Meet James

My favourite thing about the course

My degree combines all aspects of music from academic theory to performing to composing. There is a wide choice of modules and you can really cater your degree to you. I chose more orchestral and history modules as that's what I enjoy, but I also explored pop music in my first year and the gender and identity module in my final year. 

Your essay choice can be anything to do with the topic, such as in modernism. I chose to research Stravinsky's reactions to modernism within his ballets, which wasn't a lecture topic but I found it interesting. 

The chance to research a topic of my choice for my project allowed me to combine my passion for organ music with a musicology discussion.

What surprised me about Newcastle

It was the first city that I've lived in, it felt like everything would be further away. However, you can walk across the city in 25 minutes and there's so many different places that I've explored. 

Societies and social activities

I had the opportunity to be a student ambassador for open days which allowed me the chance to speak to prospective students and their parents about the university. As well as this, I have been the Director and Co-Director of Newcastle University Chamber Choir which helped me to programme concerts and learn how to market concerts to a wide audience. 

I've also been the Organ Scholar at Newcastle Cathedral. This allowed me to experience cathedral level music for three years and to improve my performance skills through opportunities such as playing recitals six times a year. Through my connections I had the opportunity to play the Royal Albert Hall organ for Hertfordshire Music Service which required some early-starts but was incredible to play an organ I've wanted to play for years! 

Preparing for the future

I've been able to do a major performance which included three major organ works, which were difficult to learn, but good to perform. My minor project was also based on the organ and how the new organs in town halls helped society. These examples helped me research more about the instrument. Also, my scholarship allowed me to develop my accompanying skills as well as other things such as administrative duties, performance and working with various choirs. 

I'm moving to Liverpool next year to be Organ Scholar at the Anglican Cathedral. I'd love to be able to be in the cathedral music industry in the future, I really enjoy the standard of music and the work ethic required.