We’d like to introduce Trish Shaw, the Head of School for Performing Arts. We had a chat with Trish about her role at City Lit and her passion for music and the arts.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your role here at City Lit?
"I trained as a violinist, singer and musicologist, specialising in music since 1900, and I’ve worked as a university and college lecturer since my early 20s, teaching everything from early music to songwriting.
I’m also a choral conductor, composer/arranger, and orchestral violinist. Although primarily a classical musician, I have pretty eclectic tastes and interests including contemporary theatre, dance and visual arts.
Here at City Lit, I manage the performing arts department. This includes the organisation of dozens of free concerts and recitals which run throughout the year, performed by students and/or tutors, as well as drama productions from our advanced acting students. I also teach choir at lunchtime, composition techniques, orchestra workshop and string schools."
What do you consider to be your favourite part of your job?
"I love meeting people to help them find the right course to suit their interests, ambitions and stage of development. The conversation often taps into earlier life experiences, unlocking potential that has been dormant for years, and can be a joyous and liberating time for people of all ages who come to learn something they absolutely love doing."
What should students expect from studying at City Lit?
"Expect to be stimulated and challenged, both at the class and in the new social, intellectual and creative connections you will make. As with all learning, what you get out of the course depends to some extent on how much you are able to put in. Don’t be shy about engaging with the course content, your tutor and your fellow students!"
If you were to do any course at City Lit, what course would you do?
"I love languages, so have been studying Icelandic, and would like to take it further. It’s a complex but fascinating and beautiful sounding language, and the course provides such a great insight into the culture, landscape and history. The music videos of Björk got me started!"
Is there any advice you would give to someone who is thinking about studying at City Lit?
"Make sure you read all the information on the website about the course you’re interested in to make sure you know what is on offer, and get in touch with the relevant department if you need to know more. You want to make sure you pick the right course for you."
