Guildhall Artist in Performance: String Studies

Contact: music@gsmd.ac.uk

Advanced Instrumental Studies (AIS)

This course is intended for players wishing to focus their studies mainly on solo and chamber music repertoire. A variety of ensembles can be explored, along with an emphasis on individual tuition, coaching and performance opportunities. (There are a limited number of acceptances on this course, and an eventual offer of a place may therefore refer to the Orchestral Training Course.)

Audition

Candidates prepare the following:

  • two contrasting movements of unaccompanied Bach
  • a complete concerto from the standard repertoire
  • a complete duo sonata (with piano) written after 1800

The audition panel will select portions of the prepared works.

Harp and guitar applicants should prepare three substantial works from which the panel will choose portions.

Orchestral Training (OT)

String Studies

The Orchestral Training course for string players offers a varied timetable of orchestral, chamber music, historical performance and new music experience with time allowed for personal practice and the development of solo repertoire. This balance ensures that the course is appropriate not only for those anticipating an orchestral career, but also for those committed to developing all-round instrumental skills in a music college environment.

A new Centre for Orchestra at the Guildhall School was launched in 2009. This unique collaboration between the Guildhall School, the London Symphony Orchestra and the Barbican Centre provides a pioneering programme of orchestral training unrivalled in the world. With mentoring from LSO Principal players and concerts showcased in the Barbican's internationally acclaimed concert hall this extraordinary combination provides all the support and training required for the highest level of orchestral career. Click here for further information.

Alongside Centre for Orchestra the School will continue to run its regular orchestral programme. The orchestral studies programme has an international reputation. It is designed for candidates of exceptional ability, who have a good chance of entering the profession as orchestral players. You will have the opportunity to perform with the major ensembles in the School, including the Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Opera Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Contemporary Music Ensemble, and to take part in intensive repertoire sessions. You will also have regular opportunities to sit in with the London Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonia Orchestra, and to take part in the LSO/Guildhall 'side-by-side' scheme. This pioneering element to the course is sponsored by the Musicians' Benevolent Fund and involves playing in sections alongside principal members of the LSO. Concessionary tickets are also available to some LSO, BBC and Philharmonia concerts.

Audition

Candidates prepare three contrasting pieces of their own choice.

Within the postgraduate programmes, Chamber Music has been one of the most popular electives taken. Ensembles can be formed not only within the department, but also across all departments and years. Coaching is offered both by staff members and visiting guest ensembles. Opportunities for performance are considerable - from in-house concerts and masterclasses to outside engagements, community events and even Wigmore Hall workshops and concerts. Students are encouraged to pursue chamber music at this level even
if they do not nominate it as an elective.

Department of Strings teaching staff

Harp

Postgraduate harp studies at the Guildhall School combine individual teaching of the highest calibre with a stimulating and extensive harp course, designed to give students all the skills they need to be confident, versatile professional musicians.

Individual lessons are at the heart of the postgraduate course, giving advanced students the space and support to focus seriously and thoughtfully on every aspect of technique and musicianship.

Imogen Barford, Head of Harp, leads a team of distinguished professional harpists, including Charlotte Seale, Bryn Lewis (Principal Harp, London Symphony Orchestra), Helen Tunstall (Principal Harp, London Sinfonietta), Evelyn Huber (Jazz harp), and Manon Morris, each with individual areas of expertise. Their work in weekly classes covers every aspect of harp-playing, including orchestral, chamber music, practising and teaching skills, jazz and improvisation, contemporary musicianship, light music, and historical and contextual studies.

Audition
Harp applicants should prepare three substantial works, from which the panel will choose portions.

Click here for more details on Harp Studies and recent news from the harp department

Alternatively, for a copy of our Harp Studies brochure, and for all harp enquiries, please email harp@gsmd.ac.uk.

Chamber Music

Details of Chamber Music Studies

Historical Performance

Details of Historical Performance Studies