Victoria College of Music and Drama, London

Embrace the warmth of summer through verse!

As Summer arrives in the UK Adlestrop by Edward Thomas, ideal for our Associate Diploma in Speaking of Verse fits the moment. Start the week with a wonderful rendition by the late Geoffrey Palmer. This evocative poem captures a fleeting moment of stillness on a summer’s day, rich with natural imagery and gentle rhythm. It’s a beautiful piece to showcase subtle vocal nuance, pacing, and emotional connection. Let your performance transport listeners to that quiet English countryside, where birdsong and memory linger in the air.

https://youtu.be/bDUEwGR_gH8?si=bRTM_TuAixiO1R3V

Adlestrop - Geoffrey Palmer Edward Thomas' "Adlestrop" read by Geoffrey PalmerMusic: Vaughan Williams - The Lark Ascending (Excerpt)From the album "Words for You"Photo: http://farm4.sta...

The Greatest Free Show in Music?

VCM has had connections to the brass band world for much of its existence so if you're in Manchester today, don’t miss the Whit Friday Marches in Saddleworth and Oldham – a spectacular celebration of brass band music and community spirit! From 3 PM to 10 PM, over 100 bands will parade through picturesque villages, competing in lively contests filled with tradition, talent, and surprises. Expect everything from world-class performances to quirky costumes and international flair. It’s a one-of-a-kind cultural event that turns the streets into a stage and the crowd into a chorus of cheers.

📍 Head out now and soak in the sound of summer!

Take a breath and let the gentle tones of Bach’s Cello Prelude No. 1, played on guitar, guide you to stillness. Each note flows like a quiet stream, grounding you in the present. A moment of peace, a timeless melody—perfect for reflection and calm. 🎶🕊️

Ana Vidovic plays from the Cello Suite No. 1 Prelude in G Major BWV 1007 - BACH Find your next classical guitar in our online shop: https://www.siccasguitars.com Sell your guitar on OhGuitar: https://www.ohguitar.com Join our online comm...

🎓 **Advance Your Career from Anywhere!** 🌍

A distance qualification from Victoria College London empowers you to learn flexibly, without compromising your current commitments. Whether you're nursing an itch to explore your field further, try something new or develop your skills, our diplomas, awards and degrees in Music, Research, Education and Humanities offer flexible pathways at a range of levels. Study at your pace, from any location, and join a network of ambitious professionals shaping their futures—on their terms.

Invest in your growth. Learn without limits.
Victoria College, encouraging since 1890.

www.victoriacollegelondon.com

Speech Exam Prep.

As we enter exam season are you preparing for an upcoming speech exam and feeling a bit nervous? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are some tips to help you confidently nail your speech exam:

1. Practice, Practice, Practice! Rehearse your speech in front of a mirror, record yourself, or practice with a friend or family member. This will help you get comfortable with the material and timing.

2. Know Your Stuff! Make sure you understand the subjects inside out. Research, organize your thoughts, and create an outline for your texts to help you stay on track.

3. Focus on Body Language! Maintain eye contact, stand up straight, and use gestures to convey confidence and enthusiasm. Remember, your body language speaks louder than your words!

4. Breathe and Relax! Take deep breaths before you start speaking, and try to relax. Remember that it's okay to make mistakes - it's all part of the learning process!

5. Get Feedback! Ask your teacher, classmates, or friends for feedback on your speech. Use their suggestions to improve and refine your delivery.

With these tips, your hard work and practice, you'll be well on your way to succeeding in your speech exam. Good luck, and don't forget to share your own tips in the comments below! See you in an exam room soon!

Did you know.. On 5 June 1965 The Sound of Music soundtrack began its 70-week reign at the top of the UK album chart? This beloved musical, starring Julie Andrews, became a global sensation, breaking box office records and cementing its place in history. Its timeless songs continue to inspire generations and have been heard in VCM Musical Theatre exams over the years.

Help us shape the next string syllabus! We are currently in the process of revising our Orchestral Strings Syllabuses and you can have your say! We invite teachers, students, publishers, composers and arrangers to suggest pieces for our advisors to consider. Any level, any genre, the only requirement being that the work is commercially available (including self publishing).

Old favourites, new pieces, we want to hear your ideas!

Email [email protected] to send us your suggestions!

Music has often been claimed to help the brain but research in 2024 has discovered a strong connection between playing music and brain health. Research from the NIHR (https://www.nihr.ac.uk/news/playing-instrument-linked-better-brain-health-older-adults) reveals that playing a musical instrument is linked to better brain health in older adults. Engaging in music activities can even help reduce cognitive decline. So, dust off that old instrument or pick up a new one - your brain will thank you!

Playing an instrument linked to better brain health in older adults Practising and reading music helps sustain good memory and the ability to solve complex tasks, according to new research part-funded by the NIHR.

Today marks the anniversary of Christopher Marlowe's still disputed death. A renowned English playwright, poet andcontemporary to Shakespeare Marlowe's life was cut short on May 30, 1593, at the age of 29. His works, including "Tamburlaine the Great" and "Doctor Faustus," showcased his mastery of language and dramatic flair. His untimely death has become a subject of speculation which still rages on among scholars , but his literary legacy endures, influencing generations of writers and cementing his place as one of the most significant figures in English literary history. His work has been used on many occasions in VCM Exams and is still performed and read across the world.

Still available for this term. In person special visits, live digital and hybrid exams on request.

Contact us today to arrange your qualifications.
www.vcmexams.com
[email protected]
+4420 7405 6483

You can now use any work set by a regulated UK Exam Board in our graded music exams. Enjoy one of the widest repertoire choices of any exam board and gain a regulated UK qualification.