Location

London, England

Program Description

JMU students from the College of Visual and Performing Arts will have the opportunity to visit the UK capital, London and gain valuable professional experience working with a London arts organization for 4 weeks. CVPA is partnering with Creative Futures (UK) Limited to offer international community music and arts practicum experiences in London for summer 2026. Each student will be placed with a host arts organization which reflects their interests. These will be drawn from Creative Futures’ network of partners. Organizations from the 2025 program included Courtauld, Opera Holland Park, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, Music Masters, Ealing Music Service, and TriBorough Music Hub.

In spring 2024 the School of Music hosted Dr. Julian Knight, the Creative Director of Creative Futures (UK) Limited, as a Fulbright ‘scholar-in-residence’. Working with the CVPA leadership, Dr. Knight has graciously agreed to organize practicum experiences in London for students in the CVPA. This opportunity is open to students in the College of Visual and Performing Art or JMU students with strong arts backgrounds. Creative Futures will arrange initial zoom meetings for students with their host before departing from the US, host an Induction Session for all JMU students on arrival in London, and host a closing ‘Reflect and Review’ session at the end of the 4 weeks. Students will spend at least 20 hours per week working with their host organization and be involved in a broad range of activities to provide a rich and varied experience of the London arts scene.

Community Music programs are increasing in popularity in the United State but most programs are in their infancy. Creative Futures (UK) Limited is an innovative model for community arts education. Dr. Julian Knight, Creative Director of Creative Futures, will use his connections in London to place JMU students in a practicum experience with Creative Futures and other organizations in the city.

Students will enroll in one of the following courses:

• MUS 490: Special Topics in Music: Community Arts London (3 credits)
• MUS 690: Special Topics in Music: Community Arts London (3 credits)
• ART 475E: Community Arts London (3 credits)

Location Description

London has a thriving and vibrant arts scene and is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading cultural centers. Students will be placed with leading arts organisations in the city, and will have opportunities to also experience a number of cultural events, excursions and trips both in and outside the capital – all included in the Program Fee.

Director

William Dabback | dabbacwm@jmu.edu | School of Music

Accommodations

Accommodations will be provided for students through furnished apartments with internet access and full kitchen and laundry facilities.Three students will share a two-bedroom apartment. Housing accommodations are centrally located and public transportation is easily accessible.

Students will be allocated a weekly meal stipend that will cover approximately 14 meals per week. Most lunches and dinners will be provided as a part of the program. Students will have access to a full kitchen for breakfast in their apartments.

Additional Items to Consider

London is a city that requires a lot of walking, even when using public transport. A one-month “Oyster Card” (travelcard) will be provided which covers travel on the underground (“tube”) as well as London buses and “Overground” train services.

A full and valid passport is required, and an electronic travel authorization will need to be applied for well in advance. Students applying for this opportunity are recommended to ensure they have a valid passport as early as possible in the process. It is expensive to use US cell phones in the UK, unless connected to wifi. Students may want to buy a UK sim-card on arrival.

It is advisable to bring a suitable adapter to use for electrical items (such as phone/laptop) chargers. UK voltage is 240v. Before arrival in London, a background check will need to be processed to enable each student to participate in any events or programs involving children or vulnerable adults. 

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0.

Open to students in all class levels, including graduate students. Open to non-JMU students.

Preference given to students accepted to a College of Visual and Performing Arts major or a similar field at their home institution. Other students considered with a strong arts background.