Artist Programme in Composition

Master

In Barbican

higher than £ 9000

Description

  • Type

    Master

  • Location

    Barbican

  • Duration

    2 Years

Facilities

Location

Start date

Barbican (London)
See map
Silk Street, EC2Y 8DT

Start date

On request

About this course

Students who apply for the Guildhall Artist Programme having already done an undergraduate degree may be offered a place in the Extended Guildhall Artist Programme if their Principal Study abilities are not yet at the Master's level. This extended programme comprises an initial year (the Graduate Certificate Year) almost entirely focused on Principal Study development. If the students achieve a minimum of 60% (merit) in Principal Study at the end of this year, they can progress on to Part One of the Masters in the following year.

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Course programme

The one- or two-year Guildhall Artist Masters programme is offered in the three pathways of Performance, Composition and Leadership and is in two parts: Part One is available in full-time (one year) or part-time (two years) modes, Part Two is available only in full-time mode.

Successful completion of Part One meets all the criteria for a Masters level (level 7) award and a student may conclude their studies at this point and be awarded a Master of Music (or a Postgraduate Diploma, according to the modules taken). Part Two represents progression for the student in terms of depth and breadth of repertoire within a project-based structure that mimics, in a controlled way, professional practice at the highest level. Students who continue to Part Two (progression criteria apply, see below) will be awarded, at its successful completion, a Master of Performance (Guildhall Artist), or Master of Composition (Guildhall Artist), or Master of Leadership (Guildhall Artist).

Both parts of the programme aim at developing, to the highest individual level, each student's technical abilities and artistic vision in each of the three pathways.

Part One builds on the student's core Principal Study specialisms, offering in addition shared Contextual Studies and a wide range of Elective opportunities. Students choose two or three Electives from the following:

  • Additional Principal Study
  • Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art
  • Analysis
  • Baroque Studies
  • Body matters
  • Chamber Music
  • Classical Studies
  • Conducting
  • Creative Voices
  • Cross-Arts and/or Trans-cultural Projects
  • Electro-Acoustic Music
  • Foreign Language Repertoire Projects
  • Interpretation through Improvisation
  • Jazz Improvisation
  • Jazz Composition and Arranging
  • Medieval and Renaissance Studies
  • Music for Media
  • Opera and Theatre (for singers)
  • Research in Performance, Composition or Leadership
  • Skills for Educational Contexts
  • Song Accompaniment (for pianists).

These shared modules allow students to work cross-departmentally so that specific skills, enthusiasms, approaches and areas of awareness of relevance to their growth as musicians can be further challenged and contextualised. Aside from practical work, students develop skills of research and self-reflection vital to professional development as musicians in the twenty-first century.

In Part One, students who decide to concentrate entirely on their Principal Study without taking the elective options, can be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) at successful completion of the year.

Part Two is available to students who pass Part One in full (with electives) and obtain a 70% minimum in Principal Study and approval for a plan of artistic and professional development for Part Two. This year of studies is very strongly focused on developing Principal Study technical and artistic abilities, breadth of repertoire, creative output and professional experience. Students are given considerable autonomy in arranging three assessed concerts and projects that can be at any point in the year. Of these, one is in the School, and one must be in an outside venue of the student's choice and arranged by him or her. One performance should have a collaborative nature, for example chamber music or opera.

These performances are supported by a series of seminars both of an inductive nature, and on specialist topics. Students are also asked to present their artistic and professional experiences to their peer group. These seminars lead towards the students' preparation of an extended critique of their professional development.

Intensive tuition is offered in Principal Study (instrumental, composition or leadership), along with a range of masterclasses and supporting studies. Other areas of specialism such as contemporary or early music are offered where appropriate. For instrumentalists, orchestral and chamber music opportunities are also offered.

The Programme in Composition enables postgraduate composers to broaden their experience within the atmosphere of a busy, modern conservatoire. Although supported by weekly analytical and theoretical seminars, the course is primarily practical and project-based. Composers meet a series of deadlines as the year progresses - essential preparation for a professional career.

Each year the department sets up five projects. Recently these have ranged from the composition of a string quartet, or trio for flute, viola and harp, to work on a large-scale wind, brass and percussion piece. An annual vocal project allows composers to work closely with postgraduate singers, while at the heart of the course is a major collaborative project with London Contemporary Dance School pairing composers with postgraduate choreographers, and culminating with public performances both at the Guildhall School and at The Place, London's premier venue for contemporary dance.

In addition to compositional activity, students participate in compulsory modules in electronic music and writing for film and television. Composers can pursue these areas further within the elective programme which also offers a wide range of supporting studies from performance, jazz and improvisation to analytical or historical research.

In the seminar series, an eclectic mix of composers, musicologists, performers and music administrators cover a wide range of topics, both practical and theoretical. Recent visiting composers include Alexander Goehr, James MacMillan, Jonathan Harvey, Richard Ayres and Tansy Davies while prominent publishers, copyists and administrators offer practical insights into the music business.

In addition to coursework, composers are encouraged to take advantage of the many creative opportunities the School offers, whether working on one of the drama department's many productions, collaborating with the jazz students or developing new work with postgraduate performers and singers. The School's New Music Society, New Music Ensemble and annual summer Festival provide excellent platforms for public performance.

At the end of the summer vacation, composers submit a portfolio of five compositions supported by a written commentary on the year's work. In the autumn term, their work is presented in concert followed by a viva voce examination which takes place in front of a panel including the external examiner.

Exceptional students on Part One of the Composition Pathway will also be given the opportunity to continue their studies into Part Two (Composition Portfolio). Students undertake a portfolio of three substantial compositional projects, meant to strengthen their own artistic and professional development.

Selection

Selection is by the submission of a portfolio of compositions and interview. Candidates must include photocopies of three recent compositions with their applications. Where possible, a recording of the scores submitted should also be enclosed.

Additional information

Payment options: Estimated annual fees for students commencing their studies in the academic year 2010/11. Standard postgraduate programmes: UK and EU (non-UK) £7,050 Non-EU £15,960 Course-related costs may range from £130 to £1500 per year depending upon the programme. Please contact the department directly for further details. Annual tuition fees are expected to be paid in advance and a 15% deposit is due by 15 July 2010. However, undergraduates from the UK and EU are exempt from this deposit unless they have already studied for an equivalent or lower qualification.

Artist Programme in Composition

higher than £ 9000