Professional Development

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.

Work in this area is led by Creative Learning, a department involving staff from both the Guildhall School and Barbican. This link enables students to meet and work first hand with leading arts practitioners in a variety of contexts. There are opportunities to visit, perform and lead workshops in schools, community groups, hospitals, prisons and to perform in venues such as the Wigmore Hall, LSO St Luke’s and the Barbican. The department also leads a number of inter-disciplinary projects with other organisations such as the Royal College of Art, London Contemporary Dance School, and internally with the Drama Department at the Guildhall School.

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.

Department of Professional Development teaching staff

Contact:
Department of Professional Development Administrator
Jose Martins
Tel: 020 7382 7199
jose.martins@gsmd.ac.uk