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"When I first came to Bristol University I was shy, lacked self confidence and was convinced I shouldn't be there. Throughout my time at Bristol I developed socially, academically and personally. I was given the opportunity to sing in fantastic ensembles, take on the lead role in an opera and, probably most important to me, conduct the University Chamber Choir for my final year (including a fantastic tour to Berlin). Of course education is of great importance, as can be seen in the skill and expertise of every single lecturer and staff member in the music department, but it is also much more than that. I have come out of Bristol with the confidence and skills to move to a new town, get a new job almost immediately and immerse myself in the music here. The Bristol music department has been great."
Harriet – BA, Music, 2011
"I have to admit that I didn't know much about the University of Bristol before I arrived as an eager fresher. But since my first lecture, a general introduction to music, to my very last in the third year on anti-semitism in Wagner's Ring Cycle I was encouraged to delve further into my academic passions. The support given by the lecturers and administrators is second to none. This is not only curricular (although being taught by some of the people who are at the forefront of their discipline is, of course, amazing and obvious from the start) but pastoral support as well. It is this truly nuturing environment which inspires the students to strive to be the best they can be. At least, I know it did for me."
Lucy – BA, Music, 2011
"As soon as I arrived in Bristol, surrounded by the beautiful architecture of the Victoria Rooms and the Wills Memorial Building, I knew this was the place that I would be spending my three years of undergraduate study. The Music department never ceases to possess a wonderfully friendly and positive atmosphere. Music-making of the highest calibre is clearly of utmost importance, and the atmosphere is made all the more fantastic through an overwhelming sense of camerardery, not only between the students, but with the lecturers alike. Combine this with the fact that Bristol is one of the most vibrant and beautiful cities in the UK and there is no question that studying Music here at Bristol is truly top notch – I can't rate it highly enough!"
Claire – BA, Music, 2011
"I can't think of just one good thing to say about the music department, as there are so many aspects that contributed to making my four years as a member of it incredible. I think the main thing is the approachability of the tutors that I have had the great fortune of working with. I found that if I had any questions there was always someone to speak to who would be glad to offer help. Even though I spent my 3rd year abroad, I remained in contact with the department and would receive emails asking about my progress and welfare, which made coming back and settling back in extremely easy. I was more than impressed with the variety of courses on offer which afforded me the opportunity to delve into the realms of musicology along with many chances to perform. Being involved in the University Singers was a highlight of my University career. I enjoyed the opportunity to rehearse meticulously and perform a wide range of repertoire to a professional standard."
Emily – BA, Music and French, 2011
"The progress I feel that I've made throughout my time at Bristol is testament to the department's excellence. I was not a particularly strong candidate in A Level music (only just scraping the required B), but the quality of teaching and support meant that I was able to achieve 1st Class Honours Degree by the end of my three years. I was also helped by the flexibility of the course. There is a staggering variety of study topics on offer, and the course structure means it is easy to pick those subjects which interest you most. In my final year alone, I wrote a research paper on Sibelius, learnt about Turkish Makam and Wagner's Ring cycle, wrote and conducted my own music, and gave a recital to an audience of my peers; a variety of musical experience it would be difficult to find anywhere else."
Joe – BA, Music, 2011
"I was originally accepted into Bristol University to study a degree in History, but for the months and weeks approaching I could not shake the nagging feeling that I would miss studying Music and, upon arrival, I made the rash decision to change subject. I have never been so glad of a decision. I was welcomed into a tight-knit, supportive department with an incredibly vibrant extra-curricular musical life and a real community feel. The staff are enthusiastic and approachable, and the opportunity to mould the course to one's own interest means the studying experience is personal to everyone. Having graduated, I have realised the skills gained from studying Music are diverse and extensive: confidence, creativity, analytical skills, research, writing, team-work, technical knowledge and determination. Musicians are a talented bunch!"
Olivia – BA, Music, 2011
"As one of the smaller departments in the university I found the music department to have a real sense of community. Academically, this was reinforced by one-on-one feedback from very approachable tutors. However, despite the department's small size, I benefited from a huge variety of units throughout my degree. As a joint honours student I was particularly able to pick and choose exactly the units that interested me. In my final year the diversity on offer saw me write an ethnomusicology essay on the impact of conflict on Afghan music on one hand, and compose a surround sound electroacoustic piece on the other - two completely isolated disciplines, both of which I really enjoyed!"
David – BA, Music and French, 2011
"Bristol's music department functions at more than an academic level - it is a unique social sphere of active, engaging and devoted musicians who have a seemingly unlimited reserve of new ideas and passion for their subject. The opportunity to collaborate and perform with other undergraduates is outstanding and is actively encouraged by the staff despite it not always being necessary for the course. There are always new ventures being set up by the students.
Bristol is a thriving creative city with plenty of performance and networking opportunities for a musician outside of the department. As well as completing my degree, during my time here I have payed my rent by playing with jazz bands (almost nightly sometimes); performed at many of the prestigious venues including the Colston Hall and the Bristol O2 Academy; had the opportunity to have my own works performed by exceptional musicians; produced soundtracks for short films made in Bristol; and worked in studios alongside some of Britain's most remarkable talents (including Mercury award nominees and chart topping artists). As a result, my time in Bristol has been the most fulfilling and productive time of my life so far. Not only that, but the friends I've made are incredible intellectual minds and a pleasure to perform and create with.
The support and knowledge of the lecturers is not only thorough but it is delivered with genuine passion - you leave the lecture hall not only with the knowledge you need for the syllabus but also a desire to go beyond the boundaries. I believe this is why Bristol's department is so successful - the students are not just taught well, they are encouraged to discover more themselves.
Bristol is a dynamic city with a dynamic music department within its University. The course is balanced well and is tailored to every individual to suit their needs and interests. Everyone has the opportunity to make their own mark on the department. The league tables speak for themselves, but if you add to that the capacity for networking, creating, discovering and developing Bristol is perfect for anyone who wants to succeed in the music world."
Jake – BA, Music, 2011
"The fact that the Guardian University Guide 2011 places the University of Bristol at the top of the table as the number one place to study Music almost speaks for itself. Throughout the 3 years of my BA (Hons) Music degree, students such as myself have be granted the opportunity to not only study under such a high level of professional and enjoyable teaching, but more importantly to chose our own specific and unique pathway of study. I believe this plays a significant role in student satisfaction. The first year opens your eyes to a variety of compulsory units, from acoustic, studio and harmonic composition, to a wide study of music history to performance. From the second year onwards, students can begin to shape their degree following their own personal pathway of interest of study. The Department of Music at the University of Bristol not only provides numerous opportunities in music for prospective students, but prepares you for graduate life through the ability to shape your degree to suit your own career path. I would recommend Bristol to study Music to those prospective students who not only want to study under expert and professional tuition, and a friendly and social atmosphere, but importantly to those who want to shape their own degree to suit and prepare them for their career."
James – BA, Music, 2011
"Bristol, as a city, has something for everyone. It is at once a tight-knit community and an animated metropolis. Any music department in such a city could be no different, and this department does not disappoint. Never before had I been encouraged so passionately to make the music I wanted to make. I was taught to have confidence in my ability, and use it to create new and interesting music. At Bristol, the answer is never 'No'."
Josh – BA Music, 2011
"Bristol's music department is exceptional. With an interest in music history, the variety of course options is outstanding. In my final year I studied a variety of subjects including Medieval, Turkish, and Film music. I never felt obliged to study anything I wasn't interested in, and that in turn gave me ownership of my degree. I feel honoured to have studied music at Bristol, and look forward to a lifelong relationship with the department."
Katie – BA Music, 2011
"As a Bristol graduate i feel i am well equipped for the musical world. By studying orchestration, arranging and various compositional techniques, I was able to tailor my degree according to the type of career I want to have. Not only are the staff extremely supportive and friendly, but they are honest and upfront, and this has helped push me in the right direction. The city itself is fantastic and the vibrant student community offers virtually any musician the opportunity to get involved in all the music making that's going on. I have been able to go on tours, perform and attend various concerts and play at countless balls and student events. I have also made some wonderful friends and have generally grown as a musician and person."
Kemal – BA Music, 2011
"In one word, the music department at Bristol University is outstanding. In my three years here, I found the close and warm community of students and lecturers to be extremely supportive. The lecturers and staff provide excellent pastoral care and definitely ensure that you are getting the most out of your degree- especially in the final two years, where students go into specialised units. The Music BA is an amazing way to explore the key disciplines within Music. Couple this with the highly esteemed academics, and Bristol’s lively music and cultural scene, and you really do get a cutting edge, high quality education which sets you apart from other music students at other institutions. Bristol provides great industry links, and the thriving arts scene means that there are plenty of internships and placements going around, if you want to get involved. There are so many opportunities for music making too, so you can get involved and meet other music makers from other departments and faculties. All in all, Bristol’s BA in Music should be seriously considered by all of those considering reading a Music degree at university. For me, studying at Bristol has easily been the best three years of my life, and I shall remember my time at the Music department most fondly."
Luis – BA, Music, 2011
"Bristol has proven an immensely enjoyable place to study. The city itself is beautiful, vibrant and musically active with international artists appearing at Colston Hall. The music department of the university allows and encourages its students to engage in a huge amount of musical activity outside of the course structure which is in itself, I believe, an invaluable part of a musical education. I myself undertook a huge amount of musical direction in areas unconnected to the department which complimented the course nicely. The course itself can be geared to whichever area of music one is most interested in; composers, performers, musical-technophiles and essayists are all catered for. All in all, then, Bristol offers a properly rounded musical education."
Michael – BA, Music, 2011
"There could never be enough positive words with which to describe my time at Bristol. I have been involved in so many things, ranging from an all female early music choir to a modern music venture in which I ran around the room dressed as a lion. The teaching staff can be summed up in three words - welcoming, supportive and inspirational. Learning was always about discovering new things for myself and taking the time to find out what it is about music that excites and inspires me. With so many group activities to be involved in the social life of the department is incredibly lively and I have made friends with like-minded people who I will be forever in contact with. I shall always remember my time at university with fondness and if the combination of a beautiful and vibrant city, thriving student scene and never-ending opportunities to learn sounds like fun to you then there really is no other place to be than Bristol!"
Natasha – BA, Music, 2011
"Studying Music at the University of Bristol has been nothing short of excellent. The many differing unit options allowed me to focus directly on my specific interests, and it was truly inspiring to work with such helpful, friendly and professional staff. From performing a Piano Concerto, to composing a significant work for full Symphony Orchestra (and getting to do all of this within the beautiful Victoria Rooms building!) I have had three life-changing years at Bristol, which will never be forgotten."
Paul – BA, Music, 2011
"The course at Bristol provided me with an excellent all-round musical education whilst also allowing me to pursue my personal strengths in musicology and composition. Friendly teaching staff gave good support, inspiring me to explore my own research interests and helping me to find my own voice as a composer."
Simon – BA, Music, 2011
"My time studying music at Bristol was an extremely enjoyable and important developmental period for me. By offering a wide range of options and disciplines for study throughout the 1st and 2nd years, and free rein to experiment within these different areas with dedicated tuition, it really helped me to realise what it was I wanted to pursue in my life and career, which is electronic composition. In focusing much of my studies in this area in 3rd year my skills and knowledge grew substantially and set me up well to carry on down this path after university."
Fred – BA, Music, 2011
"The possibilities of unit choices are vast. I found myself in the library writing an essay on the usefulness of music, whilst the person on my left was listening to the soundtracks of wildlife documentaries, and the person on my right was engineering recorded sounds of their bicycle. Outside of the course, there are a huge number of opportunites for music making, from trios to symphony orchestras, via gospel and flute choirs. What is most valuable is that however you choose to spend your time, the department staff are always approachable. You maintain an important personal relationship with your tutors throughout your time at Bristol and never feel neglected."
Charlie - BA in Music and French 2010
"Studying music at Bristol has been fantastic. The course is so flexible. It amazes me how I have been able to shape my degree to suit me, while others with very different interests have done so too. Even better than this is the enthusiasm I have received from lecturers and tutors. It is so inspiring to meet with staff who truly care about your work."
Dan - BA in Music, 2010
"I thoroughly enjoyed studying Music at the University of Bristol. The teaching staff were excellent, approachable and clearly very passionate. The Music Department itself was a beautiful building to study in and the recital room had a lovely acoustic."
David - BA in Music, 2010
"Having transfered from another university in the second year of my degree, I thought it would be difficult for me to re-settle. The music department, however, made this transition an easy one with constant academic and pastoral support. The department is unfailingly friendly, supportive and encouraging which is what I will remember most."
Amelia - BA in Music, 2010
"Anyone who has an opportunity to study Music at Bristol would be very foolish to pass it up. 'Friendly' just doesn't do justice in describing the supportive attitude of the staff and students - you're not just treated as one more face in the crowd, it’s more like a family! The staff are of the highest calibre and go out of their way to cater for their already dedicated and motivated students, in both their academic and pastoral needs. They work closely with the Music Society to create many exciting performance opportunities, whether they be solo or as part of one of the many diverse ensembles and productions. I have particularly enjoyed performing new works; especially student and staff compositions, and often these were first performances. I have had a wonderfully life changing few years at Bristol University, and I owe most of this to the Music Department and the Music Society."
Emma - BA in Music and French, 2010
"It made me a better musician, a better composer as well as an enthusiastic reader. It fuelled my desire to learn not only the practical and theoretical elements of music but to study and continue to study the historic, social and political attributions that shaped music over the centuries. The course provided students with opportunities to develop and shine in their special areas either academically or practically. The lecturers had a firm knowledge and understanding of all the subjects they taught and in most cases projected these subjects in a clear, understandable way. All the staff care about the success of each individual student and always try their best to meet every student's needs."
Sam - BA in Music, 2010
"The level of talent amongst the students at the department is very high and diverse, with each year group being able to play a variety of instruments. It definitely encouraged me in a positive way to do the best I could. As a Joint Honours student who spent a year abroad, I had no problems returning to a largely new crowd of students in my 4th year since everyone was very welcoming. Both the staff and fellow students are very supportive. The range of ensembles which are on offer at the University and rehearsed within the Victoria Rooms means you will get to know a lot of people from across the University very quickly. And on a basic note, I enjoyed pointing to the grand exterior and telling my friends and visitors "That's where I study.""
Caroline - BA in Music and German, 2010
"The thing I liked most about Music at Bristol is that it allowed me to specialise and focus on areas that really interest me, whilst giving me a good grounding in all the important facets of music. Playing in some of the various high quality ensembles allowed me to shape my musical taste, meet and learn from different types of players, and form life-long friendships as well."
Nick - BA in Music, 2010
"The good-natured relationship between the staff and the students at Bristol is what made my time there so enjoyable and worthwhile. The atmosphere was one of encouragement rather than intimidation (which I had sensed looking around some other universities before deciding on Bristol), and this proved to be a healthy environment in which to study. Yes, there were challenges, and yes, the motivation to work ultimately had to come from me and not the staff, but I always felt that the support was there if I needed it. In my opinion, the balance was just right: nobody crowds you, but nobody goes it alone."
Matt - BA in Music, 2010
"An excellent department with inspiring and approachable lecturers, superb practice and performance spaces, and a great atmosphere of learning and creation. Playing in the orchestras and other ensembles made meeting people very easy. I had a lot of fun during my four years there, and learnt a lot too!"
Thomas - BA in Music and French, 2010
"Bristol is a fantastic place to study Music: the department is impressive, the staff are excellent and highly enthusiastic, the course is well designed, and of course the city is an incredible place to spend your university years."
David - BA in Music and French, 2010
"Culturally, Bristol is a very vibrant city, which, coupled with being taught by some of the country's leading musicologists and prolific composers, makes Bristol University the ideal place to study music. What I enjoyed the most about my time as a Bristol music student was the variety of music-making available, with each group performing to the highest level. The course itself is also diverse, allowing students to gain a breadth of knowledge before specialising in a particular field of their choice, guided by expert lecturers. Whatever your musical interests, Bristol University will inspire you both during your university years and beyond."
Gemma - BA Music, 2009
"The decision to stay in Bristol for my degree was not a difficult one; after searching far and wide for a prominent Composition course, where well-equipped facilities and studios complete with the latest technologies could cater for my practical needs, and where the enthusiasm and excellence of the academic staff would nurture me every day, I was thrilled to discover the perfect degree was just around the corner. I am now a proud graduate of the University of Bristol, and can forever reflect upon three thoroughly enjoyed years studying at the Music Department."
James - BA Music, 2009
"Studying at Bristol has broadened my horizons both socially and academically so that I have developed interest in areas of music I wasn't even aware of before I came here. I have particularly enjoyed having access to studio and recording facilities and the knowledge I have picked up both from Jonathan the studio manager and from the hands-on experience that I have had. There are many opportunities to learn outside of the course structure (as well as from lectures!) if you are prepared to look for them and it is definitely the case that the more you put into the course, the more you get from it!"
Andrew - BA Music, 2009
"The broad selection of musicology units is directed by leaders of the field. These therefore present undergraduates with comprehensive and stimulating insights into areas of cutting edge research.
The Written Techniques course provides fantastic instruction in harmonic language, exploring key stylistic traits from Bach, Mozart and Schubert, through to Mendelssohn and Brahms. These are emulated in structured "pastiche" exercises, developing a harmonic fluency essential for any aspiring composer.
The composition supervision is encouraging and inspiring. There are regular opportunities to conduct and record your music in a workshop environment. Indeed, my final year composition project was performed by the University Symphony Orchestra at the end of year Gala Concert.The intimate atmosphere of the Victoria Rooms assures a personal relationship between staff and students, which largely accounts for why it is one of the most successful departments in the University."
Anthony - BA Music, 2009
"Having just finished my undergraduate degree here in Bristol, I really couldn't imagine studying anywhere else. The standards of teaching and support have been excellent, the course has provided great opportunities for me to pursue existing interests as well as leading me in unexpected (but very welcome) directions, and I've managed to take part in a ludicrous amount of musical extra-curricular activities (the standard of which at Bristol is extremely high). However, perhaps in many ways more important to my overall experience has been the fantastically friendly and personal atmosphere present in the department, something which made it stand out from others I visited on open days, and which has ensured I've never once been less than happy with my choice to come here. I'm now very much looking forward to staying on to continue my studies with an MA in Music next year."
Jonathan - BA Music, 2009
"I think that one of the most valuable things I’ve gained from Bristol is the personal confidence to approach any challenge, thinking from the outset ‘I can do that!’. Parts of the course definitely introduced tasks and concepts that challenged me academically but the various ‘obstacles’ we had to overcome have actually given me a taste for achievement that I never expected!"
Josh - BA Music, 2009
"It is obvious as soon as you see the Music Department that it is different from other universities. The Victoria Rooms is a fantastic building to study in, with many resources and facilities such as the up-to-date computer and music technology rooms, the lecture rooms and even its own auditorium available to all music students during the course. The huge variety of units offered also really impressed me. The choice of subjects available to me meant that I was able to study those that really interested me, ranging from Transcription and Editing, 19th century music history to a study of Elgar and his music.
However, it is the staff that truly makes this course worthwhile. It is clear that each member of staff is passionate about their field of research, and this is strongly reflected in their lectures and seminars which are both interesting and a pleasure to attend.
Overall, the Bristol Music Department has lots to offer its students, and the combination of an interesting course and an incredibly friendly atmosphere has made my three years at Bristol unforgettable!"
Leo - BA Music, 2009
"It is fair to say I was incredibly anxious about starting my Music Degree at the University of Bristol. Being a mature student, and having been out of education for seven years, I did not know what to expect. I was afraid of being left behind; of being left to my own devices, and hence struggling to keep on top of things. However, within the first day of my degree I realised my fears were unfounded.
The three year degree is very much a journey from darkness in to light, and it is a journey through which one is never alone. There were many times during which I lost my way, but there was always a helping hand to get me back on track. The music degree is about expanding your abilities, identifying ability you never knew you had, and creating new possibilities for the future, whilst all the time building your confidence and understanding. This is made possible by the supportive, encouraging and understanding lecturers, of whom none better will be found anywhere else in the world.
Perhaps most importantly though, there is a real family environment at the Music Department, helped by its relatively small size. Making friends is easy and, with a vibrant day (and night!!) life, you will never be stuck for something to do. When accompanied with the musical activities which take place inside, and outside, the department, it really is the perfect culmination of education and life-experience.
Excellent University.
Excellent Department.
Excellent Lecturers.
Excellent Ensembles.
Excellent Friends.
Excellent City.
What more do you need!?"
Matthew - BA Music, 2009
"During my three years I have had the opportunity to explore many areas of Music as part of my course. I went to Bristol convinced that I was going to then apply to music college to study performance, but Bristol's course has introduced me to so many new aspects of Music that I now wish to become a teacher with the hope of continuing with all of these areas at some level. Bristol's course structure has given me a thorough and in-depth grounding in all of the main areas of Music. The wide range of choice of history units available for study enables all students to study an area of Music which they are passionate about. Aside from the course, I have also had the lecturers' support in pursuing other musical activities including the conducting of both orchestras and choirs. As someone who weighted their credit points towards performance, I was allocated a fantastic singing teacher, who has inspired my performances no end, as well as vastly improving my technique. As well as being a top academic institution, the performances given by students are of the highest level, and that has a great deal to do with the excellent tuition we are offered, as well as the countless opportunities to try new things.
Whilst the academic tuition at Bristol is at the top with the very best universities, it is the learning environment at Bristol which makes it so unique. It is wonderful to feel part of such a small community of musicians, where everyone has a shared passion for their subject. All of the lecturers and students alike know each other as an individually respected musician, and not just a candidate number as is the case in many institutions. As a student at Bristol I was part of happy and friendly learning environment, where I was never in need of any more support than I was already being given. The lecturers at Bristol have one shared priority: the education of their students. Whilst the lecturers are leading musicologists in their field of expertise, the teaching of their students is never sacrificed for this purpose. My time at Bristol has been a thoroughly enjoyable learning experience!"
Stephanie - BA Music, 2009
"I had always longed to take a music degree course but, having left school to study for a professional qualification, I did not have the opportunity to do so. Some 25 years later I was able to join a part-time course in the Music Department (whilst still working full-time).
Taking part in lectures and performing with young and talented music students was somewhat daunting at times but I was able to contribute in different ways with the knowledge I had built up over many years of listening and performing music.
Seven years on, and with much encouragement from my course lecturers, I graduated with a high 2:1. Having had a year off from studying I'm now starting on a Masters Degree as well as tutoring 1st year students. I would never have believed it could happen."
Chris O'Brien
"The closeness of all the staff and students in the department is one of Bristol music department's greatest assets. The integration of all the year groups not only promotes a highly stimulating academic environment to discuss ideas, but the creative practical musical community which comes from it is an excellent place to work in, refine and experiment with performance, composition and conducting to an exceptionally high standard.
My experience here as an undergraduate was fun but challenging, and I was always asked to be critical in my thinking and understanding of the analytical and musicological approaches I had to my work. Because of the standard of the lecturing and the experience and knowledge of the lecturers I continued with the taught masters course, where I was encouraged to develop my own working practices and follow my own interests in the music I thought was important to write about.
I have always felt as though the department had my best interests at heart and that I was an individual, not a statistic. The lecturers and personal tuition I have had over the past four years here has enabled me to not only grow as a musicologist, but also the community feel to the department as a whole has actively encouraged my social life and has enabled me to become involved with an extraordinary amount of extra curricular musical activities."
Alex Sutton
"Now a final year undergraduate, my degree in Music and French doesn't automatically suggest a career in investment banking, but nevertheless I found I had a number of transferable skills that I was able to use for my application and at interview. Investment Banks are ultimately looking for potential. They will train you and prep you and are therefore looking for the types of personalities that they think will fit into their cultures. High up on the list of mandatory traits are teamwork and leadership skills. Music offers a number of opportunities to do both, whether it is participating in a large ensemble or leading a chamber group. Musicians also have many opportunities (and often time) to work in groups, whether on project work or otherwise. Corporate Finance is an extremely demanding job to go into (think ninety hours a week...) but also a highly lucrative and personally rewarding one. The breadth and diversity music students can offer is often far greater than economists and mathemeticians. Overall, if you are driven to succeed in a business environment, enjoy working under pressure, and are excited about working in teams on global deals often worth billions of pounds there is nothing to stop someone, from whatever academic discipline, from succeeding with a career in investment banking."
James Mantle
"Bristol University boasts a vibrant and colourful music scene both in and out of the music department; there are many varied ensembles and orchestras in and around the university giving regular concerts to a very high standard, as well as societies that cover pretty much anything you can imagine!
The individual specialisms of the professorial staff gave me the opportunity to really broaden my musical scope. Particularly as a composer, I found my time at Bristol a fruitful one, having pieces performed by large-scale ensembles - opportunities all too rare even in conservatoires. The composition staff are all active composers writing very much at the forefront of British Music."
Philip Ashworth
"The care, support, and in particular the friendship of the staff in the department - both during my courses and subsequently - has been something that I have valued enormously."
Philip Lancaster
"I think Bristol music dept. was a great place to study, and for a few reasons. The department was beautiful (aesthetically -though of course, all the staff are very attractive...). It was also a small enough group of us to be very personable and social. Plus all the extra-curricular stuff that goes on was so enjoyable (the operas, the orchestras, the tours etc. etc.).
Bristol, itself, was also a wonderful place to be as a student, very cosy but with a lot of good cultural happenings.
As for the course, well, I liked the breadth of study that it provided, and particularly appreciate the good grounding in music history / musicological method that it provided. I was a particular fan of the early 20th Century courses that I did (Soviet Music, Stravinsky - BArtók & Kodŕly). I was also helped no-end by the careers advisory service (and particularly Sean Russell, though I know he's now moved on to Birmingham Uni' - shame!) - in fact, I'd attribute being where I am now to the very first careers conference that I went to in my second year..."
Jonathan Mayes
"The musical opportunities are wide and varied and the staff go out of their way to help you develop your musical strengths, deal with weaknesses and provide opportunities for exploring new areas.
Bristol is a great sized city - plenty to do in the evenings all within a smallish area.
This was the best 3 years of educational experience I have had - and would I go back again? Yes, like a shot...and I still go back and meet with old friends and visit old haunts when I get the chance."
Kate Ayres