Through work with the Creative Learning Division, students have the opportunity to increase their awareness of the professional world and become better equipped for working as successful professional practitioners.  Through a variety of classes, seminars and placements, as well as curating their own projects, the students develop a range of skills such as entrepreneurial awareness, instrumental/vocal teaching skills and communication skills, which in today’s society are considered essential for any successful, versatile artist. 

The Creative Learning Division involves staff from both the Guildhall School and the Barbican Centre. This link enables students to meet and work first hand with leading arts practitioners in a variety of contexts as well as unique opportunities to take part in productions and large scale performances at the Barbican.  

Each student focuses on their individual plan for a portfolio career which can span across performance, process, training, teaching, different art forms and a range of environments and is led by  entrepreneurial spirit and creative ways to use their principal study. 

There are opportunities to:

• Perform at the Barbican and beyond 
• Plan, deliver and facilitate workshops and projects in a range of community contexts across East London 
• Collaborate with other students across artforms on projects inspired by the Arts Programme at the Barbican  
• Introduction to the arts within healthcare and special needs contexts as well as opportunities in venues such as the Wigmore Hall, LSO St Luke’s in addition to the Barbican itself.

Performance Matters (Year 1) 
This course, delivered through lectures, seminars, mentoring and practical workshops, explores the broader skills needed by professional musicians. The course seeks to orientate students, helping them to understand the contexts in which musicians work. Areas explored include health and well-being, performance psychology, improvisation, collaboration and communication skills. This programme is underpinned by regular mentoring sessions led by Principal Study professors in which issues pertinent to the course are discussed. 

Professional Studies (Years 3 & 4) 
Preparing students for their professional lives, this course combines seminars, tutorials and practical tasks. Entrepreneurial skills are fostered through the Independent Performance Project which provides students with an opportunity to devise, market and evaluate an external performance event that they put on. Skills and knowledge related to teaching are developed through regular lessons, observations and hands-on teaching experiences. The programme culminates with students creating a professional portfolio which includes career plans, biographies, websites and other publicity materials that they can use once they leave the School. Integral to the course are weekly seminars led by guest speakers and regular mentoring sessions carried out by professional musicians. 

Collaborative Skills / Workshop Skills (Optional Electives) 
These modules seek to develop the wider musical and collaborative skills that many musicians draw upon during their professional careers. Students have opportunities to undertake inter-disciplinary and cross-sector projects, using their musical skills in a wide variety of contexts. Combined, these modules create a comprehensive three-year programme for students interested in work beyond the concert platform.

Performance Matters, Collaborative and Workshop Skills and Professional Studies are delivered by the Creative Learning Division.

Contact:
Programme Coordinator
Naomi Nathan
Tel: 020 7382 5264
naomi.nathan@gsmd.ac.uk