In Conversation with Holly and Ruvin, students at Junior Guildhall

Taking place on Saturdays, Junior Guildhall provides access to world-class facilities where students work with outstanding teachers and renowned artists. It offers advanced training to young people between the ages of 4 and 18, across music and drama.

We caught up with Ruvin, who studies on the Music course, and Holly, a Drama student, to hear more about their experience of studying at Junior Guildhall.
 

How long have you been at Junior Guildhall for and what has your experience been like to date? 

Ruvin: I’ve attended Junior Guildhall for two years, starting in Year 11, and my experience has been nothing short of amazing. The opportunities on offer and the world-class teaching make me only wish I had joined sooner! 

Holly: I've been a part of Junior Guildhall for about two years, and it's been such an exciting and rewarding experience! Every week feels like an opportunity to learn something new and I'm so grateful to be able to develop my craft in such a supportive environment. The staff and students are incredibly talented and encourage you to reach your full potential, making the classes really special. 

Can you give us an idea of what a typical Saturday at Junior Guildhall looks like?

Ruvin: My Saturday consists of one-to-one teaching and workshops in composition, piano and conducting. I also undertake the BMus 2 Direct Entry course for students in Years 12 and 13.

Holly: I start at 9am in the Double Drama Class, where we focus on group work and collaboration. Then I have a lunch break with my friends in Milton Court. At 2pm I head back into the building for the Advanced Drama Class, which is always a highlight of my day. In this class we study monologues and audition techniques, which prepare me for a professional career as an actor. I usually finish around 4pm and head home on the train, or I might occasionally go into central London for dinner or to see some theatre with friends!

Have there been any highlights?

Ruvin: Having my fanfare played at Fishmonger’s Hall and winning the Environ Music Composition Prize. Aside from these, just sightreading a piano duet in piano workshop or hearing my piece being played is a wonderful and fairly regular highlight.

Holly: So many! Every week feels like a highlight in itself, but if I had to pick one, it would be meeting Claude-Michel Schönberg (composer of Les Misérables) during the Guildhall Young Artists' Les Mis project!

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to apply for Junior Guildhall in 2025? 

Ruvin: My advice to prospective applicants would be to know your performance pieces and your compositions inside out, and look carefully at the audition requirements so you don’t get caught by surprise! If you get accepted, I would strongly advise not being afraid to take part in all that is realistically possible as the quality and quantity of learning is truly tremendous. 

Holly: Go for it! If you're passionate about drama or music, Junior Guildhall is an incredible place to grow and hone your skills. My advice would be to stay true to yourself and your art, practice and trust the process. The environment is so encouraging, so just enjoy every moment!

Lastly, just for fun, if you could invite three people round for dinner who would you invite? 

Ruvin: Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninov and John Williams.

Holly: This is such a fun question! I think I'd invite my heroine Julie Andrews to hear about her legendary career; my GCSE and A-Level drama teacher, as he's always a laugh; and, lastly, Beyoncé, because… well, she's Beyoncé!
 

Applications open on 7 January for entry to Junior Guildhall in September 2025. The closing date for applications is 11.59pm, 1 March 2025. Find out more here.

To read the full Q&A with Holly and Ruvin, check out the new Junior Guildhall Prospectus here.