GSA Launch New Musical Theatre Singing Syllabus

Guildford School of Acting, with the University of Surrey, has launched an exciting new Musical Theatre Singing Examination Syllabus from Grades 1 -8 to a range of Diplomas and Fellowship. With an international reputation as a centre of excellence, GSA graduates appear in every West End Musical, UK and International Tour. GSA is the only Board of Musical Theatre Singing Exams who provide specialist singing examiners, offering comments on technique as well as performance.

On 7th September 2010, Guildford School of Acting, based at the University of Surrey, launched an exciting new Musical Theatre Singing Examination Syllabus, ranging from Grades 1 - 8 through to Diploma and Fellowship levels.

Teachers wishing to lead the way in this exciting new initiative are invited to contact us for the full prospectus which is also availble online to download or read as a e-book.

Contact GSA on 01483 560701 or email gsasingingexams@gsa.surrey.ac.uk

With a proven track record and an international reputation as a centre of excellence, GSA can confidently provide a realistic benchmark for those who enjoy singing musical theatre repertoire as a recreational activity, as well as for those who wish to take their training to a higher level. Rather than a syllabus concentrating on generalised skills, the GSA Musical Theatre Graded Singing Examinations syllabus aims to nurture strengths in singing and performance, along with a growing knowledge of the background to Musical Theatre.

Chief Examiner, Ross Campbell cannot wait to meet the first cohort of examinees.  He says, “The GSA Musical Theatre Graded Singing Examinations are designed to encourage and stimulate performers of any age. They can work their way through the grades from 1 to 8, whether for personal enjoyment or with the aim of a career in the profession, with pride and confidence in the standards which these examinations represent.  Ultimately, if they wish, candidates can progress on to a Diploma and Licentiate in Performance and/or Teaching of Singing, and eventually a Fellowship of GSA, so becoming a lifelong contributor to and ambassador of the ethos and philosophy of the School.”

GSA has a unique international reputation in the training of highly skilled professional musical theatre performers, coaches and technicians. If you visit the West End theatre to see musicals or indeed visit your local theatre you will have seen GSA graduates performing and, more than likely have witnessed the work of GSA trained technicians who manage the shows.

The elite GSA BA and MA performance courses continue to attract the highest calibre of applicants.  GSA Director Peter Barlow says “I have become convinced over the years, that our specialised knowledge and expertise should be made available to a wider field of students and teachers. For this reason, we are delighted to now offer validation of the highest professional standards to those who may be engaged in musical theatre as a recreational activity as well as those who may be preparing for entry into the profession of performing arts.”

“Instant success and instant acclaim are a part of our psyche these days. However, reality television programmes and the popular notion of celebrity do not really address the truth of the artist’s craft, which is that practice and hard work are essential to success in all artistic endeavours.”

The new GSA Graded Examinations will give individuals the opportunity to demonstrate their dedication to improving their performance skills, which in common with all arts and crafts, requires regular practice. In the professional performance industry, instant success is rarely sustainable. Those who put in the regular practice over a period of time are usually those who will consolidate and enjoy a long term career as a performer.

There is no other Graded Singing Examination Syllabus which:

  • is devoted exclusively to the Musical Theatre repertoire
  • guarantees to provide examiners who are specialist in Musical Theatre
  • gives musical theatre performers the opportunity to demonstrate integration of their other skills with their singing
  • has an impression mark for overall performance 
  • is provided by an institution with close links to the Musical Theatre profession at the highest level

The GSA Graded Examinations are designed to reward practice, effort and determination to succeed. The Specialist Examiners, Ross Campbell, Erin O’Hanlon and Robert Forbes are among the foremost in their field and GSA’s reputation for Musical Theatre training is highly respected world-wide. These examinations will test ability at all levels and encourage students confidently to prepare and engage in the development of their craft to the highest specialised standards.

 

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