Overview
Towards the end of this Summer term, artsUCL will host a special workshop for 15-20 students, in collaboration with the Matthew Barley Arts Foundation.
‘Sounds Together’ is a specially curated 3-day workshop that uses creative music, song, theatre and movement to explore improving and maintaining good mental health. The workshop aims to build resilience and confidence through working together, creating and exploring new work. Over 3 days, you will co-curate a piece of new work and leave with a completed project which you will share with an invited audience.
Sounds Together has been developed by cellist Matthew Barley, who will deliver the workshop with actor and singer, Emma Bonnici. Through the creative process they create a safe space to explore feelings such as anxiety and overwhelm through music and song, as well as nurturing empathy, listening and trust. The workshop will explore how music and movement can have a positive effect on mental health and cultivate empowerment, self-worth and resilience.
Who is it for?
This opportunity is targeted towards students with a passion for music – either through playing a music instrument or through singing. You do not have to be a brilliant musician! If you do play an instrument – brilliant. If you're a singer, or a musical theatre performer, brilliant too! If you don’t don't play a musical instrument but are really curious about getting involved and prepared to jump in, that's also fine. We are looking for curious, creative students who will just bring themselves, jump in and say yes.
Dates, times, and location
Workshop dates: Wednesday 28th May, Thursday 29th May and Friday 30th May 2025
Please note, participants must commit to all workshop days
All workshops will take place in person either in the Bloomsbury Studio or the SU Rehearsal Room on Gordon Street.
Lunch vouchers will be provided to all students for SU cafes
Application process
You can apply for the opportunity via the webform here, where we will ask you to submit a short video or written statement about why you think you would benefit from the opportunity, as well as some details about your previous experience.
Application criteria
We will make decisions based on the following criteria:
- Passion for the opportunity: we want people to apply who are really passionate about music, movement, and the link with our resilience and mental health
- Suitability for the opportunity: this is a practical workshop which will require you to work with commitment and generosity within an ensemble. It’s an opportunity targeted towards students who either play a music instrument or have singing experience, as well as those without experience but who are keen to jump in and give it a go.
Application deadline
The deadline for applications is Monday 12th May 2025 at 5pm.
About Matthew Barley Arts Foundation
Matthew Barley has launched an arts foundation to run creative workshops using music and theatre to help university students with mental health.
Matthew Barley, Project and Foundation Director: award-winning cellist with 30 years+ experience of running workshops. Project management experience includes Artistic Director of Classic FM schools’ music festivals and the British Council 70th anniversary celebration.
Emma Bonnici, Workshop Lead and Project Development: a dynamic actor, singer, and teacher. She works internationally running projects that nurture self-discovery and self-empowerment.
Rachel Toogood, Producer: 20 years+ experience of running arts and cultural projects, including in university settings, as well as in leading arts organisations such as the Royal Court Theatre, Southbank Centre, Guildhall School of Music & Drama and the British Council.
Nicola Forshaw, Project Evaluator: Senior Lecturer: Drama and Dance. Director of Access Dance. Research interests include dance and mental health and the role of interdisciplinary art in psychological well-being.