Young performers build confidence and creativity through Guildhall Young Artists residency

Guildhall Young Artists (GYA), the youth division of Guildhall School of Music & Drama, brought its specialist performing arts training to Leicester over the May bank holiday weekend, welcoming 43 young people aged 10-18 to a three-day music and drama residency designed to develop confidence, creativity and artistic skills.

Delivered in partnership with De Montfort University and National Youth Jazz Collective, the Leicester residency gave students the opportunity to work with specialist tutors from across the GYA network while meeting like-minded peers in a friendly and supportive environment.

Students could choose from one of four courses in either Music Ensemble, Jazz, Vocals and Drama, and spent three days exploring performance, storytelling and creative collaboration. Music students developed instrumental and vocal skills through hands-on performance and creative exploration, while drama students entered an energising world of storytelling, performance and creative play.

For many participants, the experience also helped build confidence and create lasting friendships:

Riya, aged 12, said: “I liked how fun it is, how nice the tutors are and how they help you and make you improve”.

Hallie, aged 11, said: “I’ve kind of learnt to not be embarrassed speaking out to other people. I’ve got more confident now I don’t feel judged and I can just be myself.”

Reflecting on the past weekend, Julie Beaman, Head of Guildhall Young Artists Online, said: “Guildhall Young Artists has had a great experience making music and drama over the bank holiday weekend, at the brilliant De Montfort University. We’ve seen students not just from GYA, but new students from the local community too, for many of whom, this was their first time accessing this provision. It’s been really rewarding to witness; not only have aspirations been raised, friendships have been made that will last long into the future. It’s our ambition to make sure that GYA, Guildhall's network for ages 4 – 18, can be accessed by all, regardless of circumstances. As Head of Guildhall Young Artists Online this is really important to me.”

Speaking prior to the residency, Professor Jonathan Vaughan FGS, Principal, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, said: "I’m very pleased to see Guildhall Young Artists taking up residency in Leicester, in partnership with De Montfort University. The city played a formative role in my own musical development, with the opportunities I received through Leicestershire’s music service setting the course for my career. As a trustee of the National Youth Jazz Collective, I'm delighted it is partnering with GYA for this exciting residency, including its brilliant Executive Artistic Director Issie Barratt, whom I've known since our time in Leicestershire's youth orchestras. I know Issie, and everyone involved in the residency, will make it an inspiring and meaningful experience for the next generation of young artists taking part."

Find out more about Guildhall Young Artists, Guildhall School's network of centres that provides inspiring performing and production arts training for children and young people.