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:
- £580 or £650 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 Songwriting and Folk & Traditional Music, 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 Songwriting, Folk and Traditional Music, Young Composers, Media Music and Production or GCSE Music Support, 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.
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 how to add harmonies, arrange songs for a band and even produce your own recordings.
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 Tutor
Nell Greco is a jazz singer and songwriter based in London. Her debut album, ‘Inanima’, released in November 2023 received critical acclaim, and plans are afoot to tour the record in late 2024. You can also find her performing Ruth Goller’s Skylla and as one half of the duo, Akimbo.
“Poetic lyrics full of delicate reflectiveness, restrained anger and intimate confidings.” John Fordham, The Guardian
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
Have you ever wondered what love songs might have sounded like in the 13th century? Have you ever seen rapper sword dancing from the mining villages of the North East of England or the centuries-old Abbots Bromley Horn Dance? Have you ever heard a slip jig from Ireland, a strathspey from Scotland, microtonal halling from Norway, improvised doina from Romania or podorythmie from Quebec?
This class is a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the traditional music of the British Isles and beyond. As well as developing a body of repertoire from a diverse range of musical traditions, participants will compose new material and study the social and cultural context of traditional music, and how it shapes our cultural identities in the 21st century.
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:
The tutor will provide participants with a diverse body of repertoire, and supporting resources. Most learning will take place by ear, but notation can be provided. By the end of the first term you will have analysed the structure of and be able to perform several tunes and songs from different cultures.
Term two:
You will learn about stylistics, harmony, extemporisation and accompaniment, and you will feel confident interpreting traditional music from a variety of sources,and making tunes and songs your own
Term three:
You will bring everything you have learned together in your own collaborative composition, working with other members of the 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 music technology, composition, and production. 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 or Reaper, 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.
This course takes students through the process and craft of music for media and entertainment such as films, trailers, games and commercials. Throughout the year, students will have various assignments to complete small projects in various mediums, creating musical scores to accompany various chosen visual works. The course is led by Jon Daou, a prolific media composer and alumnus of Guildhall.
Course outline
Term one:
You will learn how to approach a very short-form composition for a video such as a commercial or trailer, composing and producing a piece of music for a tightly-scored sequence, following a very specific brief.
Term two:
You will learn how to create music for video games, including the technical aspects of looping, modular and layered music, and the generation of audio assets for games and interactive media.
Term three:
You will score a short film (approx. 2-5 mins), extending the composition and production knowledge learned in the first two terms, and covering concepts such as emotive/dramatic composition, motif development and narrative structure.
Please note: This course requires a time commitment from students to work on your compositions between lessons.
This course will be taught primarily using Logic Pro. It is advisable to use Logic Pro or Reaper for this class as the course tutors can help with these DAWs. If you use any other DAW, the tutors cannot help with any DAW-related issues, so it will be essential that you are proficient in using it.
The 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 or Reaper 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. This class explores what music is made of, how it is put together and the fundamental skills and techniques music making requires. Everything you learn here will be put to practice through composition and improvisation as well as sight singing and taking aural dictations.
This class will accelerate the learning process on your instrument and make you a well-rounded musician.
What can I expect?
A typical class will begin with aural exercises to improve your perception of intervals, rhythm, harmony and tonality.
This will usually be followed by listening to music examples that demonstrate the lesson’s subject matter. These subjects would include how pieces are composed – from a short ideas and phrases to whole movements or songs; chord sequences in classical music or pop; how keys and modes are used in composition and improvisation.
The final part of the lesson will usually involve some practical work, such as composing, harmonising, analysing and improvising.
Classes will be tailored to the level of each group.
Do I need anything?
• An email address
• A reliable internet connection
• A computer/laptop with a microphone and a camera
• The most recent version of Zoom
• Music notation software and a basic command of it or a willingness to acquire these early on in the course
• We encourage keeping an instrument at hand during classes
Class tutors
Michael Spence
Michael studied the Kodály Approach with the British Kodály Academy in 2018, eventually taking up a position at Guildhall School of Music and Drama in the Junior Department as a Kodály specialist in 2020. Michael was then promoted to Classes Co-Ordinator in 2022 where he leads a team of Kodály and Dalcroze teachers delivering musicianship as a core part of the Kindergarten, and String/Brass Training Programmes.
Ehud Freedman
Ehud composes music for theatre, dance, media and the concert stage. His work has been performed at Southbank Centre, Wigmore Hall, St. David’s Hall, Beijing Modern Music Festival, The Place, Belfast Sonorities Festival, Rich Mix and Wilton Music Hall among others. His former commercial/TV clients include Warner Bros., Knowledge Network Canada, Europe's Best, Working Title, Sony Pictures, Universal, The Rick Hansen Foundation and the Bank of England.
Ehud founded Guildhall’s London Centre for Young Musician’s composition programme in 2017 and led it until 2022. He has taught and guest lectured at Royal Holloway University and the Architectural Association School of Architecture.
This class 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 for an extra £12 per 15 minutes as follows:
Music Course (inc. Music Theory, Singer Songwriting or Folk class)
+ 45 minute lesson = £700 per term
+ 60 minute lesson = £820 per term
Music Course (inc. GCSE Music Support, Young Composers or Music Production)
+ 45 minute lesson = £770 per term
+ 60 minute lesson = £890 per term
Course Information
Please note that all of the courses listed above are also available to study as individual courses. This option is ideal for music applicants who would like to focus on one class per week.
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: £580
Music Course with one of the following classes (for ages 14–18 only):
GCSE Music Support
Young Composers
Music Production
Fee per term: £650
Means-tested bursaries are available. View our Finance and Funding page for more information.
Please note:
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.
Deposit
We ask for a £100 holding deposit to secure your place. On receipt of your application, a friendly member of our team will discuss your requirements noted on the application form and send a payment link for the reservation of a place. This payment will be taken off one terms fees.
Autumn Term Dates 2024
23 September to 25 October
Half term 28 October to 1 November
4 November to 6 December
Spring Term Dates 2025
13 January to 14 February
Half term 17 February to 21 February
24 February to 28 March
Summer Term Dates 2025
28 April to 30 May
Half term 2 June to 6 June
9 June to 11 July
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.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.
