The Sir Elton John Global Exchange Programme
at The Royal Academy of Music
Launched by London’s Royal Academy of Music, the Sir Elton John Global Exchange Programme promotes global mobility and international collaboration between deserving and talented young musicians. The Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School is among 12 leading music education institutions in the world participating.
In February of 2024, two students each from The Glenn Gould School (GGS) and London’s Royal Academy of Music (RAM) participated in The Sir Elton John Global Exchange Programme – a unique annual global music exchange. GGS participants were Henry From (BMus ’26, Ihnatowycz Prize in Piano recipient) and Chelsea Ahn (ADP ’25, piano, recipient of The Bill & Janet L’Heureux Scholarships). They traveled to London, England for a 10-day immersive experience at the Royal Academy of Music where they participated in coaching sessions, masterclasses, performances, and of course touring some of London’s famous sights! Making the trip from London to Toronto were RAM students Emily Su (violin, MA ‘25) and Zany Denyer (piano, MMus ’26). Both Zany and Emily attended master classes and participated in lessons and coaching by distinguished GGS faculty including Dean James Anagnoson, Rachael Kerr, Mayumi Seiler and Erika Raum.
GGS is among 12 prestigious music education institutions from around the world participating in this programme from the Royal Academy which promotes global mobility, cross-cultural experiences and international collaboration amongst exceptional young musicians.
“Being part of the Sir Elton John Global Exchange Programme was an exhilarating experience. It was nice to get lessons from a variety of professors all in one week as it really opened my thoughts and imaginations to another level of playing that I didn't know was possible.”
“I really loved the exchange experience. Being introduced to new ways of teaching and exploring classical music was invaluable. I even had a bit of a mind-blowing session with Mark Padmore that ignited a new passion for Schubert Lieder that I hope to pursue in the years to come!”
“We really loved our time in Toronto at The Glenn Gould School; everyone was so welcoming! Every day was packed full of interesting coaching, collaboration, and training sessions. I had the opportunity to join the incredible student orchestra for one of their big performances of the year, and Zany and I also performed at the Canadian Opera Company in their free Concert Series.”
“There was so much variety in the exchange experience at GGS. In a day, we would go from private sessions with amazing faculty and students to recital rehearsals to performances in Koerner Hall. The GGS students made the week so much easier by always being there to guide us to our next session and include us in their social events.”
