Course Studied: Classical
"I've learnt to have faith in my own ability and push myself towards bigger and better things."
What has been the most important thing you've learned at LCoM?
I've learnt to have faith in my own ability and push myself towards bigger and better things.
What are you planning on doing next after you leave LCoM?
I am delighted to say that I am going to study an MA in Choral Conducting at Birmingham under the tutelage of Simon Halsey, who is Chorus Master for CBSO Chorus and London Symphony Chorus.
Is there anything you've encountered over the last few years that has really made you push yourself as a musician or anything new that you had not tried before?
I have watched people give up at the first hurdle, which before coming to LCoM, I would have been prone to myself! Everyone coming to music college is 'in it to win it' and being able to use that drive to succeed, helps me to to push my classical music forward and make me into the best version of myself, as a musician but also as person.
What is the best piece of advice you've been given at LCoM?
"Do or do not. There is no try". A quote I was told by one of my lecturers and I will never will forget it.
What has been the best project / opportunity you've had during your degree?
I have had the opportunity to conduct different ensembles throughout the conservatoire and around Yorkshire. One of my most exciting projects of my time of LCoM was being to collaborate with Yorkshire Chamber Orchestra, Ilkley and Otley Choral Societies and SU Chorus to conduct perform Handel's Messiah in December 2019 for my conducting debut. I have been assistant conductor for the LCoM Chamber orchestra and loved every second of it.
What has been the biggest challenge and how has this helped you develop?
My biggest challenge has been understanding that it is OK if things don't work out first time. I have found it difficult at times to keep working through tough times, and being too easy to accept defeat when something doesn't work out as planned, but as a good friend told me, 'Everything will work out in the end. And if it doesn't work out, then it isn't the end.'
What is your favourite LCoM memory?
I have some amazing memories from LCoM, including Opera Projects, recording with my ensemble in The Corn Exchange, working with The Chamber Orchestra and performing in The Prizewinner's concert in 1st year. However, my favourite memory of LCoM is singing alongside the Chorus of Opera North for a 'side-by-side' rehearsal.
What advice would you give to others thinking of applying to your course at LCoM?
LCoM isn't just an opportunity to expand your ability in your main specialism - it gives you the platform to explore different areas of music you didn't even know existed. I have been able to use my Classical Music degree to work with production students for recordings, pop vocalists and many other degree pathways. LCoM is so much more than a conservatoire, it is an exciting new musical venture.
On and off the conducting podium, I have tried to take John Rutter’s advice: “Watch everything. Read everything. Listen to everything. The more that you put into yourself and not just the music the more you will be able to give back to the music”.
How would you describe your experience at LCoM in three words?
Exciting, challenging, rewarding.
