May
Music Students End Degree with One Last Performance
As the academic year begins to come to an end, several students are finishing their degree. Some students have luckily already taken their last exams, and submitted their last assignments. However, many music students are performing in their final recitals at this time of the year. Many of us may relish the opportunity to play an instrument or take to the mic instead of writing a 3000 word assignment. What we may not recognise, is the large amount of hard work and preparation that goes into the performance examination, and getting stage-ready. Third year English Literature and Music student Charlie Child had this to say:
“Process has been hard work but has also been rewarding, leading a band and working on original material and covers with them. I’m very excited about the final performance on Thursday, we are very well rehearsed I just hope I perform to the best of my ability on the night.”
Many music students are performing their final recital at The Talking Heads, a local live music venue and pub. Several students perform a variety of styles on selected evenings, from reworked pop songs, to instrumental jazz, afrobeats, to acapella folk songs. The location gives students the opportunity to perform on a stage that is frequently the platform for successful bands and artists. While all of this may feel like added pressure, particularly when this final exam carries a high number of potential marks for students, many choose not to allow this to worry them. Music student Sarah Moir said:
“I don’t actually care what grade I get, because I’ve learnt so much from the process of doing it. Everything I’ve learnt is invaluable for my future as a singer and goes further than the walls of this university.”
Words: Leodora Darlington
Tags: Charlie Child, performance, Sarah Moir, Words Leodora Darlington