Being a student in a new country
At York, studying a music production Masters at School of Arts and Creative Technologies offers all sorts of activities for international and new students to make you feel at home, and amazing studio facilities for you to develop your abilities.
There are welcome parties and society fairs, workshops, and other events hosted by your college. My college, Wentworth, where most post-graduates live, hosts free breakfast and coffee sessions.
So donβt worry about living your life in a brand new, unfamiliar country; the faculties are very happy to help if you have any problems.
The music studios at York
In Music, we have five studios with a range of equipment so you can hone your recording, mixing and composing skills across lots of formats. All the studios are bookable to Music students and available 24 hours a day. Trevor Jones is the School’s flagship studio, with a 24-channel SSL duality delta console with all sorts of outboards including 1176 compressor, Kemper and analog delay for analog mixing and recording.
Throughout your course, you’ll be able to experiment with high-end outboard gear and microphones, as well as modular synthesizers in the Ralph Vaughan Williams Studio, including: Euro rack, Moog Grandmother and EMS-VCS3. Whatβs more, there are opportunities to try out vintage tape machines, like the Otari MX-80 2-inch 24trk.
Extracurricular and part-time work opportunities at York
Though studios are bookable for students within the School, you’ll be able to bring in external musicians to record on your sessions. This gives York students a huge advantage in developing relationships, as well as practical experience in all aspects of production.
There are assistantship opportunities, too. These are a great chance to work part-time while you’re studying. For example, the IT team sometimes need a hand from the students to help with the equipment during busy time, and that gives an opportunity for the music students to learn, practice and of course work with the IT team. I worked with the IT team, helping students with recording equipment during busy assessment times; it’s a great way to enhance your knowledge of hardware, learn more about signal chains, and work with equipment you’re not familiar with.
Life at York
York is a great city for you to explore!
Famous for ghosts, haunted attractions, and medieval buildings, the city is especially fun at festive times like Halloween and Christmas. The University is a 10-minute of bus ride away from the city centre, so do take your time during holidays or consolidation week to explore the city and new culture.
There is a great local music scene, too, with independent and theatre venues as well as pubs showcasing local and international artists.
I hope my blog gives you a picture of what studying at York is like. Remember to hold on to any opportunities you come across, and youβll be just fine!
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