ABRSM and the Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) have announced a new partnership to help musicians develop the skills necessary to build sustainable careers.
As part of the partnership, ABRSM will support the RPS Women Conductors Programme, a series of workshops to provide opportunities for female musicians – from school students to professionals – to develop their conducting skills at various stages in their careers. ABRSM’s support will allow the programme to continue and develop around the UK.
ABRSM and RPS will also work together to help provide skills and development opportunities for emerging composers – with ABRSM supporting and helping develop RPS’s New Music Programme. This will involve a pilot workshop to equip composers with the skills necessary to write for specific educational commissions.
Lincoln Abbotts, Executive Director: Strategic Development at ABRSM, said:
‘This is a strategic partnership to help musicians develop the skills necessary to build sustainable careers and, in turn, inspire musical achievement in the next generation.
‘The RPS Women Conductors Programme addresses the current gender imbalance in music leadership roles. The programme aims to prepare women with the training and confidence needed to lead musical ensembles. In turn, these women conductors will become the role models who younger women will wish to emulate.
‘As a commissioner and publisher of music, ABRSM values skilled composers and recognises the challenges of building a career in composition. This partnership is about giving real world experience to the next generation.’
Rosemary Johnson, Executive Director at RPS, said:
‘If we want to hear excellent performers and exciting new music, it is vital that we give young musicians the right support at the right time while they are developing. This partnership with the ABRSM means we will combine strengths to reach more talented young musicians learning in schools and music hubs and starting out on their professional careers.’
Header photo: A women’s conducting workshop © RPS / Wellington College
