Professional development department

Contact: professionaldevelopment@gsmd.ac.uk

The Professional Development Department works with students to increase their awareness of the professional world and equip them to be successful professional practitioners. Students develop the full range of skills required by musicians in today's society, including entrepreneurial expertise, instrumental/vocal teaching and learning skills and intra/interpersonal social skills.

Students visit, perform and lead workshops in schools, community groups, hospitals, prisons and performance venues such as the Wigmore Hall and LSO St Luke's. There are also opportunities for inter-disciplinary projects with the Royal College of Art, London Contemporary Dance School and the Drama Department at the Guildhall School.

Performance Matters (Year 1)
A combination of lectures, seminars and practical workshops that explore 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 wellbeing, performance psychology, improvisation, collaboration and communication skills. This programme in 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 or workshop 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.