Studying Music at York might be the best decision I’ve ever made. Since the start of my degree, I’ve had so many opportunities and so much fun!
We put on a concert in our first week!
The practical project in our first week was such a perfect way for us all to get to know each other. It really opened my eyes to an entirely different type and way of making music. We put on a concert in our first week, guided by our excellent lecturers. It felt like such an achievement, and it’s fair to say we all learnt a great deal. I look back on that first week very fondly.
Why I love my modules
Come week two, we were straight into lectures. Things got better and better from here. My first option module was ‘Developing themes: Music in the ‘Long Nineteenth Century’. Every lecture was so interesting, with topics ranging from nationalism in music to tone poems and musical language. As my first real dip into musical academia, I found the rigours so fulfilling. The processes and tips for research we’ve learned are invaluable not only for future studies, but to take into our careers.
One of the reasons I chose York was the unique way modules are assessed. We set our own essay titles! It allows you to explore a topic that truly interests you, and with expert guidance from tutorial leaders, you’ll find you’re genuinely engaged in what you’re doing.
Facilities
The facilities at York are exceptional. Music is split across Campus West and Campus East. I’ve always had spaces to practise and rehearse in due to the sheer number of practise rooms available. The spaces are great with plenty of room and a piano (sometimes two!). There are also bigger rooms for band rehearsals. Music at York feels like second home at busy points: I am a member of several ensembles, so spend lots of my evenings there, too.
You can even work in bookable breakout spaces. You feel so productive, working on a piece of music, then spending time next door writing essays. It’s so close-knit, and there’s so much support within the community.
The concert spaces are stunning. The Jack Lyons is special, with a house organ, Steinway pianos, and a full lighting rig. Sometimes my ensembles rehearse in there, and we’ve performed too. It’s a real experience to play and hear live music in there.
The School of Arts and Creative Technologies
Another reason I love Music at York was the School of Arts and Creative Technologies means I have had the chance to work with other students on their projects. I have been involved in several sound recording assessments.
You can take modules offered by other courses in the School. I’ve taken Introduction to Music Business, and The Musicology of Record Production. My favourite module so far, however, has been Introduction to the Psychology of Music. It’s just so incredibly interesting! We discussed topics including music and emotion, marketing, and music therapy just to name a few. Our lecturer, Mimi O’Neill, was so passionate and you could really tell her expertise in the field. The glimpse into a more research-oriented world was so engaging to me. The debates that I had in these lectures greatly improved my reasoning.
Music on campus
Due to the sheer number of musicians at university, there are a brilliant number of ensembles to join. As a trumpeter, I take full advantage of this. I am a member of Symphony Orchestra, Big Band, Concert Band and Brass Band among others. I enjoy all thoroughly, and they are frequently the highlight of my week – the weekend when we held Jazz Fest with Jazz and Big Band society the day after giving a concert in the Minster with Symphony Orchestra and University Choir was easily one of the top weekends of the year! I’m looking forward to this even more this year, as I am now the Co-Musical Director of Jazz and Big Band.
Something I especially love about York is how integrated non-music students are into all the ensembles. The culture on campus is brilliant. All students are welcome to audition or simply join any ensemble, no matter their degree – like all students they can also lead and manage groups.
The Future
Finally, the course has prepared me very well for my time post-university. With instrumental tuition provided from day one, the teachers and performers of the highest calibre from across the country. There are paid opportunities on campus and in the city. I feel a great deal more confident about when I graduate and enter professional life than I did when I started here, and I’m only halfway through!
I’ve already had conversations with both my trumpet teacher and personal tutor about how to build a strong portfolio, and both have helped me get in contact with people in the industry.
One last thing
There are so many more brilliant things I could mention for why I love music at York, like the music parent scheme, the free concerts, Vanbrugh Jazz, musicals, and so much more. I can’t list all of them here or you’d be here all day!
In conclusion, I simply couldn’t imagine being anywhere else – everybody is so nice, so friendly, and so willing to help. I simply cannot recommend York highly enough!
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