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Performance opportunities and commitments policy

Productions, performances and collaborative projects are central to your training as a musician and form a vital, practical component of the learning experience offered by the School of Music. This policy sets out the principles that guide the allocation of performance related opportunities and commitments, the professional expectations of all students and the processes for raising concerns or appealing decisions.

The policy also reflects recent student feedback on transparency and equity, and staff feedback on the need for a policy that is both clear and workable in practice. It covers a wide range of activities including (but not limited to) orchestral performances, opera and chorus roles, composing for visiting ensembles, chamber groups, masterclasses and specialised departmental projects.

Communication and awareness of opportunities​

The School of Music is committed to supporting students’ awareness of performance opportunities and to communicating information in ways that are fair, timely and appropriate to the nature of each project.

Communication principles​

Because opportunities arise in different ways – some planned far in advance, others emerging at short notice – the School will aim to:

  • share information about opportunities as early as is reasonably possible;
  • use communication channels that reach the relevant students effectively;
  • provide sufficient information for students to understand the nature of the opportunity and any required commitments;
  • ensure that students know how to express interest or raise questions.

Communication channels​

Opportunities will normally be communicated through one or more of the following:

  • Artistic Planning (AP) Many school-wide performance allocations and schedules are coordinated and shared directly by the AP team, who serve as a primary hub for our performance communications.
  • Student Outcomes For assessment-related performances and core commitments, allocations are often shown on Student Outcomes. Because Heads of Department cannot email every student individually for every assessment, students should regularly check their own profiles and information on Student Outcomes.
  • Email or Microsoft Teams Direct updates from your Head of Department or Programme Support Administrator (PSA) – note that while some departments use email, others share allocations on departmental Teams channels, so you should monitor both regularly.
  • Direct communication (e.g. in class or rehearsal) where opportunities arise at short notice or require rapid response.

Because some opportunities are time sensitive or externally driven, the School cannot guarantee uniform notice periods. However, we will always aim to communicate in ways that support fairness, clarity and student preparedness.

Professional expectations​

Participation in performances and productions is both an opportunity for artistic development and a commitment to the Conservatoire community.

Students are expected to demonstrate professionalism by being:

  • Present and punctual for all scheduled rehearsals and performances;
  • Prepared, with all required materials learned and ready;
  • Focused and engaged throughout the rehearsal process;
  • Courteous and collaborative, contributing positively to the ensemble and working respectfully with colleagues, staff and visiting artists.

Students are expected to contribute to Conservatoire performances and productions as agreed with their Head of Department.

Principles guiding the allocation of opportunities​

Allocation decisions are made by Heads of Department or delegated colleagues, working collaboratively, and guided by the following principles.

Principle 1: Supporting individual learning and development​

Opportunities are allocated to enhance each student’s learning journey, taking into account:

  • degree and assessment requirements;
  • readiness to benefit from the experience;
  • the suitability of the role for the student’s current stage of development.

Principle 2: Equity of experience across the cohort​

The School aims to ensure that, over the course of study, students have access to a balanced range of opportunities. This includes consideration of:

  • the distribution of opportunities across year groups;
  • the needs of the performance or production;
  • the needs of other students;
  • the overall balance of experience within the cohort.

Principle 3: Professional judgement​

Not all opportunities are suitable for audition or open application. Staff will use their professional expertise to determine when:

  • an audition or expression of interest is appropriate;
  • teacher recommendation is the most suitable route;
  • a role requires direct allocation based on readiness, safety or artistic needs. Where an audition or expression of interest process is used, students will be informed of the format and expectations.

Transparency in allocation​

When allocation decisions are communicated, students may request a brief explanation of how the decision aligns with the principles above. Explanations will be proportionate, recognising that some decisions involve complex artistic and pedagogical judgement.

Personal Mitigating Circumstances (PMC)​

If illness or other serious mitigating circumstances prevent you from fulfilling your obligations, you must contact your Head of Department immediately and submit a PMC form with appropriate evidence to the AAS office as soon as possible.

Resolving concerns and appeals​

The School of Music is committed to resolving concerns fairly and promptly.

Stage 1: Initial concern (Head of Department)​

If you feel that an allocation decision or lack of awareness of an opportunity has disadvantaged your learning, you should contact your Head of Department within 48 hours of the allocation announcement (or discovery of the missed opportunity).

Your message should explain your concern with reference to the principles above. The Head of Department will review the situation and aim to resolve the concern.

Stage 2: Formal concern (Head of Programme)​

If you remain dissatisfied, you may contact your Head of Programme. They will liaise with the Head of Department and provide a rationale for the decision.

Stage 3: Directorial appeal​

If you are still dissatisfied, you may appeal in writing to the Director of Music, following the Conservatoire’s Regulations, Codes of Procedure and General Rules.

Continuous review​

The School recognises that no allocation system can be perfect, and that transparency and fairness require ongoing attention. Student and staff feedback will continue to inform future refinements of this policy.