Alongside familiar concerts, today's musicians explore new ways of sharing their music with more diverse audiences in a range of less conventional settings: schools, community groups, hospitals, residential homes, hostels, libraries, shopping malls, offices. Sharing music with people who do not automatically have access to it is a vital part of any musical career. Outreach activities redefine the traditional performer-audience relationship, requiring considerable preparation, huge energy and the ability to interact effectively.
In 2007 the RCM launched it’s newly revised BMUS programme. One important development is the addition of a new level 2 compulsory Outreach module. This offers all second year students the opportunity to plan and deliver a workshop in a local school – whilst receiving up to date coaching and support from well-qualified professionals currently working in this field.
In addition to the increasing opportunities for involvement in outreach work, the RCM established its Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Leadership in September 2006. This targets practising musicians from different sectors and musical genres, who together learn to lead creative music workshops in a range of community and educational settings. The course reflects the growth in partnerships between the music industry and the education sector and the demand for professional musicians of today to broaden their professional skills within a culturally diverse society. The course is generously supported by The Tubney Charitable Trust, and The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust kindly funds a bursary for the academic years 2007/08 and 2008/09.
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