Music in Community

Led by our Creative Producer Julian West, this is unique in the conservatoire sector.

Professional musicians in the 21st century need the skills to communicate with anyone and everyone — from the youngest child in a practical education workshop to potential and existing audiences for classical concerts. All undergraduates participate in the Academy’s Music in Community projects and gain expertise in animateurship and workshop leadership — specialist skills which are in great demand throughout the music profession.

The students, each working on an internship with a partner organisation, devise and execute professional education projects whilst receiving training 'on the job'. Sessions with leading animateurs, performers and composers cover communication techniques, creative composition, special needs training, new media tools and marketing. Project partners include London Sinfonietta, Wigmore Hall, Spitalfields Festival and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Many children and adults from a great variety of backgrounds enjoy and benefit from working with Academy students in long-term collaborations with toddler groups, schools and community centres throughout London.

'Feedback from the showcases has been absolutely great. The children and staff have returned so enthusiastic. Please pass on our thanks and appreciation'
– Comment from participant, March 2006

Access

The Academy is committed to widening access and to providing new gateways towards learning. In special Open Days, young musicians of various ages and skills can experience the thrill of musicmaking alongside Academy students and teachers. Teams of staff and students also reach out into the community with a new series of 'Roadshows', which present a practical, participatory insight into the Academy and the music profession as a whole. Our long-term plan is that whenever an Academy orchestra tours, some-sized Roadshow outreach event will be programmed alongside the main concert event.

A significant foundation programme is under preparation for students who do not as yet possess the full range of skills and experience required to join the BMus programme. The programme will assess potential students on raw talent and aural perception, on any instrument and in any musical idiom. Video-conferencing also allows the Academy to reach new audiences.