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Music Personal Statement

I have always been interested in music. As a young child I spent a great deal of time teaching myself to play the keyboard and I later began to have clarinet lessons. My musical interests have developed greatly over the years and I am now fascinated by all aspects of music especially the history of music and composition. I feel that studying a music degree will provide me with the knowledge and skills necessary to enable me to fulfil my ambition to pursue a career in this or a closely related field

At school I played the clarinet in various small musical groups and the school concern band. Whilst playing in these groups I had the opportunity to perform several concerts per year in the local community and I feel that this gave me valuable experience of playing in public at an early age. Although mostly self taught, I have been having clarinet lessons for approximately two years and I intend to take Grade 8 early next year. Shortly after I began playing seriously, I became a member of a local Youth Orchestra and have steadily progressed until I was recently appointed the leader of the clarinet section. I enjoy this role as I have the opportunity to try to interpret the music in my own way and this has led to my becoming more independent musically

At college I am an active member of the music department and I participate in as many ensembles as possible. As well as playing in the college orchestra, wind ensemble and playing Mozart's clarinet quintet, I have also sung in the choir and played the piano in a trio

I feel that performing in each of these groups has broadened my musical interests. I try to help other members of the department as much as possible and I enjoy accompanying other musicians when I can

Over the past year I have done this on several occasions and I think that I have learnt a great deal about balance and consideration for other instruments through this

Composition is one of the parts of music that I find most demanding but also enjoyable. At school I composed a Christmas carol which was subsequently performed at the school carol concert by the choir. I had the chance to direct the rehearsals and I found it rewarding and exciting to hear it performed. I learnt directional skills and many lessons about vocal composition, which I have recently put to use in setting a Kyrie, from this experience. I have tried my hand at composing in many styles from Renaissance vocal music to popular music and I have enjoyed all of it

As well as studying four A-levels in Music, French, Mathematics and Biology and practising two musical instruments, I have organised my time so that I can have a part-time job. I work in a newsagent's and through this my communication skills have vastly improved. Prior to this I was a news deliverer for two and a half years which required a great deal of self-discipline. I now put this to good use when practising my instruments. In addition to this I am currently planning to undertake in some work experience at the Philharmonic Orchestra which I hope will be a very interesting experience. In my spare time I read humorous and contemporary fiction which helps me to relax. I also enjoy attending concerts. This summer I was lucky enough to attend a residential music course at a local College where I benefited from a concentrated period of rehearsal. In addition to this I was given the opportunity to try new musical disciplines such as jazz improvisation and samba classes which were a lot of fun

I am a committed and enthusiastic student with a genuine love of music and I am excited at the prospect of studying it further

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