In Conversation with Toby and Olivia, students at Guildhall Young Artists Online

Guildhall Young Artists (GYA) Online is our online performing arts centre for ages 7–18, which provides world-leading music and drama training to a vibrant international community of students. 

From singing at Carnegie Hall to dancing on tour with Justin Bieber, we caught up with two current students at our online centre to hear about their recent achievements, and to learn about their experiences of studying at GYA Online. 
 

Toby, aged 15

Hi Toby! What courses do you study with GYA Online? How long have you been part of the centre?
I have been studying on the music course since September 2023. I have an online lesson every week taking part in music theory class. I have played the piano for quite a few years and taken exams but have never really studied music theory. I love this class and it has taught me so much. I’m about to take my second music theory exam. I also have an online piano lesson with Antonina. I hope to do more with GYA in the future.  

Can you share any course highlights with us? 
I get a very in depth understanding of music theory. My tutor is always available to answer my questions or explain if I don’t understand. I like that there are not too many students in one class.

What are the tutors at GYA Online like? 
I have met a few course tutors and they are incredible. They listen to me and I learn so much from them. We have fun while learning and I love that. Lots of the tasks are visual and written down which helps me as I am dyslexic. I look forward to my class each week. 

You are part of KIDZ BOP, a music group that tours internationally! Tell us about your role in the group and how you became involved.
I’ve danced since I was four years old. Dancing has helped with my musicality. KIDZ BOP held a casting call looking for band members who could sing and dance, so I sent in my video and got an audition. 

Being a KIDZ BOP kid has been an amazing part of my life. I was so shocked when I got the good news. I’m still with them 3 years later. 

You recently travelled to Australia with KIDZ BOP! What has this experience been like? 
KIDZ BOP have been amazing with this. They are so supportive, and encourage a work/life balance. We have to have tutoring when we are working away to keep up with school work. We have had a recent trip to Australia and New York. I never would have had these opportunities without KIDZ BOP. Just recently we did our first UK tour with many sold out shows. We got to meet all of our fans and perform everyday. 

According to the KIDZ BOP website, you’ve danced on stage with Justin Bieber! Can you tell us more? 
Yes I danced on stage with Justin Bieber when he did his world tour. This was a big audition and I was lucky enough to get chosen to perform with him. I had never performed in front of so many people! This was a memorable moment for me. 

What do you think are the benefits of having an online centre?
Having an online centre is great for me because I can log in from anywhere. I have taken part in lessons whilst on the way home from rehearsals before. I also live in Essex so it would be far for me to travel in for my classes an hour at a time.

What are your musical ambitions for the future?
I have gotten to the age now where I have to move on with my music career and prepare for my future. I have so much I would like to do. I will need to find a new manager, and get my piano music and songs recorded. How cool would it be if I could be a solo artist! I have started to write songs and want to learn composition. I also DJ so will study more music production, and then next year I am hoping to study at music college. I’m dreaming big!

Olivia, aged 15

Hello Olivia! What courses do you study with GYA Online? How long have you been part of the centre?
I’m studying classical singing with Marilyn Rees (Head of Singing) and music theory at GYA Online. I have been studying since October 2023.

Can you share any course highlights with us? 
Of course, a highlight was when I had my first singing lesson and my teacher was amazed by my “surprising special voice at only 15 years old”.

Another one would be when I was invited by GYA to sing in the production Les Misérables by Cameron Mackintosh, at Milton Court.

What are the tutors at GYA Online like? 
My teachers are amazing. I really appreciate the attention and the support that they give to me.

You recently had the opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York, as part of the Golden Classical Music Awards! Can you tell us more about this experience?
Singing at such a prestigious stage like Carnegie Hall and winning the 1st prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition was an incredible and unforgettable experience.

I am very proud to say that I was the only Romanian there and the only student from Guildhall School. The organizers, the adjudicating panel and the public really appreciated my soprano voice and after the Gala Concert I received special congratulations.

You have performed in many other cities across the world across your career. What have some highlights been for you?
Singing at Oslo Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, Bozar-Palais des Beaux-Arts, Talent Summer Opera Festival in Italy, and the Royal Academy of Music-New Talent Festival & Competition. Each of these venues holds its own unique charm and significance in the world of music. 

These fantastic experiences have enormous importance for me, I learned something from each one and they encouraged me to go further in my career.
 
What do you think are the benefits of having an online centre?
The benefits of having an online centre are the following: the possibility to work with experienced teachers from London, within a renowned conservatoire in the music field; the opportunity to find out what the musical education program is in the UK; the advantage of participating in music events in London.

What are your musical ambitions for the future?
To perform at the Royal Opera House, Metropolitan Opera House and Teatro alla Scala.

Find out more about GYA Online, Guildhall School's online centre that provides inspiring performing arts training for children and young people across the world.