Stephen Gott is a piano student in his first year at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance.
Since moving to London from Halifax, West Yorkshire, I have been studying at Trinity Laban Conservatoire (music college) in Greenwich. I can safely say that studying music whether at primary school, GCSE, BTEC/A-level or Conservatoire is the best decision I have made.
I have noticed that preparing to be a professional musician is a very similar training to that of a professional athlete or sports person. Like athletes, musicians have to be very dedicated, attentive, punctual, enthusiastic, passionate, knowledgeable, and calm. Being at a music conservatoire is a great chance for you to meet like-minded enthusiasts, and a wonderful opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in the classical music world.
Although studying music can be very intense, it is also very rewarding. Most music colleges have a higher employment rate than universities. For universities, the average is about 70%, while for Conservatoires it is 80%. At Trinity College, in particular, the average employment rate, in music, is 97%, one of the highest in the country. Even performing in small concerts is very inspiring: though it may seem insignificant to you, it can be life-changing to someone in the audience.
While studying at Trinity, there is always a lot going on for students. Trinity College of Music is famous for being the nicest conservatoire in the world. There is an element of competition, but it is in a supporting nature.
The campus has recently been used in recent films such as ‘James Bond’, ‘Gulliver’s Travels’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 4’ (‘The Fountain of Youth’) and the latest ‘Sherlock Holmes’ film.
I strongly encourage you to participate in as many festivals and/or competitions as possible. By all means go in to win, but don’t be too disappointed if you don’t. After participating in competitions in Yorkshire, Germany and Scotland, I have learnt that it is the “taking part” that counts. It’s really useful performing experience, and a good opportunity to meet potential contacts, friends and other musicians.
Some of the most important things to remember if you are planning to start a career in music are:
- Practise: make sure you have a recital programmes to offer a venue, and at least two concertos.
- Concerts: Go to as many concerts as possible. And it doesn’t have to be classical music all the time.
- Experience your surroundings: visit art galleries, museums, famous landmarks etc
- Socialize (but not too much!): don’t keep yourself locked up in the practise room for days on end. It is very important that you know what is going on in the world.
- Most important of all: ENJOY PLAYING THE PIANO
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
Trinity College Welcome video
A Piano Teacher Writes... 