Guildhall Young Artists Online Music Course
Our Music Course for ages 11–18 will see you take part in a variety of weekly music classes and one-to-one tuition, wherever you are in the world.
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About the Music Course
Key information:
- Age:
- 11–18
- Art form:
- Music
- Fees:
- £600 or £535 per term
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (under 18)
- Mode of study:
- Online
- Contact details:
- gya-online@gsmd.ac.uk
About the Music Course
Unleash your creativity with our Music Course for ages 11 to 18. Designed for all levels of experience, our Music Course will see you take part in a variety of weekly music classes and one-to-one tuition, wherever you are in the world.
Choose from one of three classes in Music Theory, Singer Song-writing and Folk, or for those aged 14 and above, with previous experience, choose from a class in Composition, Music Production or GCSE Music.
In addition, you will receive a weekly 30 minute one-to-one instrumental or vocal lesson and weekly one-hour group Musical Awareness class.
Course Outline
Choose from Music Theory, Singer Song-writing, Folk, Composition, Music Production or GCSE Music, as part of the Music Course. Find out more about each class, including age requirements, below.
Each term will focus on a new topic within your chosen class. We recommended that you join us for a minimum of three terms in order to have a good understanding of your subject.
If you are interested in a class but unable to attend on the advertised day, please get in touch with us at gya-online@gsmd.ac.uk. With sufficient interest we may be able to offer classes on alternative days.
In addition to your chosen class, you will receive a weekly 30 minute one-to-one instrumental or vocal lesson and weekly one-hour group Musical Awareness class. Find out more about these below.
Dates & Times
This class currently runs on a Wednesday, 5–6pm
If you are not able to attend on this day, please get in touch with us at gya-online@gsmd.ac.uk and we may be able to accommodate you.
About
An online and speedy way to get over the finish line for your ABRSM Grade 5 Theory examination. Study with friends and make new ones from around the world in group lessons led by specialist teachers from our Guildhall Young Artists network.
Who is it for?
For those looking to prepare for their ABRSM Grade 5 Theory exam and/or supercharge their understanding for GCSE and other music examinations.
This course is suitable for both beginners and those with more experience. Students will be placed in classes based on experience and ability. If students are ready to take the exam before the course end date, they will be offered an alternative class the following term.
What can I expect?
Dynamic group sessions led by our Guildhall Young Artists teachers will expertly guide you through the syllabus for ABRSM Theory Grades 1 to 5.
Students will interact and contribute answers online, as well as using manuscript paper and written publications to develop their understanding and musical literacy.
Past paper exam preparation and walk-throughs will be conducted, and students will have individual feedback on mock examinations.
At the end of the course students with no prior experience can expect to be around Grade 3 standard and students with experience of Grade 3 can expect to be around Grade 5 standard.
Please note that class content could be subject to change.
About the Course Tutor
Tim Cunningham teaches aural and general musicianship at London’s Centre for Young Musicians, part of the Guildhall Young Artists network, whilst pursuing a variety of freelance vocal work and theatre composition.
Tim Cunningham has over 15 years’ experience as a choral director, composer and educator, which includes working on two community operas with the Royal Opera House. He studied classical composition at Guildhall School of Music & Drama and he also has a physics degree from King’s College London.
Do I need anything?
• An email address
• A reliable internet connection
• A computer/laptop/tablet with a microphone and a camera.
• Your browser fully updated to be able to use the most recent version of Zoom (if using an Apple device we recommend installing an alternative browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla).
• Manuscript paper and a pencil
• You may be sent a physical copy of Music Theory books (these will be included in the course fee)
Please ensure you are able to work in a well-lit and quiet environment so that your tutor is able to fully assess your work and performance.
Dates & Times
This class currently runs on a Tuesday, 6–7pm
If you are not able to attend on this day, please get in touch with us at gya-online@gsmd.ac.uk and we may be able to accommodate you.
About
Learn to write and sing your own songs and discover which type of songwriter you are. If you have never written anything before you will be given the tools to get started and learn strategies to beat writers block.
Who is it for?
Anyone aged 11–18, who would like to learn how to write and sing their own songs. Playing a chordal instrument would be beneficial but not essential eg. guitarists, piano players and ukulele players. Students will be placed in classes based on experience and ability.
What can I expect?
Each week you will be given practical exercises and tools to create or develop your own songs.
Course outline
Term one:
You will begin to understand what kind of singer songwriter you are and how to link your lyrics to melodies in your song-writing journey. You will learn tools to get your original ideas flowing and craft lyrics that have depth and meaning.
Term two:
You will analyse the lyrics and structure of classic songs. You will learn how to hold motifs and create hooks for a good chorus.
Term three:
You will learn how to arrange songs for a band, how to add harmonies and write parts for brass and strings.
By the end of the course you will:
• Know how to write your own songs
• Identify chord progressions utilised in hit songs and how they might inform your own song-writing
• Know how to combine lyrics and melodies to create a compelling narrative in your music
• Identify key features used in hit songs and how to use them in your own
Please note that class content could be subject to change.
About the Course Tutors
Jonny McCourt
Jonny McCourt is Head of Guitar at London’s Centre for Young Musicians, part of the Guildhall Young Artists network, and has been teaching songwriting for the past 15 years. He has recently been appointed Head of Music at The British School of Guangzhou, China, which is affiliated with the Juilliard School of Music in New York and Tianjin.
Joy Ellis
Joy Ellis is a jazz pianist, singer and composer based in London. Joy’s third album ‘Peaceful Place’ was released to critical acclaim in March 2022 and due to the hugely positive reception of the album, Joy will be touring with the trio again in Autumn 2023/Spring 2024 to promote the album’s re-release on vinyl.
Do I need anything?
• An email address
• A reliable internet connection
• A computer/laptop/tablet with a microphone and a camera.
• Your browser fully updated to be able to use the most recent version of Zoom (if using an Apple device we recommend installing an alternative browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla).
The following items are recommended, but optional:
• Headphones
• Manuscript paper and a pencil
Please ensure you are able to work in a well-lit and quiet environment so that your tutor is able to fully assess your work and performance.
Dates & Times
This class currently runs on a Tuesday, 6.30pm–7.30pm
If you are not able to attend on this day, please get in touch with us at gya-online@gsmd.ac.uk and we may be able to accommodate you.
About
This class is a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the traditional music of the British Isles and further afield.
Who is it for?
Anyone aged 11–18 who would like to develop and compose their own folk songs and learn about the history and traditions of folk music. You will develop your aural skills and deepen your understanding of musical structure.
What can I expect?
Expect to be brought together as a community in this class whilst you listen to and learn a variety of tunes from different times and places.
At the end of the three terms, you will be able to analyse and define different folk genres and will feel confident with creating your own folk melodies.
Course outline
Term one:
Your tutor will source folk songs from different parts of the country and the world, depending on the location of the participants. By the end of the first term, you will learn to play or sing several of these songs.
Term two:
You will learn about ornamentation (the embellishment of a melody, by adding notes) and its place within folk music. As you begin to create your own folk compositions, you will learn how to incorporate ornamentation into these.
Term three:
You will feel confident at creating your own folk compositions and how to add colour and variation to these, via the different musical devices that you have learnt over the past two terms. The end of the course will culminate in an online folk concert with the other people in your group.
Please note that class content could be subject to change.
About the Course Tutor
Dave Malkin is a composer, guitarist and producer working predominantly in music for television and film. Recent credits include orchestration of Alexander Parson’s scores for documentaries The Man Who Stole The Scream (Sky Documentaries) and BAFTA-nominated Black Power (BBC), performed by London Contemporary Orchestra.
As a guitarist he has featured on soundtracks including Grayson’s Art Club (Channel 4) and upcoming feature Silent Roar, scored by Hannah Peel.
He has over 10 years’ experience as a folk tutor and has strong connections with Cecil Sharp House.
Alongside John Dipper and his 14-string viola d’amore he is one half of Dipper Malkin, reimagining the traditional music of England. Their debut album was included in The Sunday Times ‘Best 100 Albums of 2017’ and they have performed extensively across the UK.
“John Dipper’s duets with the guitarist Dave Malkin are perfectly judged, the latter’s occasional unassuming vocals adding just the right measure of grit. Exquisite…”
– The Sunday Times
Do I need anything?
• An email address
• A reliable internet connection
• A computer/laptop/tablet with a microphone and a camera.
• Your browser fully updated to be able to use the most recent version of Zoom (if using an Apple device we recommend installing an alternative browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla).
• A notepad and a pen/pencil
Please ensure you are able to work in a well-lit and quiet environment so that your tutor is able to fully assess your work and performance.
Dates & Times
This class currently runs on a Thursday, 7.30pm–8.30pm.
If you are not able to attend on this day, please get in touch with us at gya-online@gsmd.ac.uk and we may be able to accommodate you.
About
Practice and preparation is key when it comes to music exams. This class has been designed for year 10 and 11 students to get ahead with their GCSE music preparation, so that they feel confident when taking their exams.
This course is intended to support students with every aspect of their GCSE music requirements and is suitable for all exam boards. You will improve your understanding and confidence in answering questions found in the GCSE Music listening paper, learning key appraisal skills needed to make evaluative and critical judgments. You will receive overview guidance of your GCSE compositions. You will be taught the skills needed to achieve a high mark in the performance element of the exam.
Who is it for?
Students aged 14–18 planning to take GCSE music and aiming for grades 7-9.
What can I expect?
A stimulating and fun course that supports the GCSE music curriculum taught at school.
By the end of the course you will:
• Have developed an appreciation and understanding of the diverse heritage of music required for the listening and appraising paper
• Gain an insight and increase skills for your performance modules
• Ensure your composition is within the required parameters to access grades 7-9
Course outline
Term one:
You will learn key appraisal skills needed to support making evaluative and critical judgments found in the GCSE Music listening paper. You will also receive help with developing your compositions for the GCSE music exam, using rhythm, metre, texture melody, structure and form to reach grades 7-9.
Term two:
You will continue to develop the knowledge and understanding needed to be confident in the listening exam. We will also include guidance for helping you to record your performance most effectively. This will include performance delivery, performance recording preparation, choosing the most suitable piece to play, as well as how to deal with nerves and feel confident in your own ability.
Term three:
As you continue to increase your knowledge of the requirements for the Listening and Appraising Paper across all exam boards, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate and apply this musical knowledge through practice exam questions and tutor feedback.
Please note that class content could be subject to change.
About the Course Tutor
Dave Laurence is Head of Music at St Michael’s Catholic College in Bermondsey where he has had 18 years of GCSE Music teaching experience. He also teaches the french horn at Centre for Young Musicians, part of the Guildhall Young Artists network.
Dave studied the french horn, guitar and composition at the Royal Academy of Music. After leaving, he worked as a horn player in Les Misérables and with classical and jazz orchestras including the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Radio Big Band.
He is passionate about teaching every aspect of music and composes songs as well as music for TV and Radio adverts.
Do I need anything?
• An email address
• A reliable internet connection
• A computer/laptop/tablet with a microphone and a camera.
• Your browser fully updated to be able to use the most recent version of Zoom (if using an Apple device we recommend installing an alternative browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla).
Please ensure you are able to work in a well-lit and quiet environment so that your tutor is able to fully assess your work and performance.
Dates & Times
This class currently runs on a Wednesday, 5.30pm–7pm.
Individual classes are arranged at a time that is mutually convenient for the student and tutor.
If you are not able to attend on this day, please get in touch with us at gya-online@gsmd.ac.uk and we may be able to accommodate you.
About
This is a unique opportunity for composers aged 14–18 to receive one-to-one tutoring, undertake workshops and hear their own composition performed by staff and students from Junior Guildhall and Guildhall School.
Please be aware that the course is not GCSE/A-Level exam board specific.
Who is it for?
Students aged 14–18 working towards GCSE or A Level Music and/or students hoping to enhance their composition skills outside of an exam environment.
What can I expect?
You will work with an experienced composition teacher on a one-to-one basis, in addition to taking part in two group workshops (introductory and closing) led by esteemed Guildhall staff. The final workshop will include an opportunity for course tutors to explore and perform student compositions and offer valuable feedback.
Course outline
Term one:
You will begin to develop your own writing style by composing for two instruments. Previous years have seen students writing for instruments such as flute and harp duo.
Term two:
You will continue to develop as a composer through working with lyrics and setting text to music by writing for solo voice and piano.
Term three:
You will conclude the year by culminating your skills by writing for small ensemble. Previous years have seen students write for horn, clarinet and violin.
Please note that class content could be subject to change.
About the Course Tutors
The course leader is Paul Whitmarsh and the workshop leader is Jeffery Wilson. Individual composition tutors will be from Junior Guildhall and greater GYA network.
About Jeffery Wilson
Jeffery is Coordinator and Professor of Composition at Junior Guildhall, Professor of Saxophone at the Royal Military School of Music and an examiner for the music faculty at Cambridge University.
He was a principal examiner in Jazz for Guildhall School for many years and is now adviser and examiner for Trinity College London.
He studied at the RCM, Cambridge and Paris and numbers among his teachers John Lambert, Herbert Howells, Gordon Jacob, Aladar Majorossy and Olivier Messiaen. His performances and recordings range from jazz to classical and contemporary and he performs regularly with ‘Saxology’, ‘Triptych’ and for his own project ‘The Reduced History of Jazz’.
Of his more than 200 works in the repertoire, about half are published.
About Paul Whitmarsh
Paul teaches in the composition and academic music department at Guildhall School, and composition at Wells Cathedral School.
Paul read music at Clare College, Cambridge, before studying composition with Julian Anderson at the Royal College of Music. Music education is a huge passion, one that has its roots in three years as Composer-in-Residence at Bedford School between 2002 and 2005, and three subsequent years as Maingot Trust Fellow in New Music at The Warehouse, London.
Paul Whitmarsh’s music has been performed at many festivals throughout the UK, including Aldeburgh, Spitalfields, Cheltenham, Deal, Hampstead and Highgate, Tête à Tête, the bmic Cutting Edge series, and the Park Lane Group New Year Series. Recent commissions include Lullaby for Choir and Organ magazine, premiered by the Joyful Company of Singers in 2010; Pealing Out, premiered by the Galliard Ensemble in 2009; and Berceuse in a Box for the 2007 Cheltenham Festival.
His compositions have also been performed by, amongst others, Elizabeth Watts, Huw Watkins, David Campbell, Alexandra Wood, Daniel Becker, Chroma, and the Warehouse Ensemble.
Do I need anything?
• The means to notate your music and share it with teachers and instrumentalists. This can be done with notation software (such as Sibelius, Dorico or Musescore), or on manuscript paper that is scanned and uploaded (www.camscanner.com may assist).
• A reliable internet connection
• A computer/laptop/tablet with a microphone and a camera.
• Your browser fully updated to be able to use the most recent version of Zoom (if using an Apple device we recommend installing an alternative browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla).
Please ensure you are able to work in a well-lit and quiet environment so that your tutor is able to fully assess your work and performance.
Dates & Times
This class currently runs on a Wednesday, 5–6.30pm.
If you are not able to attend on this day, please get in touch with us at gya-online@gsmd.ac.uk and we may be able to accommodate you.
About
This course is for students aged 14–18 who would like to develop existing skills in Logic Pro. By the end of the course they will be able to compose, arrange and mix their own music.
Who is it for?
Students aged 14–18 with a basic knowledge of Logic Pro, who want to move to the next level.
What can I expect?
A mixture of group sessions and one-to-one feedback to ensure that you collaborate and learn from other participants, as well as getting individual guidance and support.
Each term will see you learn a number of new skills and features, which will see you create your own piece of music.
At the end of the three terms, you will have a good understanding of Logic Pro and will be able to confidently create your own music.
Course outline
Term one:
You will learn how to record and edit, gain an understanding of audio manipulation techniques and create a piece of music using audio clips.
Term two:
You will learn how to use MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) and the technical principles of synthesis, waveforms and modulation of synthesized sounds. You will finish the term with a piece of music that you created using software synthesizers.
Term three:
You will learn how various effects and processing principles are used in the process of bringing a piece of music to a professional level and will put these into practice. By the end of the course, you will have mixed and mastered your own audio track.
Please note that class content could be subject to change.
About the Course Tutor
Jon Daou is an award-winning composer best known for rich cinematic orchestral scores and adept electronic music production. He composes and directs music on commercial projects for Riot Games, Netflix, Spotify, THX, Google, Universal Studios, Razer, Uber and Bose.
Do I need anything?
• Access to Logic Pro and a basic understanding of this software
• An email address
• A reliable internet connection
• A computer/laptop/tablet with a microphone and a camera.
• Your browser fully updated to be able to use the most recent version of Zoom (if using an Apple device we recommend installing an alternative browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla).
Please ensure you are able to work in a well-lit and quiet environment so that your tutor is able to fully assess your work and performance.
All students will participate in a weekly group Music Awareness class, where you will hone your musicianship through developing your inner-ear, pitch, pulse, rhythm and musical memory, helping you to develop into a well-rounded musician.
This class will accelerate the learning process on your instrument and make you a well-rounded musician.
This is included as part of your course fee.
A 30-minute instrumental or vocal lesson is included as part of the course fee. This can be upgraded as follows:
These prices are inclusive of the introductory offer (15% off if booked before 15 September)
Music Course (inc. Music Theory, Singer Songwriting or Folk class)
+ 45 minute lesson = £1700 (£57 a week)
+ 60 minute lesson = £2130 (£71 a week)
Music Course (inc. GCSE Music Support, Young Composers or Music Production)
+ 45 minute lesson = £1885 (£63 a week)
+ 60 minute lesson = £2300 (£77 a week)
Course Information
Please see information about our course fees, term dates, absences and notice period below.
Music Course with one of the following classes:
Music Theory
Singer Songwriting
Folk
Fee per term: £535
Music Course with one of the following classes (for ages 14–18 only):
GCSE Music Support
Young Composers
Music Production
Fee per term: £600
Means-tested bursaries are available. View our Finance and Funding page for more information.
If you are joining us after the start of term, the number of weeks missed from the term will be deducted from the course fee. Please get in touch with us via our online enquiry form to register your interest for the Music Course and a friendly member of our team will be in touch to confirm the course fee.
Autumn Term Dates 2023 (10 weeks)
Classes will run from Tuesday 26 September – Saturday 9 December
Half term – no classes week of 23 October
Spring Term Dates 2024 (11 weeks)
Classes will run from Tuesday 9 Jan – Saturday 30 March
Half term – no classes week of 12 February
Summer Term Dates 2024 (9 weeks)
Classes will run from Tuesday 23 April – Saturday 29 June
Half term – no classes week of 27 May
We regret it is not possible to give refunds in the event of absence as the Centre has to continue paying professional tutors and overheads. GYA Online expects as close to 100% attendance as possible, to ensure you develop and get the most out of your membership. Please refer to the Parent/Carer Agreement for the full terms and conditions.
In the event of authorised absences, students will be able to access recordings of classes.
One-to-one lessons are to be arranged at a regular time that is mutually convenient between teacher and student.
GYA Online - Parent Carer Agreement - 2023-24.pdf
By signing up for the music course, you agree to give notice by the end of week five (half a term) if you do not wish to continue the following term. Students will be enrolled onto the following term if notice is not given during this time.
This notice period is required to fulfil obligations to the professional tutors, pay for facilities and to encourage you to be fully committed to the courses chosen.
Guildhall Young Artists Online Enquiry Form
Please let us know what course or one-to-one tuition you are interested in
Benefit from Guildhall Young Artists membership
As a member of GYA Online, you can expect exclusive opportunities, performances and workshops, including competitions, invites to concerts and gigs and performances from students at Guildhall School.
