rhian_lh (Offline)

Don't worry about feeling upset - and it didn't seem like rattles to me! I think that when it gets to the last few months before you arrive, you start to visualise yourself in Leeds and at your preferred accommodation. So when suddenly that vision isn't quite how it's going to be, it throws you. But I bet you have a brilliant time at Oxley

Hi Rhian,

Because Dev is oversubscribed, there will be people like you, I'm afraid, that we can't offer a place to. However, the new Warden at Oxley used to be a subwarden at Dev and was very involved with the music and drama there. She moved to be a Warden at Bodington 2 years ago and got a musical started up there. Last year's was brilliant! I know she wants to start the same traditions at Oxley so she'll probably be tracking you down to get you involved . Once she's signed up to the Oxley Facebook page, I'll send you a link.

Hey, I forgot to mention that I have a SoundCloud page with some tunes I've made using Logic Pro. I'm not amazing with the technology side of music, but hope you dig my sounds. X
http://soundcloud.com/h-unit

Ah cool. For a moment I did say to myself, "Where is everyone?". But it is early days and not everyone will use this website. It's amazing how everyone at uni says your 3 years will fly over, and now this transition to uni feels like a lifetime haha!

X

Ah thanks, I'll bear your thoughts when I head back to college on Monday Haha Well said, be great to have you onboard! Do you know anyone else who has firmed for the BA/BMus?

X

Wow, you've had quite a rollercoaster of a time!!! I am happy for you that life is starting to look good If you thought that course was bad, try being on the HE Access course I am on now. I'm just glad it's only a one year course. I am the only one on the course who has applied for HE! Which is just as well as the vast majority of people on the course, some who have played for years and years struggle with the basic music theory, lack creativity and a crap attitude towards life. About half of the people who started in September stopped turning up, a few more come in when they feel like it and let down the rest of us when it comes to performances and group presentations etc. Plus, I'm in the same building with the BTEC Music people who either are not interested in pursuing a career in music or dream of being pop and rock. So I am purely on the course for the qualification, and not suprising that I have distinctions on all my work. You're most probably thinking "show off" haha. Did you not apply or get accepted into Birmingham this time round? And yeah, it's important you start moving forward with pursuing your career rather than more gap years, unless it was travelling to Italy of course haha!

X

Nice! Well, as the saying goes you only get better with practice.

What uni course did you do? It's a shame you're not getting any practical experience, but that will all change once September arrives. Stay strong haha!!!

x

My composition studies are classically routed. I tend to write in parallel with the music I am listening to or being inspired by at the time, and to be as creative and risk taking as possible. I have one song for a jazz ensemble I play with at the moment where each individual part is written in a different time signature. The groove is so sick, but I think the rest of the band find it physically sick to play haha! I've definintely found that composition has enriched my improvisation skills and teaches you a lot about melody and harmony, which you as a singer may be intrigued by.

Yeah, I totally understand the issue with competition, but never lose sight of your dreams. Real talent lies in people who are passionate in what they do, strive to become better at it and to never doubt your capability of achieving. I want to become the best musician I can be so I can explore and experiment with music which means developing new skills to do so.

I'd be happy to play my compositions for you. I'm not too clever at song titles, so you're more than welcome to have input on that. "Song for Rhian" perhaps?

I took a year out after finishing sixth form to devote more time to my music studies. I did the
C2C bike ride from Whitehaven in Cumbria to Sunderland. As I was beginning to apply for uni I stumbled across the fact that I wouldn't be eligible for a place because I never took music at A Level. That option was never open to me and I never thought it would be an issue. So this academic year I've been doing an HE Access Diploma in Music at Newcastle College. I am getting a bit impatient now as I just want start the rest of my life, you know what I mean! Any good memories of your gap year so far?

x

Pardon my ignorance. Of course singers exist! I hope your pilgrimage to Italy is successful. I do play piano and compose quite a bit too.

Good for you choosing the academic route. Would you primarily like to be a performer or will you explore other options once you get to Leeds? I look forward to listening to you sing at some point.

I'm going to try and get plenty of performance opportunities for some extra money. A part time job would also be invaulable for work experience.

And yes, I cannot wait for September to arrive. I will know when I turn 21 that Uni is literally just weeks away!

x

What instrument do you play? Yeah, I'm keen on the year abroad too. Scandanavia and the Germanic countries are my preferences.

The Union felt great to be in. They have their own napping society? I am taking an experiemental path with going to university rather than music college/conservatoire as I believe the academic and practical studies at Leeds will nurture my talent as a jazz/improvised musician and being engaged with all the other music in and around the city.

Devonshire looks nice. Going to check how my budget will work out once I find out how much loan and grant I will be eligible for. The cheaper alternative in Headingley would mean I have more money in my pocket. In terms of accomadation, the absolute basic would suite me fine. What I get from being at University and my input to it is my number one priority!

x