ERASMUS +

Student composer, Kieran Lynch

As part of the EU’s Erasmus scheme, there are opportunities for music students to spend a term studying at one of the College’s partner conservatoires across Europe and beyond. This can be a valuable, life-changing experience not only in academic and vocational terms but also socially and culturally.

Student composer Kieran Lynch spent the first term of his final undergraduate year at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

“I wanted to spend some time abroad to find new sources of inspiration – new experiences and landscapes tend to be a very good creative trigger for me. Being in a completely unfamiliar environment, meeting new people and facing new challenges also helped build my confidence and prepare me for life after College. It was one of the best things I have ever done. I met lots of interesting people, learned new skills, and leaned a lot about myself.”

The Erasmus + Framework

The College participates actively in the Erasmus + framework for student and staff mobility, with partnerships with over 30 European institutions. The College believes this is an exceptional opportunity for students to develop their musical and personal skills in a new environment, allowing for focused periods of study with particular principal study teachers, and enabling students to incorporate new styles and approaches into their learning. It is possible for students to undertake an exchange of at least 3 months as part of their BMus (in Year 3 or 4) or MMus course (in Year 2), receiving full academic credit for the experience.

Despite uncertainty generated by Brexit, the College remains committed to staying part of the student and staff exchange mechanism. To support this aim, the College is a member of the Association of European Conservatoires, whose website contains useful information about the Erasmus scheme: https://www.aec-music.eu/services/students/faqs/erasmus

In order to go on an Erasmus exchange, College students need to make an application in the year before they want to go (application completed by 1^st March). The application process includes submission of video recordings and an application form to the potential host institution, with which the College should already have a partnership (you can apply to up to 3 places), and it is up to that institution to decide it if it is able to offer the student a place for the following academic year.

All students applying for the exchange experience must be recommended by their Head of Department, principal study teacher and Course Leader. Level of achievement and engagement with the course will be taken into account as part of the selection process. Detailed information about Erasmus can be found on the College’s VLE, after registration.

The College has also recently joined the European Opera Academy, which offers a network of vocal/operatic opportunities for focused projects and period of study. These can also be supported by Erasmus student mobility grants. More information on the opportunities available in this network can be found here: http://www.europeanopera.academy/

The list of partner institutions is updated on a regular basis. Our current partners, for 18/19, are:

Information for Incoming Erasmus Students

Please note that, at present, incoming applications can only be submitted by Music students at partner institutions, not from any other discipline.

The College welcomes applications from music students of partner conservatoires to undertake a period of study with us (mostly one term, although occasionally a complete year can be agreed).

Applications are made through the EASY Application Service. We will only accept applications from students who have been nominated by their home institution. The application deadline is March 15 of the academic year before you wish to study at the College. Places are granted through competitive recorded auditions, and you are required to include the following materials with your online application:

• Proposed Learning Agreement (you should fill in the online study plan)
• Letter of recommendation (from your Principal Study Teacher)
• Video recording of 10-15 minutes of music/composition portfolio containing 3 contrasting works (the portfolio should include scores and recordings)

The College will endeavour to send you a response to your application by the middle of May. We make decisions based on our capacity to offer you a quality experience. Please note that we do not accept exchange applications on to the MA in Advanced Opera Performance (except through the European Opera Academy network), any PG Conducting pathway or the MA in Arts Management.

The main element of your exchange is your principal study, and this will form the core part of your studies. However, depending on your specialism, you will be able to get involved in chamber music, larger ensemble work, career development seminars, academic modules, performance opportunities, etc. We work carefully with each incoming student to ensure that study and assessment needs are met. Please note that each ECTS is worth 2 UK Credits.

Course outlines to help you complete your proposed Learning Agreement are available on the following course pages;

BMus Vocal & Instrumental

BMus Jazz & MA Jazz

BMus Composition

Postgraduate Music Performance