Student Profiles

Anna Bailie
I am entering my forth and final year studying to be a primary school teacher with music as my specialist subject. My main instrument is the viola but I am also a singer. The Music Tuition Award scheme has helped me to continue developing my studies on both instruments over the last 3 years. Through developing a strong relationship with my viola teacher I have been given opportunities to work with young people in traditional Irish fiddle playing workshops which, at the beginning of my time at University I never thought I would have the confidence to do.

I am a member of the Reading University Symphony Orchestra, Chorus, Chamber Choir, Gospel Choir and I also organise and play in a String Quartet. I took over as the conductor of Gospel Choir last year and am very happy with the progress we have made as a group and I will be sad to hand it over at the end of my time at University.

As well as 'Music@Reading' and 'RUMS' concerts we also travel to South Newington, Oxfordshire in the summer term to take part in their village summer festival. It is great to have an opportunity to perform with different groups in various sized venues throughout each year. I have formed good friendships through my music activities over the past 3 years and I look forward to another busy year ahead, full of challenging music, hard work and then fun nights out afterwards!

Eve Binge
I am a student of French and Italian but I don't let that get in the way of my music! I successfully auditioned for a Music Tuition Award on clarinet, and have spent many an evening playing in various ensembles. On Mondays I played percussion in the Symphony Orchestra. We performed a varied repertoire of pieces in a number of concerts, often alongside University of Reading Chorus. There is a totally different feel at the Concert Band on Tuesdays. I really enjoy playing in this large, loud group, a great way to unwind after lectures. On Wednesday nights I take my saxophone to the Jazz Ensemble, where I greatly improved my improvisation skills and learnt a lot about this fascinating genre of music. I also helped out the Brass Band from time to time by playing percussion.

The Reading University Music Society has put on some fantastic concerts, and being a member has enabled me to meet some brilliant people and have a really enjoyable time at Reading.

Verity Hill

I am currently studying to become a primary school teacher on the Primary Education BA(ed) course with English as my specialism. I play the violin, viola and piano and was awarded a Music Scholarship on the viola to help continue my studies with my violin and viola teacher Robin Ireland.

I am a member of the University of Reading Symphony Orchestra playing the viola, and I play violin in the University String Quartet which I enjoy as it gives me the opportunity to expand my repertoire and meet new people with similar interests. I have played Strauss's Kaiserwalzer in a smaller ensemble group in several concerts in and around Reading and I have also performed in several University lunchtime concerts on the violin.

The University offers great musical opportunities for young musicians; one memorable work I studied when I first joined the Symphony Orchestra was Haydn's Creation which we performed with the University of Reading Chorus and soloists. It was an amazing experience and one that shall stay with me forever.

I am now in my second year and looking forward to another two years of music-making here in Reading.

Tim Lee

I am a PhD student in the Construction Management and Engineering Department. I play the piano, organ and sing. I have a vocal Music Scholarship and study voice with Eliane Walter. I have found my various musical activities to provide a useful break from studies and a good way to refresh the mind.

I am a member of the University Chorus and Chamber Choir and have had solo opportunities at the both the main University concerts in the Great Hall and the lunchtime recitals, as well as at South Newington's festival in Oxfordshire.

I have also found music-making opportunities in the wider Reading neighbourhood; I have joined two other choirs and have also been substitute organist for a number of churches in the area.

I am enjoying the wide range of music-making made available by the University and also greatly appreciate the support of the Music Scholarship Award.

 

Emma Watson

I am currently training to become a secondary school music teacher on the PGCE course here at Reading. I have been awarded the Music Scholarship which has allowed me to continue having flute lessons with Susan Milan. In addition, I am also a member of the University Symphony Orchestra and University Chorus, and I have also given a lunchtime concert - I will hopefully be doing some more soon!

Being involved with Music@Reading has given me the opportunity to meet new people and to enjoy making music which, after working a whole day at school, can be quite refreshing! There is so much musical variety that you are bound to find something that you might enjoy - if not, simply go ahead and create what you want.

Although I have only been here since September, I already feel part of the musical family at Reading!