Personal Statement:Music 4

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

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 concert 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.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

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.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

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 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.

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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