Music facilities at York
Hi, I’m Michael, and I’m an undergraduate music student at York. I’m going to tell you about the fantastic facilities available in the School of Arts and Creative Technologies.
The School has a range of facilities which really do make us stand out as a place to study music. We have incredible recording studios, practice rooms and our very own concert hall.
I have had several opportunities to have my music recorded, which have been incredible learning experiences. It’s great to see what goes on behind the scenes of a recording session, as well as the feeling of having your performance captured.
Our concert hall, Sir Jack Lyons, seats 350 people and contains a full-sized organ and two Steinway grand pianos. If you’re in a large ensemble, such as a symphony orchestra, choir or brass band, you’ll rehearse and perform in here. Whether during a recital or as part of the lunchtime concert series. This is one of my favourite aspects studying music at York, as performing within the Jack Lyons’ beautiful acoustics never gets old!
The practice rooms are fitted with LED lighting, and are all very comfortable work spaces. They all have upright pianos which are regularly tuned. Our seminar rooms contain grand pianos, which pianists are able to book.
Extracurricular benefits
Music naturally creates very versatile people. There are countless opportunities to work collaboratively or take on leadership roles, so we have the skills we need after graduating.
Whether you are a performer or composer, York offers opportunities to collaborate with others and feature your hard work throughout the year. As a violinist, I have had the opportunity to lead sections in the University Symphony Orchestra, as well as play solo repertoire with choir, orchestra and piano.
Whatever your ability, there is a huge variety of choirs and ensembles – including the symphony orchestra, baroque ensemble, the 24 Choir, Gamelan Ensemble and more – which was something that personally drew me to York.
Composers will have opportunities to feature their own works through ensembles such as The Chimera Ensemble, and if there is not an opportunity for you to showcase your work, you can create one through the lunchtime concert series with our Music Society!
Music for all
Something that really sets York apart from other universities is our Music Education Group (MEG) which offers students the chance to run workshops and play music in primary schools, hospitals, nurseries and care homes across York. This is a vital experience if you are considering teaching as a career.
Overall, the incredible facilities, countless ensembles and opportunities really do give you the skills you need to thrive after your education. You’ll improve as a musician, and develop teamwork, leadership and social skills too.
This is what undoubtedly made me choose the York to study Music and I really hope it does for you too.
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