In Conversation with BMus students Júlia Guix I Estrada and Jonathan Goldsmith
In Conversation with Electronic and Produced Music student, Jonathan Goldsmith
From music auditions to getting around London, we caught up with BMus students Júlia Guix I Estrada (Vocal Studies) and Jonathan Goldsmith (Electronic & Produced Music). We discussed why they chose Guildhall, music scores they'd love to compose and what it was like conducting a rave in the Barbican.
Why did you decide to apply to Guildhall to study Music and why did you pick your degree pathway?
Júlia - I was born into a family of musicians. Although I started playing the piano, I soon realised that singing was my thing. I was in love with opera and I used to dream of becoming a musician and studying in a big conservatoire. When the time came to apply for a BMus I auditioned online for different places in London – my dream city. I knew Guildhall’s prestige and I loved their focus on movement and the performance aspect of the job, so when I found out I had got into Guildhall I was overjoyed.
Jonathan - My interest in Guildhall began because the name of the school kept popping up. For example, when searching up videos for film composing and music software tutorials, Guildhall masterclasses would appear. I also distinctly remember going to a Christmas Carnival a few years ago and walking through a light exhibition where the music was composed by Guildhall students in the Electronic & Produced Music department. I have had an interest in composing music all my life (through improvising on the piano and studying film scores), so I decided to apply to Guildhall. It was the only conservatoire that offered a practical film composing course with all of these amazing external collaborative projects.
At Guildhall, applications are made directly to the school – how did you find this process?
Julia - I had to audition online due to Covid restrictions! But the process was very easy: everything was very clearly explained, and Guildhall were always very good at helping when needed!
What are your top tips for submitting an application?
Júlia - Something that helped me a lot when I was applying was to have a file with all of my scanned documents. I also found it very helpful to have a couple of paragraphs written about myself, so that I could adapt them to different presentation letters for scholarships, etc.
Jonathan - Don’t leave it to the last minute and also think about all potential outcomes before you rush a decision, i.e. what would happen if you got the offer? What would happen if you didn't?
Júlia - In terms of preparing for your audition, I would say have a varied repertoire list that shows different sides of yourself as a performer. It is also good to prepare a short introduction of the pieces and say something unique about the way you interpret them – even if you are sending a recorded audition!
Jonathan - Focus on specific projects, experiences, achievements you have been involved in and not generic wishy-washy statements about how much music is your purpose of life!
Júlia - Guildhall is a very diverse place, so share your story and why you are passionate about studying here: Be open and inviting, and don’t be afraid to ask questions to the panel too. Be as creative as possible, even in your written applications, and highlight the qualities that make you yourself.
What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying Music and are deciding which course to apply to?
Jonathan - Think about how much time you are willing to dedicate to your course/how much variety there is involved. If you are not willing to practice your instrument consistently throughout the year or wake up early to compose a project you are working on, then these courses are not for you. Look at the graduates of the courses you are thinking of and base your choice on the careers they end up in. Be open-minded about trying new aspects of your specialism.
Júlia - Go with something that you are passionate about and you are willing to put many hours into. But it is never too late for anything! I would go in with a calm mindset and read all of the course descriptions carefully.
What are you most looking forward to on your course this year?
Júlia - In the third year of my Vocal course we get to put together an opera for the first time! It is the first time we get to learn a full role and we get to experience how an opera company works. It is also very exciting to share this experience with my classmates. It is a nice professional and personal journey.
Jonathan - OrchestRave last year was absolutely amazing, I hope they do it again this year! It was a massive drum and bass/orchestral concert in Barbican Hall with DJ Raiser and Guildhall Session Orchestra. We got to arrange, produce and conduct some of the pieces. I am also excited to work with Guildhall Session Singers again this year.
What advice would you give about moving to London?
Jonathan - If you’re living in Sundial Court (Guildhall's student accommodation), shop at Aldi! It’s cheap and great! In general, make the most of the opportunities in London. I highly recommend walking or cycling as much as you can as it saves money, is often fun and you get to see parts of London you might not normally see. Go to the theatre/concerts as much as you can, Guildhall gets lots of discounts for these. Prepare to be overstimulated, London is noisy, loud and fast-paced. Find quiet places to take a break from everything - the Barbican Highwalk is great!
Júlia - London is a big city, so it can definitely be overwhelming at first. But once you know your way around and Citymapper has become your best friend, it is great! There are so many free activities and a lot of discounts for students. Apps like Unidays are really good. Always carry your student ID and ask everywhere if they have student deals!
Can you tell us why you chose to study here, what made Guildhall stand out for you?
Júlia - Guildhall obviously has very high rankings, and rightly so! I have found it to be a very welcoming and supportive environment. I think this is also thanks to the incredible amount of diversity in the school! Everyone is always eager to learn about anything or anyone. It is also really cool to have the Barbican Centre right next to the school – there are always amazing concerts happening.
Jonathan - I reasons I chose to study here are:
- Links with industry - working with world class orchestras, recording studios, artists, theatres, etc
- Reputation - everyone knows everyone in this industry, the community and network is what builds your career
- Course structure - the ability to focus on your specialism in a practical sense and collaborate with others is so useful
- Facilities and location - concert halls, studios, workshops, theatres, proximity to Barbican venues
- Teaching staff - unlike a normal university, the teachers here are not just academics, they are also successful practitioners in the field
If you could be any composer or performer of a particular piece of music, what piece would it be and why?
Julia - I would love to be Stravinsky! I particularly enjoy his ballet Petrushka. His music is so unique and so specific to him, I would just love to have a conversation with him to know how his brain was wired!
Jonathan - I’d pick to be the composer of the musical Sunset Boulevard as the recent Jamie Lloyd production was the best show I have ever seen, and the soundtrack is stuck in my head. I also just saw Fiddler on the Roof and loved it, if I could compose that as well I would!
