Music
Bachelor of Music honours degree
Introduction to the programme
- 4 years (full-time)
- 395 students/250 staff
- 850 applicants/94 places
- validated by City University, London
The closing date for applications for 2012 entry has now passed.
Dates of Open Days for 2013 entry
23 Oct: Electronic Music, Composition and PG Leadership
31 Oct: Music Therapy
9 Nov: Jazz
21 Nov: Wind, Brass and Percussion
26 Feb 2013: Vocal and Opera
21 March 2013: Strings and Keyboard
Contact: music@gsmd.ac.uk
The programme at a glance
- The programme focuses on the artistic and professional development of each individual.
- Central to the programme is one-to-one tuition together with tutorial support. This ensures individual attention for each student from the outset.
- At least two-thirds of the programme is directly connected with Principal Study development, with a degree of flexibility in the remainder for students to create individual pathways.
- The programme recognises the importance of individual practice, study and reflection. Each student has a role and responsibility to shape their personal identity as a musician and to influence the collective artistic identity of the School.
- The programme builds on the School’s international reputation for research in two specific areas: audience engagement with performance, and the social impact of outreach.
Principal Study
Principal Study and performance lie at the core of the learning experience at the Guildhall School.
Principal Study is available in:
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophones
Piano, Fortepiano, Harpsichord
Jazz: Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar/Double Bass, Drums, Voice. Other instruments by negotiation.
In the undergraduate programme, at least two-thirds of the credit of each year is focused on Principal Study. You will have at least 30 individual lessons a year. In addition, each department arranges instrument-specific training: song, language and movement classes for singers, Bach and sonata classes for string players, keyboard experience and duo classes for pianists, compositional techniques and workshops for composers/electronic musicians, and a wide range of solo and ensemble work in the wind and percussion department such as percussion ensemble, horn club and recorder consort.
Performance is central to the programme for everyone.
In certain circumstances, it is possible for you to take the Joint Principal Study option, which involves auditioning on and following the programme for two of the Principal Studies listed. However, because of the rigorous nature of this course students are initially enrolled on a single Principal Study and their suitability to undertake the JPS option is assessed during their first two terms at the School.
External Engagements
As part of your development as performing musicians, you will be encouraged to undertake performances outside the School provided that they are compatible with your studies. The Music Office arranges over 600 events per year; in addition, students make their own contacts. The promotion and presentation of an external event is a compulsory part of the Year 4 Professional Practice module.
“ You have access to some of the best musicians in London and all the knowledge they have about their profession. ”
Thanihan Jeyapalan
BMus Bassoon
“ I've had amazing masterclasses with great musicians such as Richard Goode and Paul Lewis. ”
Grace Yeo
MMus Piano
“ A world-class staff, whose dedication and passion inspire students to achieve their utmost potential. ”
Anna Anandarajah
BMus Vocal Studies
“ The performance opportunities available through Guildhall are second to none, and act as a springboard into the profession. ”
Edward Pick
Postgraduate Piano
“ The School’s reputation of providing world-class tuition and support for every student has proved to be true – I have been supported every step of the way. ”
Ben Gernon
BMus Tuba
“ I am thrilled with my teacher; every session confirms the decision to be here studying with him. ”
Charlie Mellor
MMus Opera Studies
“ It’s amazing to be learning from some of the leading figures in the contemporary music scene, teachers who constantly inspire and who truly wish you to succeed. ”
Sylvia Lim
BMus Composition
Copyright ©2010 Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Silk Street, Barbican, EC2Y 8DT Tel +44 (0) 20 7628 2571 Fax +44 (0) 20 7256 9438
