Contact: Peter Garden
The Liverpool Philharmonic has developed partnerships with Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool University and less so with the Royal Northern College of Music.
The strategic partnership with LJMU offers internships either in marketing or in event management for undergraduate students; there are taught sessions for undergraduates and presentations have been given to trainee teachers.
On a collaborative PhD with the Sports Science Research Institute the Liverpool Philharmonic provides expertise on the skeletal health of elite musicians.
There is a 3-year partnership with the University of Liverpool. In October 2017, a new MA programme on the Business of Classical Music, co-designed and co-delivered with LPO, will commence; some scholarships will be available for UK-based students.
As part of the annual programme, the Liverpool Philharmonic provides performance coaching, composition, ensemble performance and involvement in the lunch-time concert series.
Career talks are given, company members attend career days on invitation, and one company member runs the symphony orchestra ‘In-harmony’ programme.
Another 3-year partnership exists with Liverpool Hope University through which lots of coaching performance, instrumental teaching, placements and musical development with professionals is available. The orchestra also commissions from the lecturers.
The RCNM benefits from the professional experience of players for the students in orchestral performance at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels; there is mentoring and some assessment.
The challenges involved in these varied arrangements differ. Some work very well and there are rich relationships operating at all levels. For example the scheme allowing LJMU students access to free tickets to concerts is highly regarded.