A Study of the Creative Workshop by Guildhall CONNECT

Abstract

In this paper, some aspects of Creative Workshop by Guildhall CONNECT of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama are examined. Its feature is to abolish the conventional method and the frame as the workshop is conducted. For example, written music is not used in the workshop, and genres of music, such as pop and classical, are not particular, and besides, any special preparations for participating the workshop are not necessary. The workshop of CONNECT is open to anyone regardless the ability and experience of music and the background of his/hers. In a group activity of the workshop, the groups of participants are set to aim at creating and performing new music. Members of the groups will recognize themselves as the subjects of practice of group activity, through collaborating for achievement of their aim. It can be considered as the formation of community, where each participant acts as the subject of constructing and operating the community. In short, the workshop of CONNECT provides diverse people, irrespective of their backgrounds and nature, with the opportunity to be the subjects of community. 21st century is said to be the era of so called "non-definability". In such situation, CONNECT provides participants an opportunity of experience to behave as the subject, which is evaluated as the social role of CONNECT. From the opposite point of view, that groups form the community and members become the subjects are indispensable for workshop to succeed. The process of warm-up performed in the beginning of the workshop is significant which helps making participant to be the subject.