A Day in the Life of a Music Student at Queen's!
Ever wondered what studying music at university is really like? Well wonder no more, third year music student Hannah is here to tell you all about it!
Life as a music student is packed full of practical rehearsals and personal practice time. On a typical week I have few lectures leaving lots of room for more practical activities. However, in my final year, I have one really busy day, a Thursday!
What time do you usually get up at?
On a typical Thursday I wake up at half 7 and complete my morning routine. I like to do some yoga in the morning to keep me calm before a busy day. Then I’ll make some breakfast, usually a big bowl of porridge!
What kind of classes do you have?
My first lecture is at 9am, this happens every fortnight and takes place in the Peter Froggatt building. It’s my work-based learning class and lasts an hour. Here, we study alongside students from a variety of courses across the School of Arts, English and Languages.
Following directly after this is my tutorial for the same class. This is where we break off into our course groups, so I join my course mates in the music building. Here we discuss what the lecture was about and also how our placement went. It’s a great way to get to know your course mates and also just a fun way to start your morning. We always end our tutorial with someone playing a piece of music.
On the left- the Music Building at Queen's
What do you do between classes?
This class ends at 11am leaving me with a half hour break to go grab a coffee. The music building is right beside Botanic Avenue so super close to some of my favourite places to quickly get my caffeine fix including Kaffe O, Greggs or my ultimate favourite Clements (they have every coffee syrup imaginable)!
Kaffe O on Botanic Avenue is a popular spot
What's next?
Following my quick coffee break I have my special project class, this is essentially half a dissertation. Here we get taught on different research methods and usually do some group work on how to put these methods into action.
Do you get to listen to a lot of music?
After this hour and a half long class it’s time for our Thursday lunch time concerts! These last roughly 45 mins and are free concerts that anyone in Queen’s can attend. As a music student, I am expected to attend.
This week we got to enjoy a piano concert by Cahal Masterson. We tend to have a classical concert in the Harty room and then a more alternative, experimental concert in the Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC) on alternating weeks.
The Harty Room at Queen's
Have a bite of lunch, tell me more about SARC...
Finally, it’s time to grab some lunch. Usually, I quickly grab a wrap from the Centra deli which is right beside SARC where my next class is held. SARC is a complete contrast to the music building, and I am lucky enough to have my last class of the day in the Sonic Art Lab. This is essentially like sitting and performing inside a huge speaker, taking surround sound to the next level!
Performing and recording at SARC
Do you get to perform much?
For my last class of the day, I have my performance class, which is brilliant, especially when you’re not the one performing! Thankfully this week I got to sit back and listen to the wonderful music of my peers. Queen’s does not separate musicians based on genre so in this class we can listen to anything from a horn sonata right up to a set list of heavy metal.
As final year students we are all required to perform once every three weeks so it’s quite intense, thankfully these performances aren’t assessed and are seen as more of an opportunity to receive feedback.
What do you do after class?
That is the last of my classes, but my day isn’t finished yet! As an active member of Queen’s music society, I, alongside my friend take Queen's choir. We rehearse on a Thursday night from 6pm-7pm.
With my class finishing at half 4, I find it easiest to go to the Student’s Union to heat up some meal prepped dinner.
Head over to One Elmwood to microwave your dinner
Meal prepping is not only quicker when you’re on a time crunch, but it also helps save some money. Having the microwaves and hot water taps in the SU is great and also super handy.
I usually head over to the music building about half 5 to set up and have a last-minute practice before choir starts. This term we are learning Ave Maria and some Christmas music in preparation for our upcoming concert!
Sounds great, then what?
Post choir we like to head back over to the SU bar for pints! This is a great way to get to know new people and there’s lots of non-alcoholic options too for those who don’t drink.
One Elmwood
Finally, I head home for a well-deserved cup of tea and a scroll through TikTok before collapsing into bed!
Find out more
Hannah WassonMusic | Undergraduate Student | Northern IrelandHi, I'm Hannah, a third year BMus student originally from Derry/Londonderry. I am a classical musician, playing both oboe and piano. Music is a big part of my life being not only my degree but also my hobby. As a keen member of the music society, I take QUB choir and love attending all the societies karaoke nights! When I'm not participating in some music related activity you can find me in one of Belfast's many coffee shops or curled up with a good book! |
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