Postgraduate 

At Masters level, WBP students study for the MMus or MPerf qualifications on the Guildhall Artists Masters programme. The Masters programme has two distinct specialisms: Orchestral Artistry and Advanced Instrumental Studies. Both study specialisms provide 45 individual principal study lessons, regular instrumental classes, mock auditions, performance platforms, masterclasses and chamber music coaching, and options to work on contemporary music and historical performance repertoire. All students receive mentoring support, and classes in professional skills to prepare them for the profession. 

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

The new Orchestral Artistry specialism builds on the international reputation of the old orchestral training course and the success of the Centre for Orchestra at the Guildhall School (which 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. 

It is designed for candidates of exceptional ability, who have a good chance of entering the profession as orchestral players. You will have opportunities to perform with the major ensembles in the School and to take part in intensive repertoire sessions. In addition to this, you will have regular opportunities to take part in the LSO/Guildhall and Philharmonia 'side-by-side' schemes. This unique learning experience involves playing in sections side-by-side with members of these world class orchestras, as well as receiving coaching on major repertoire from them. The schemes are sponsored by the Musicians Benevolent Fund.  

Advanced Instrumental Studies

This advanced performance pathway is for talented students to develop their individual artistic voice. The expectation is that students who take this pathway come with a high level of instrumental ability and musical understanding, and a broad understanding of repertoire for their instrument. The intended focus of study is discussed at audition and interview, whether it be solo playing, chamber music or contemporary repertoire. 

Chamber Music

This is a specialised route 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 route 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. 

Other areas of study that Wind, Brass and Percussion players may be interested in:

Historical Performance Studies

Chamber Music Studies

Recent Department Highlights 

Masterclasses with:

Flute Walter Auer, Emily Beynon, Stefan Hoskuldsson, Lorna McGhee  
Oboe Nicholas Daniel, Laszlo Haddady, Jonathan Kelly, Alexei Ogrintchouk 
Clarinet Mark Nuccio, Andrew Marriner, Antony Pay, Andreas Sunden 
Bassoon Andrea di Flammeneis, Rachel Gough, Gustavo Nunes, David Petersen, Julie Price 
Saxophone John Harle, Raaf Hekkema, David Roach
Recorder Robert Ehrlich, Catherine Fleming
Percussion Paolo Cimmino, Colin Currie, Tom Greenleaves, Chris Lamb
Horn Phil Myers, Jasper de Waal, Raimund Zell
Trumpet Alison Balsom, Thierry Caens, Philip Smith
Trombone Joe Alessi, Ron Barron, Aline Nistad, Jorgen van Rijen 
Tuba Oysten Baadsvik

Other highlights:

• Audition masterclasses with LSO players for Woodwind, Brass and Percussion
• The Geoffrey Gilbert Flute Room was opened in May 2009 in memory of former professor Geoffrey Gilbert who taught James Galway and William Bennett. The room houses Gilbert’s personal collection of music and scores 
• Guildhall Brass Ensemble Recording of Gilson’s La Fanfare Wagnerienne in a new performance edition by Eric Crees is due for release in summer 2012 
• Concert series of performances by department ensembles include King's Place, pre-LSO concerts in the Barbican Centre, Saxophone Ensemble’s UK cathedral series, performances in the BBC Total Immersion contemporary series

Recent Student Successes 

Sarah Brown (BMus Clarinet) and Mana Shibata (MMus Oboe) Selected for LSO Wind Academy 2011 

Raymond Hearne (BMus Tuba) Winner of 1st Prize at the Newark Brass Festival Competition 

Liz O’Brien (BMus Bassoon) Winner of the McCullough Cup and RTÉ Lyric FM Award 

Joseph Ryan (BMus Horn) Winner of the Yamaha Brass Prize and Royal Dublin Society Music Award 

Holly Reardon (MMus Bassoon), Emma Whitney (MMus French Horn) Winners of Countess of Munster Musical Trust Awards 

Alumni include 

Philip Cobb (Trumpet 2009), Joint Principal Trumpet, London Symphony Orchestra 
Clare Robson (Flute 2006), Northern Sinfonia, Principal Flute
Angela Barnes (Horn 2005), London Symphony Orchestra 
Elspeth Dutch (Horn 2002), City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Principal Horn
Alison Balsom (Trumpet 2001), international trumpet soloist and winner of Best Female Artist, Classical Brit Awards 
Chris Richards (Clarinet 2001), London Symphony Orchestra, Principal Clarinet
Joby Burgess (Percussion 2001) 
Cormac Henry (Flute 2000), Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Principal Flute
Gareth Davies (Flute 1994), London Symphony Orchestra, Principal Flute
Sarah Willis (Horn 1990), Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, 4th Horn

Four out of five principal trombone positions in the London orchestras are held by Guildhall School alumni.