Our Music Scholars joined forces with postgraduate students from The Royal Academy of Music (RAM) for a collaborative day of masterclasses, workshops and joint rehearsals.  A spectacular evening of music-making to a packed audience was the culmination of a special day for both groups of students.

Throughout the day, postgraduate students from the Academy led masterclasses, listening to Scholars play a host of solo and chamber music works and giving constructive technical and performance-based feedback.

The department was particularly delighted to welcome back ex-Farnborough student Guy Murgatroyd, who is now studying for a Masters at RAM.  After the concert, in which Guy performed the first movement of Kapustin’s Piano Sonata No 9, he commented, “It’s difficult to put into words how exciting, rewarding and emotional today was.  This department has great ideas and makes them happen, all for the benefit of its gifted students.  I wouldn’t be where I am without Farnborough’s music department.  We all learnt as much as we gave and couldn’t stop talking about it on the way home!”

Second year Music Scholar, Tom Hammond said of the day, “It was fantastic to be a part of the Scholars' Concert with the Royal Academy of Music postgraduate students.  I really enjoyed playing with others in a chamber music piece and benefited greatly from the workshop before the concert with the postgraduates, who all gave very useful advice.  I am no longer studying music as an A level subject at Farnborough so am particularly grateful to the Scholarship scheme for giving me such good opportunities regardless.”

Piano Scholar, Hermione Blakiston, commented “Participating in a Masterclass with the Royal Academy of Music students gave me a greater insight into how to achieve a higher standard of performance and how, as an accompanist, I should enjoy the underlying harmonies and moments of interest.  The sessions were exceptionally useful for every performer and hugely appreciated by.”

Richard Robbins, postgraduate student at the Royal Academy of Music said, “Congratulations to these phenomenally talented Music Scholars.  This was such a joyous day of chamber music and singing, and a testament to the absolutely unique qualities of this outstanding music department.”

Fellow Academy postgraduate, Adela Sevcikova concurred, adding 'It was such a privilege to work with these talented musicians.  To workshop with them throughout the day and see them take on board our points and develop together was an honour.  We also learned so much about how to communicate our ideas effectively to such gifted students.  And the concert was of such a high standard; unbelievable!”

Harry White, Curriculum Manager for music spoke enthusiastically about the day commenting, “The Royal Academy of Music and Farnborough are now old friends with an established working relationship going back over a decade.  Our shared values of elite standards without elitism is what makes us both world-class providers of music education in our respective fields, and today was a wonderful manifestation of those ideals.  It was a huge privilege to have postgraduate students down from the Academy to work with our Scholars' chamber ensembles and guide them in the art of chamber music.  Likewise, it will have been an invaluable teaching experience for our young professionals from London; guiding such outstanding young musicians.  The final concert was one of the most enjoyable and outstanding College chamber music concerts in memory and all credit has to go to both sets of students for their commitment, talent and musicianship.”