University music students prepare for final year recitals

From the 15th to the 17th May the BMus students will take to the stage in King's College Chapel and the Macrobert Building for their final exam - a recital, open to the public, marking the end of four years' hard work and countless hours of preparation.

Although this is an exam, the BMus recital is a very special event, which is open to the public. Having a public audience adds that extra performance dimension and gives the students the opportunity to perform in a real concert situation as a solo artist. The recital is optional in the music department – other students have chosen different areas of specialism.

The students have been working extremely hard at preparing their pieces and also gaining experience at performance practice through participation in the various university ensembles, concerts and master-classes.

Whether the students are going on to a career in performance, in teaching, in the music industry or in community music, the performance option and recital has undoubtedly been a valuable learning experience. They have grown in confidence and ability, and are approaching the final recital with a mixture of excitement, passion and enthusiasm. Here are responses from some of the students towards how they feel about their upcoming performances:

“With my final performance recital just around the corner, I am beginning to sense a mixture of emotions; worry, nervousness, relief, excitement, delight, and I’m experiencing the “Am I good enough” feeling.  But with the support and guidance from my lecturers, amazing piano instructor, friends and family, I am prepared and excited to round off my uni-life on a high.”

Gareth Black, BMus (Hons) Education

“I'm really excited for the upcoming recitals. It's a chance for me to share what I have achieved from doing the performance course over the past 4 years. It will also be the last thing many of us have to do at the university in relation to our degrees so I'm looking forwards to attending my fellow students' recitals to support them.” 

 Jennifer Cleland, BMus (Hons)

“As a first year in university, I never would have thought I’d be capable of singing the pieces that I will perform in my final recital. I’ve worked extremely hard to progress to a level that I’m proud of and with the help of my tutor, Paul Tierney, I will continue to do so up until my exam date. As many of my family and friends who will be joining the audience have not heard me sing classical music, I am experiencing additional pressure, although it is something I look forward to. Performance is an aspect to my degree that I thoroughly enjoy and I hope to let that show in my final recital.”

Laura Kemp, BMus (Hons) Music and Communities

The final year BMus recitals take place 15th-17th May 2016 in King’s College Chapel and Macrobert 055. They are open to all and free to attend. All recitals last approximately 30 minutes. 

Monday 15^th May – King’s College Chapel

Tuesday 16^th May – King’s College Chapel

Wednesday 17^th May