Tom Stoneman, a first year scholarship student on Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's MMus in Brass Band Conducting course launched this September, is already enjoying his first taste of 'hands-on' conducting experience after being appointed Musical Director of the Shirley Band.

After graduating with a first class honours degree BMus (Hons) Performance last year, Tom decided to apply for the MMus: Brass Band Conducting course in September.

Design

It is designed for recent graduates and suitably qualified mature students and provides the essential technical training, collaborative opportunities and podium time necessary to help students prepare for a career as a professional conductor.

Graduates are encouraged to explore other opportunities to engage with ensembles — notably brass bands, with Tom telling 4BR that the benefits to his conducting has been immediate.

Marked improvement

"After a very hectic start to term, the course has already paid off! I've noticed a marked improvement in my conducting and ensemble leadership skills, to the point where I was confident enough in my abilities to take an audition and be successful in my first regular conducting role.

Working weekly with people at the top of the ladder has been a great experience, and I'm looking forward to the following few months."

It's been hectic and inspiring since September and the opportunities that have arisen have been incredibleTom Stoneman.

Opportunities

Those people include Ian Porthouse, Director of Brass Band studies, which allow students to also work twice a week in rehearsal with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Brass Band. Other opportunities include working with the Conservatoire's Brass Band in Residence, Tredegar Band.

There are also weekly workshops designed to develop wider skills in the realms of ensemble management, from career development, to conducting other ensembles such as choirs and orchestras.

Tom concluded: "It's been hectic and inspiring since September and the opportunities that have arisen have been incredible. Working with Shirley Band has given me a huge boost of confidence in such a supportive environment."