James Bingham

James works as a conductor for Opera North's education department, conducting various choirs in the north – from Newcastle to Leeds.

His role involves visiting primary schools and choirs. In an average week he conducts around 1000 young people.

Whilst studying at Sheffield, James was involved in conducting orchestras and chamber choir. He says that these opportunities were instrumental in starting his conducting career.

A typical week

In a typical week, I spend three days visiting primary schools involved in Opera North's InHarmony project. Throughout the day I run group singing sessions with the majority of the children at the school.

On my other two days I lead rehearsal with Opera North's childrens' choirs in both Newcastle and Leeds.

Previous roles

I built up my career within several different roles (workshop leader, project manager, presenter, conductor, teacher, voice-over artist) with many different organisations, including:

• The Royal Opera House
• CBeebies
• National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain
• Beatrix Potter Attraction
• European Brandenburg Ensemble

My time at Sheffield

I enjoyed many wonderful performance opportunities including solo, orchestras, chamber choirs, ensembles, playing for musicals etc.

A key module was Music, Arts and Administration, which included a guest lecture by Tracey Shibli, the administrator for Music in the Round at the time. I began volunteering with them and my career began to form - since then, I have continued to be involved with events there for the last 17 years!

Advice

What advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing a similar career path?

I have been asked frequently by teenagers looking to study music as to whether they should attend a conservatoire or university. From my own experience I found the diversity of a university course a real benefit in my work professionally.

What skills do you look for in graduates you recruit?

Although I don't have any personal responsibility for recruiting at Opera North, I think an enthusiasm for music is key.

I love working with musicians who are constantly striving to learn new things about music through their practice. The individual sense of responsibility students have for their work absolutely helps foster this process.

What would you tell someone thinking about studying music at university?

Soak up as much as you can. Get involved with as many ensembles and set up your own if you need to.

Talk to as many people in the department as you can, undergraduates, postgraduates and teaching staff.

Make use of one-on-one session with your tutors.

Is there anything else you could like to share with prospective students?

Alongside my degree I sang as a choral scholar at the Cathedral. This was equally as invaluable as my time University as it allowed me to really push the practical application side of my learning.