Violin • Viola • Cello • Double Bass • Guitar • Harp • Lute • Viols 

Individual lessons and masterclasses • Chamber music • Orchestra • String Ensemble 

Emphasising individual tuition underpinned by chamber and orchestral coaching, the Department of Stringed Instruments is led by Louise Hopkins supported by a staff of pre-eminent performers and teachers. David Takeno is the School’s first International Chair of Violin. Chamber music is timetabled on a weekly basis and support is given within the department to help form groups. A variety of coaches are invited, and additional coaching, usually with visiting groups, is offered to those ensembles showing the highest potential. Although departmental groups form the mainstay of activity, cross-departmental groups are also encouraged.

Since 2009 orchestral training has focused around the Centre for Orchestra programme and is further enhanced by many international conductors and guest artists visiting the School. In recent years these have included Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Colin Davis, George Benjamin, James MacMillan, Anthony Marwood and Vasily Petrenko.

Postgraduate

Advanced Instrumental Studies (AIS)

This specialism 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 specialism, and the programme team may discuss other options with you.) Students on this pathway often choose to include study on baroque instruments as a part of their programme.

Orchestral Artistry in association with the London Symphony Orchestra (subject to validation)

The new Orchestral Artistry specialism for string players offers a varied timetable of orchestral, chamber music, historical performance, interdisciplinary practice 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.

The 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. 

International Orchestras

Along with sectional rehearsals and mentoring provided by members of the LSO, the Centre for Orchestra also facilitates access to the expertise of international Associates of the Barbican Centre (New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra) during their scheduled residencies in London. This extraordinary combination of private lessons, specialised coaching and concerts showcased in the Barbican's internationally acclaimed concert hall provides all the support and training required for the highest level of orchestral career.

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. 

In addition to Centre for Orchestra with the LSO, students are given the opportunity to participate in the Philharmonia's side-by-side scheme. 

Chamber Music

This is a specialised pathway where the main focus is on the development of core chamber music skills. Regular coaching is provided by a mixture of departmental staff and visiting artists. This pathway is designed both for individual students and existing groups, already having considerable chamber music experience, so that they can develop their skills to a professional level.

Harp

Individual Lessons • Masterclasses • Chamber Music • Orchestral and Repertoire Studies • Jazz, Early and Contemporary Harp • Teaching Skills

The Harp Department combines 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.

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), Dr Andrew Lawrence-King (early harp), Monika Stadler (jazz harp), 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.

Regular masterclasses are given by guest harpists pre-eminent in the UK and abroad. Recently these have included: Nancy Allen (US), Marisa Robles (UK/Spain), Isabelle Perrin (France), Helga Storck (Germany), Erika Waardenburg (The Netherlands), and Letizia Belmondo (Italy).

Postgraduate harp studies at the Guildhall School are tailored to the precise needs of each student.

Read more about the programme 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. 

Guitar

Individual lessons and masterclasses

The Guitar Department offers comprehensive training at the highest level in both solo and chamber music performance.

The course is led by the eminent and highly experienced international soloists, Robert Brightmore and David Miller, and takes advantage of David Miller’s expertise as one of Britain’s most distinguished early music specialists. William Carter teaches plucked instruments as well as core subjects in the Department of Historical Performance.

The central part of the course is the solo repertoire of the last four centuries. During the second year students also take theorbo lessons which lead to continuo work. In years 3 and 4 chamber music and concerto playing are essential parts of the syllabus.

During the course there will be frequent performance opportunities and masterclasses by pre-eminent guest guitarists.

Recent Alumni Successes

Francesco Scelzo 1st prize,  Ivor Mairants Guitar Competition, London 2012
David Miller Ravish’d with Sacred Extacies CD, Supersonic Award by Pizzicato Magazine, 2010
Ahmed Dickenson Ahmed Dickenson plays Ñico Rojas CD, winner of Best Instrumental Soloist & Best Instrumental Album categories, Cubadisco 2009 (Cuban Music Record Industry Awards)
Jorgen Skogmo 1st prize, Bath International Guitar Competition 1999; 1st prize, Ivor Mairant Guitar Competition, London 2002; Certamen Internacional de Guitarra Classica Francisco Tárrega (Benicassim, Spain), Finalist and Premio del publico prize winner 2005.


Other areas that string players may be interested in:

Historical Performance Studies

Chamber Music Studies