Brown Accompanists
Jane Beament LRAM GRSM John Flinders BA LGSM Magnus Gilljam PGDip Louisa Lam BMus MMus LRSM Jazz Programme Teaching Staff Jazz Saxophone
Oliver Weston BA PDMPerf Jazz Trumpet
Byron Wallen*
Rachel Good AGSM CKME Anneke Hodnett BMus MMus Josephine Hughes-Chamberlain LRAM Angelique Lihou BMus MMus AdvCert Anita Memmott BA MA Salome Rateau DE, DSNPM, MA Julia Stewart AGSM Susan White MMus BMus(Hons) Violin
Patricia Birchall ARCM BMus Rachel Cooper BA(Hons) MSc Vanessa David AGSM Rachel Good AGSM CKME Salome Rateau DE, DSNPM, MA Julia Stewart AGSM Viola
Adam Osmianski
Vanessa David AGSM Rachel Cooper BA MSc Salome Rateau DE, DSNPM, MA
Jazz Piano
Cello
Jazz Drum Kit
Joy Ellis CertGSMD BA MMus Jonathan Taylor BA MA Jazz Choir
Oliver Gledhill PhD MA(Mtpp) PGCA ARCM Josephine Hughes-Chamberlain LRAM Angelique Lihou BMus MMus AdvCert
Joy Ellis CertGSMD BA MMus
Double Bass
Jazz Musical Awareness
Elizabeth Hosford GGSM Eloise Riddell MA BMus LRAM ATCL
Adam Osmianski Jonathan Taylor BA MA Oliver Weston BA PDMPerf Big Band Conductor
Oliver Weston BA PDMPerf
Harp
Ruth Faber ARCM Anneke Hodnett BMus MMus Charlotte Seale ARCM Premier Prix Guitar
Jens Franke BMus PGDip MMus Brass & String Training Programmes Teaching Staff
Trumpet
Eurythmics
French Horn
Kaye Barker Jonè Girdzijuakaite Anita Memmott BA MA Mary Price O’Connor BA
Jack Pilcher May BMus(Hons)
Kodály
Lucy Barlow BA (Hons) Oxon Esther Hargittai Cyrilla Rowsell BEd Adv Dip
(British Kodály Academy)
Christine Wrigley BMus DipRAM ARCM
PGTC PDC
Choir
Robert Domingue BMus(Hons) MA
Euphonium/Tuba
Spencer Down BMus Trombone
Susan White MMus BMus(Hons) Piano
Lorraine Banning Dip ABRSM perf, Dip
ABRSM CTABRSM MISM
Daria Bitsiuk Jack Lambert BMus MMus LRAM Elenlucia Pappalardo BMus MMus PGDip
Esther Hargittai Ensemble
Patricia Birchall ARCM BMus Rachel Cooper BA (Hons) Msc Vanessa David AGSM Robert Domingue Spencer Down BMus Peter Esswood ARCM Jens Franke BMus PGDip MMus Oliver Gledhill PhD MA(Mtpp) PGCA ARCM
String Training Programme at Felsted School Teaching Staff
Ensemble
Sarah Harris Sylvia Mann LRAM PGCert(MT) Dominic Bentham Violin
Sarah Harris Daniel Pukach Viola
Sarah Harris Daniel Pukach Cello
Sylvia Mann LRAM PGCert(MT) Double Bass
Dominic Bentham Piano
Julia Johnson BA HUM DIP (Pianoforte)
DIP (Music Theory)
Riyad Nicolas BMus MA LRAM Drama Course Tutors
Alasdair Middleton Maggie Zolinsky
Administration staff Administrative Manager
Christopher Poon Executive Assistant to the Director of Guildhall Young Artists & Safeguarding/Senior Junior Guildhall Administrator
Paula Duff FGS GYA Administrator
Barnaby Medland BMus MA LRAM Music Officer
Rachael Bull BMus James Wilson BA Fiona Myall BA MA Administrative Assistant
Helen Jorgensen Partnership Manager
Rob Farrer LGSM BMus Spencer Down BMus
Eurythmics
Anna Carstea Kodály
Katie Holmes
* Indicates a teacher who teaches Junior Guildhall students during the week but not on Saturdays
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Collaboration
The School continues to seek ways to collaborate and has established a number of partnerships to enhance the Junior Guildhall student experience. Partnerships include ABRSM Barbican City of London School for Girls European String Teachers Association Felsted School National Youth String Orchestra Whitgift School
For more information, please visit our website at gsmd.ac.uk/juniorpartnerships
Big Gig
A collaboration with the ABRSM and led by Lincoln Abbotts (Executive Director, Strategic Development at ABRSM) and conducted by Spencer Down (Junior Guildhall Associate Conductor), the Big Gig project provides regular free workshops for people of all ages and abilities. These provide the opportunity for all family members to make music together and create a world premiere performance! You don’t need any musical experience or an instrument to take part. If you would like to be kept informed of future workshops, please email junior@gsmd.ac.uk.
“The Big Gig is about bringing everyone and everything together, Music of all kinds, people of all ages and performers at every level [who] create something new – original music full of energy and purpose.” Lincoln Abbotts Executive Director: Strategic Development at the ABRSM
Recent Student Success
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Reflecting the role of Junior Guildhall as a centre of excellence and a training ground for the next generation of solo artists, orchestral musicians, composers and teachers, many Junior Guildhall students take part in performances and competitions across the UK and abroad. Recent successes in major competitions and international concerts include:
Leia Zhu (age 13)
“Junior Guildhall Music Course suits me because it is broad and varied, but also has lots of space to make it my own. The atmosphere is family like, despite the size of the institution.” Leia
Described as a ‘Wunderkind ‘ in German media, in 2019 Leia embarked on a two-week, six-city tour of Israel with the Tel Aviv Soloists Ensemble, and she has previously toured Switzerland and Germany with the Festival Strings Lucerne. In Summer 2019 Leia made her solo debut with the Mariinsky Orchestra in the Bolshoi Theatre in St Petersburg, playing the Tchaikovsky Concerto. While in Autumn 2019 Leia performed the Saint-Saëns and Sibelius concertos in Portugal and Switzerland. Leia is now represented by Harrison Parrott.
Violin Competition in Belgium and the Grand Prix Virtuoso Competition in the Musikverein, Vienna, receiving both 1st Prize and Most Promising Young Musician Prize. Older sister Emma was finalist in the Anton Rubinstein International Violin Competition in Dusseldorf. She was also awarded the NCO GB Vivienne Price Memorial Prize for the best audition performance for the Main Orchestra (Dec 2018). Lilly Vadaneaux (age 17)
Emma (age 14) & Sofia (age 11) Demetriades
“For me Junior Guildhall is a very special place and full of like-minded people who enjoy making music together. I have many very good friends here.”
First study composer Lilly Vadaneaux has had a string of awards since 2013. Amongst these, Nocturne no.4 was commended at the 2016 BBC Proms Inspire Composition Competition. Lilly was Winner of the 2016 Clarinet and Saxophone Society of Great Britain Composition Competition, open to composers under 30. She was winner (18 and under) of the NCEM Composers Award 2018 with Bridge of Sighs, which was broadcast on the BBC Radio 3 Early Music Show. Commissioned by the West Wicklow Festival, The Cloths of Heaven (for soprano and piano) was also Highly Commended in the 16 to 17year category at the BBC Proms Inspire Composition Competition 2019.
Emma In July 2018 Emma and Sofia Demetriades both reached the final of the Ilona Feher International Violin Competition in Budapest. Sofia, the youngest competitor in the entire competition, was awarded joint winner. She also won second prize in the Postacchini International Violin Competition in Fermo and first prize in the Leonid Kogan International
“Junior Guildhall is very supportive for my musical growth. It lifts me up! I particularly enjoy chamber music here: we always have a laugh while doing some pretty serious work.” Sofia
“My composition studies at Guildhall have given me the perfect combination of freedom, guidance and inspiration, from always encouraging teachers.” Lilly
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Alumni Past Junior Guildhall students have gone on to a wide range of careers in classical music, drama and other genres. Previous Junior Guildhall students include:
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Thomas Adès
Alison Balsom
Composer
Trumpet Soloist
Douglas Booth
Gareth Davies
Actor
Principal Flute, LSO
Dido
Myleene Klass
Pop Singer
Pianist and Presenter
Lucy Parham
Tyler Rix
Pianist
Saxophonist and Song Writer
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COURSES
MUSIC COURSE
About our Music Course
This comprehensive programme is carefully designed to give students a balanced exposure to the discipline of music through individual instrumental lessons, chamber music, orchestras, choirs, workshop activity, classes and frequent performance opportunities. An exciting curriculum, combined with the School’s modern facilities and professional staff, creates a unique environment for aspiring performers. With a timetable tailored to their individual needs, students receive the type of considered personal attention from which young musicians benefit. There are approximately 290 students who attend the Music Course, which runs from 8am to 6pm on Saturdays. All students receive an individually constructed timetable. There are compulsory activities and a number of optional classes and lessons. The length of each student’s programme will, therefore, depend on the number of optional activities chosen. First study lessons can be provided in the following:
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Bassoon
Guitar
Trombone
Cello
Harp
Trumpet
Clarinet
Horn
Tuba
Composition
Oboe
Viola
Double Bass
Percussion
Violin
Euphonium
Piano
Voice
Flute
Saxophone
“Junior Guildhall has fostered my personal musical development through its combination of stellar and inspirational one-to-one lessons and enriching and educational group classes, all the while delivering an incredibly high standard of music from all of its countless ensembles; places of such a kind are few and far between, and I am very thankful for all the opportunities Junior Guildhall has given me.� Kilian 17
Highlights •
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Optional second study instrumental lessons are available.
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Weekly Musical Awareness classes develop aural perception, creativity and general musical knowledge and lead to the Junior Guildhall Higher Certificate in Music examination, which is usually taken in Year 11. Students in the Upper School (Years 12 &13) are offered a range of optional classes including an A-level Support Class, Jazz, Conducting and an Electronic Studio Class.
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Students receive 30 one-to-one instrumental or vocal lessons over the academic year for a minimum of 40 minutes per week with a specialist teacher.
The Chamber Music Programme develops high-level musical and life skills through the rehearsal and performance of chamber music.
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Specialist classes, ensembles and workshop opportunities relevant to their student’s instrument or voice.
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Constructive feedback through annual Platform Performances and Formal Assessments.
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Optional Alexander Technique lessons or classes with a specialist Alexander Technique teacher focus on posture and well-being.
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Additionally, students on the Music Course may engage in jazz studies by taking one-to-one jazz lessons as an extra study and/or participating in Jazz Workshop, Big Band and Jazz Musical Awareness (Years 12 & 13).
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Career advice and guidance is provided by the Senior Management Team.
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Junior Guildhall offers a direct entry route to the second year of the Guildhall School’s BMus course (BMus2) for students with exceptional performance and academic ability. Students are selected by the Senior Management Team.
Ensembles & Workshops
Performances
For each subject there are specialist classes, workshops and ensembles. All students are expected to attend at least one ensemble or workshop activity which is directly relevant to their first study subject. These include:
Performance is a central part of our work at Junior Guildhall and there are over 100 student concerts a year including Public Concerts, Student Recitals, Chamber Concerts, informal Open House Concerts and Second Study Concerts.
Orchestras
Junior Guildhall Symphony Orchestra Strings
Junior String Ensemble Intermediate String Ensemble Junior Guildhall String Ensemble String Chamber Music Viola Class Bass Class Harp Ensemble Guitar Workshop Piano
Piano Workshop Piano Ensemble Piano Sightreading Class Woodwind, Brass & Percussion
Junior Guildhall Brass Band Wind Academy Wind Orchestra Brass Ensemble Brass Quintet Wind Chamber Music Saxophone Ensemble Flute Class Oboe Class Clarinet Class Bassoon Class Trumpet Class Trombone Class Horn Class Tuba Class Percussion Ensemble Big Band Voice
Vocal Workshop Other Ensembles
Chamber Choir (SSA) & Boys' Choir (by audition) Junior Choir Jazz Workshop Composition Workshop Contemporary Ensemble
Students have made television and radio recordings and external performances have taken place at Barbican Hall, Fairfield Halls, Royal Albert Hall, Wales Millennium Centre, St James’s Piccadilly, St John’s Smith Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Snape Maltings Concert Hall, the Southbank Centre, St Lawrence Jewry, Bishopsgate Institute, Charlton House, Regent Hall, West Road Concert Hall and at Thaxted Festival. Advanced students are given the opportunity to give concerto performances with one of Junior Guildhall’s ensembles or to give solo recitals. Concert tours are sometimes organised, the most recent being to Spain, Scotland and Devon. Visiting artists
Masterclasses and workshops are given by distinguished visiting artists and by members of Junior Guildhall professorial staff. They include guest performances, masterclasses, ensemble coaching and composition projects. Recent guests have included members of the London Symphony Orchestra, David Waterman and members of the Royal Opera House, Thomas Adès, Oystein Baadsvik, Jeff Bradetich, Iain Burnside, Charles Castleman, Peter Donohoe, Philip Fowke, James Galway, Bernard Haitink, John Harle, Paul Harris, Andrzej Jasinski, Jens Lindemann, Frank Lloyd, Ronan O’Hora, Gregg Patillo, Michael Seal, Dominic Seldis, Bobby Shew, Weidong Tong, Raphael Wallfisch and Mark Wigglesworth.
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JAZZ PROGRAMME
About our Jazz Programme
Designed for specialist jazz musicians, Junior Guildhall’s Jazz Programme delivers a full understanding of jazz performance. This exciting course, run by Jonathan Taylor and Oliver Weston, gives students the type of considered personal attention from which young musicians benefit, each student with a timetable tailored to their individual needs. The holistic and structured programme provides opportunities for the young player to develop their skills and grounding in jazz. All students follow a core course of compulsory activities (two lessons on the first study instrument, Jazz Ensemble, Big Band and Musical Awareness classes) as well as a number of optional classes that are common to Music Course students. Some individual lessons are delivered from 5pm on a week day. First study lessons can be provided in the following:
Bass Guitar*
Piano
Tuba*
Double Bass*
Saxophone
Voice
Drum Kit
Trombone*
Guitar*
Trumpet*
*These instrumental lessons are usually delivered Monday–Friday from 5pm.
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Highlights
Performances
The specialist Jazz Programme includes:
Performance is a central part of the training at Junior Guildhall. Specialist jazz students will have the opportunity to perform in Big Band and in their ensemble group, with many concerts taking place in Milton Court.
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First study jazz lesson – 30 one-to-one lessons per annum with a minimum length of 40 minutes
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Extra Study classical lesson (same instrument as the jazz lesson) – minimum length 30 minutes but can be extended
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Jazz Ensemble with students of a similar standard with opportunities to record and play in external venues
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Big Band
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Musical Awareness Classes (for students in Years 8 to 11)
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Jazz Musical Awareness Classes
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Students may also be able to engage in non-jazz activities available to all Music Course students, subject to ability and timetable
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An Intermediate Course for students with less direct jazz experience
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Jazz Choir
Advanced students are given the opportunity to give ensemble group performances in external venues such as the Barbican, 606 Club and Vortex Jazz Club.
“Saturday is my favourite day of the week: I love every minute of it. I feel extremely lucky to do so many exciting musical activities in a day, in such a friendly and supportive centre of excellence. I cannot imagine my life without Junior Guildhall!� Helgaud 23
KINDERGARTEN COURSE 24
The Kindergarten Course (for children in Reception Year (fifth birthday between 1 September – 31 August) and Year 1) is a self-standing course in its own right, which sits under the umbrella of the Brass and String Training Programmes. The Course consists of classes in Kodåly and Rhythmics. Our Kindergarten Course is designed to be fun and is regarded as an adventure by children and parents alike allowing children to enjoy their first musical experience through class work. The games and exercises employed are designed to make learning fun within a structured environment. We also hope that the classes inspire the desire to be involved in music-making and the course provides a highly effective platform from which children move onto the study of an instrument.
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BRASS & STRING TRAINING PROGRAMMES
Junior Guildhall provides training programmes for beginners or recent starters in Years 2 to 6 on brass and string instruments. The programmes take place on Saturdays in the School’s John Hosier Annexe, which offers a secure environment for young children. The children receive 30 lessons in each subject over the academic year. There are also a few extra Saturdays on which teachers can offer make-up lessons. There are approximately 160 students across the two programmes and the teaching takes place between 8am and 5pm. Instruments taught are violin, viola, cello, mini bass, harp, guitar, french horn, trumpet and trombone (and tuba for the older children). External applications are accepted from Year 3.
Highlights •
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The programme provides children with: - an integrated programme embracing Kodály, Dalcroze, ensemble training and instrumental tuition - an enjoyable first experience of music-making - a good grounding in basic musical skills - a firm technical grounding on their chosen instrument - fun and games in group musicmaking Musical and technical aspects of learning an instrument are delivered in a way that is fun, drawing on games and exercises that stimulate the children while allowing them to learn in a structured manner
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Learn from teachers who are specialists in their given area of teaching and have a working knowledge of the other disciplines being taught. All staff are highly qualified and experienced teachers
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By the end of the training programmes, children will have learned a series of musical skills which they will be able to apply to their instrumental studies. The children are all encouraged to work to their fullest ability and those who show particular talent and commitment to their musical studies can audition for a place on the Junior Guildhall Music Course
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The set course fee covers a 20-minute one-to-one lesson over 30 weeks (which increases to 30 minutes in Year 3), a Kodály class, a Rhythmics class, an ensemble and choir for members of Years 5 and 6
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Extra study piano lessons can be requested
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It is possible to buy or rent instruments very reasonably and the School will help with relevant information
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Get feedback from teachers via an annual report
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Receive guidance from the Head of Strings on progress and next steps
Junior Guildhall String Training Programme at Felsted School, Essex
In addition to Junior Guildhall’s highly successful String Training Programme in London, a similar programme is established at Felsted School in Essex that allows children to follow the same course in the excellent facilities of the Felsted School music department. Instruments taught on the programme are the violin, viola, cello and mini bass with piano available as an extra study. When applying online, please ensure that the ‘Felsted School courses’ option is selected.
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DRAMA COURSE
The ethos of the Drama Course is to develop the imagination and the senses through improvisation, drama games and techniques, with a gradual emphasis on dramatic skills. The course is open to students between the ages of 13 and 18. Approximately 50 students attend the course on Saturdays which offers two classes, both of which provide a platform for talented young people to develop expressive and communication skills. Highlights •
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We offer two classes based on age and experience over 33 Saturdays each year: - Single Class: 9–10.45am. Entry is by audition. Training is skills-based with an equal emphasis on solo and ensemble work. - Double Class: 10.45am – 3pm (including a lunch break). Entry is by audition for newcomers or by recommendation by the tutor for students in the Single Class. The course builds on the skills developed by students in the Single Class and encourages a mature in-depth work approach by the participants. Additionally, long-term projects. This class can complement a student’s GCSE and A-level drama courses. Both classes give performances of their work at the end of each term. These are called Showings; the 9am class presents a Poetry Showing and the 10.45am class a Drama Showing.
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The tutors are always available to discuss a student’s progress and aspirations, or to offer help and advice regarding approaches to auditions.
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Ensemble playing and solo work allow students to develop their physical, vocal, critical and interpretative skills while exploring their creative and expressive capacities. All aspects of story-telling techniques are explored, including music, as well as various styles of performance and presentation. Students work not only with the resident tutors but also with visiting composers, playwrights, choreographers and actors.
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Opportunities for music and drama collaboration. Previous performances have included Masada, Romeo & Juliet and Swan Lake.
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INFORMATION
Visit us
ngel
Junior Guildhall does not provide a specific open day. We welcome visitors on most Saturdays and provide an individually tailored timetable to allow applicants to experience a typical day in the life of a Junior Guildhall student. To book a visit please email junior@gsmd.ac.uk.
Junior Guildhall
Come to a Junior Guildhall Concert
By underground/train
You are most welcome to attend any of Junior Guildhall’s concerts or productions. All events are listed on the Ang CIT website: gsmd.ac.uk/events el YR OA D
Barbican, Moorgate, Liverpool Street, St Paul’s and Bank stations are all nearby.
TREET BATH S
How to find us
Guildhall School of Music & Drama Silk Street, Barbican London EC2Y 8DT Telephone 020 7382 7160 Kindergarten and Brass and String Training Programmes 020 7382 7158 junior@gsmd.ac.uk gsmd.ac.uk/juniors
By bus
Bus numbers 4, 43, 55, 76, 100 and 153 stop nearby.
Students with special educational needs and disabilities
By road
The School entrance is in Silk Street. The Barbican Centre has a number of car parks and on Saturdays there is a flat rate charge. ET STRE OLD
If a student has a disability or special needs, parents are encouraged to visit the School to discuss their child’s needs.
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“Guildhall School of Music & Drama provides several wonderful opportunities, including expressing my musicianship in a stimulating learning environment alongside other talented musicians. It also offers a variety of interesting classes that help to build a confident relationship with music.� Madeline
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How to apply The closing date for applications is 1 March 2020 for entry in September 2020. Applications open on 7 January 2020 and can be made using our online application form, a link to which can be found on the Junior Guildhall website. An audition fee will be required. For further information, visit gsmd.ac.uk
Percussionists should present, where possible, three pieces, one on each of Entry is by competitive audition. the following instruments: tuned Applications are accepted from 7 January percussion, timpani and snare drum. for entry the following September Orchestral repertoire is not considered and the closing date for applications is suitable. The total performing time 1 March. The main audition period is should not exceed ten minutes. Less from 8 February to 25 April for entry advanced or young players may offer in September 2020 but applications only one or two of these instruments, for entry at other times of the year will but this should be agreed with the always be considered. All audition dates School in advance of the audition. are made at the discretion of the Head of Junior Guildhall to allow the convening Composers should send copies of three of their recent compositions to the of specialist panels. Junior Guildhall Office. They will Auditions are scheduled on any day from then be invited to an interview where Monday to Saturday. Panels will usually candidates should be ready to play a be chaired by either the Head of Junior prepared piece on an instrument of their Guildhall or the Head of Junior Music choice, do some sightreading and simple Courses along with the relevant specialist improvisation tests. Questions will or head of department. While auditions be asked and tests given to ascertain a are highly competitive, it is difficult to student’s level of general musicianship. offer advice about the required standard beforehand. The panel will be looking Consultation lessons for potential as well as achievement and Consultation lessons with a member dedication. As a rough guide, candidates will normally have attained a standard of of the School’s teaching staff can be about Grade 5 distinction at the age of 10 arranged for students who have been offered a place on the Music Course. and Grade 8 distinction by the age of 16. It is not necessary to have taken any grade There is a charge for this facility. examination before the audition. Preaudition sessions are available to provide Accompanists prospective applicants with advice. Junior Guildhall will provide an Candidates are assessed in five basic accompanist for auditions, if relevant areas of performance, covering musical for the first and/or second study awareness, quality of sound, accuracy, instrument, unless the candidate would communication, and control of prefer to use their own accompanist. instrument. Students are requested to bring a list to the audition of pieces to be performed and scales and arpeggios to be asked to play. Music Course
Audition requirements
1. First study: two contrasting pieces 2. Second study (optional): one piece 3. Scales and arpeggios appropriate to standard 4. Sightreading 5. Questions may be asked and tests given to ascertain a student’s level of general musicianship Exceptions
Singers are not expected to sing scales and arpeggios but should bring to the audition a prepared short prose or poetry reading from memory.
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Specialist Jazz Programme Audition requirements for first study jazz musicians (not including drum kit)
1. A jazz standard of the candidate’s choice including improvisation 2. Improvisation on a 12 bar blues in C, F or Bb major (concert pitch, key chosen by audition panel) 3. One classical piece on the same instrument of the candidate’s choice 4. Jazz scales 5. Sightreading (chords and/or notation) 6. General questions Audition requirements for jazz drum kit
The candidate will be asked to demonstrate a variety of jazz skills on the drum kit: e.g. different tempos, feels and grooves to include swing in 4/4 and 3/4, ballad feel, latin, bossa nova, funk and straight 8s. In addition, candidates should prepare: 1. One notated piece of the candidate’s choice on either snare drum or drum kit 2. Snare drum rudiments to include five stroke, long roll, flam tap, and triple ratamacue NB: Percussion instruments will be available at the audition although candidates are advised to bring their own sticks, cymbals and any other appropriate equipment. Should the candidate wish to use a backing track it is their responsibility to provide the track and playing device.
Kindergarten Course, Brass & String Training Programmes Reception & Year 1*
There is no audition procedure and no prior musical training is necessary to start the Kindergarten Course. However, there are a limited number of places available for each year group (Reception Year and Year 1). Entry into Reception Year is by random selection. The closing date for applications is 1 March for entry the following September. Year 2*
For entry in September 2020, children will be invited from Year 1 of the Kindergarten Course to attend Year 2 of the Brass and String Training Programmes following internal teacher assessment. *Reception Year children are those who have their fifth birthday on or between 1 September and 31 August, Year 1 are those who have their sixth birthday on or between these dates and Year 2 are those who have their seventh birthday on or between these dates. Applications for Entry into Year 3 to Year 6
It is sometimes possible for children, particularly those interested in mini bass and brass instruments, to enter the programme in Year 3 upwards. However, places are very limited. Following application, a formal audition will be arranged. It will generally be expected that a child who is already learning an instrument should be prepared to play two contrasting pieces, a few scales, sightreading and to answer some general questions to establish level of musicianship. While auditions are highly competitive, it is difficult to offer advice about the required standard beforehand. The panel will be looking for evidence of musical potential, ability to concentrate and the level of development of motor skills.
Drama Course
The Drama Course has an informal audition procedure that takes place once a year in the Spring term. Candidates will be asked to attend the School on a term time Saturday to take part in a group audition which will include a physical warm up and candidates may be asked to improvise. Following the audition, there may be a recall process and successful candidates will then be invited to attend either the 9am class or the 10.45am class for a probationary term. Once audition dates have been allocated, candidates will be invited to audition and will be provided with further information. Information for all courses Late applications
Late applications will generally be considered. However, there may be a delay in arranging an audition date. We do try to hear all applications but cannot guarantee a place even if the student is of our entry level. In such cases, students may be placed on a reserve list. A limited number of places are available for the Kindergarten Course and String Training Programme taking place at Felsted School. Audition results
Results are sent directly to the parent/ guardian as soon as possible after the audition period. Pre-audition advice
Junior Guildhall offers pre-audition advice with specialist teachers for prospective students. This will normally be a one-to-one session but the student’s parent/carer may also attend. The teacher may offer advice on musical interpretation and technical set-up and indicate whether the students is suitable for a Junior Guildhall audition. Please note that any indication given is not a guarantee of passing an audition.
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Finance and funding Scholarships and bursaries are available for students and aim to accommodate all talented students regardless of their ability to pay.
Bursaries & Grants
Scholarships
The School makes strenuous efforts to help all applicants in need of financial support. All bursaries are awarded on a means-tested basis. Applications should be received by 1 May for students entering in the following September.
Scholarships are awarded to outstanding musicians either through the entrance audition or, in the case of existing students, through Junior Guildhall assessment procedures. No application is required.
Students receive financial support through a number of charitable trusts and organisations including the Leverhulme Trust, Wolfson Foundation, the Ruth David & John Beckett Bursary.
Most scholarships are worth between £250 and £1,000.
National Grants for Music and Dance
These grants are funded through the Department for Education’s Music and Dance Scheme. They are intended for young musicians aged 8 to 16 with exceptional potential and dedication who do not have the financial means to access the best available training.
Please see our website for details of the City of London School for Girls and Felsted School Scholarships. Fees
A list of up to date Junior Guildhall fees can be found on our website at gsmd.ac.uk/youth_adult_learning/ junior_guildhall/finance_and_funding
Students offered places on the Music Course or Jazz Programme are eligible for National Grants. Application for all sources of financial support are made through the Junior Guildhall Bursary Scheme.
Dates for the diary
Application deadlines for September 2020
Term dates 2020/21 Autumn Term
All courses:
Applications open Applications deadline
7 January 1 March
Audition Dates Music
Mid-February – mid-April
12 September to 5 December Half term: 24 October Make-up: 12 September & 5 December Spring Term
9 January to 27 March Half term: 13 February Make-up: 27 March
Drama
Mid-February – mid-April
Summer Term
24 April to 10 July Half term: 29 May Make-up: 5 June
Photo Credits Paul Cochrane Nina Large Timothy Soar Matthew Brookes Kayt Jones
Disclaimer Junior Guildhall has made every effort to ensure that the information provided in this prospectus is both helpful and accurate at the time of publication. Nevertheless, some information may become outdated or the details may have changed. Please check our website for the most up to date information gsmd.ac.uk © Guildhall School of Music & Drama 2019
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Guildhall School is provided by the City of London as part of its contribution to the cultural life of London and the nation.