Personal Statement:Music 8

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My passion is Music; it is a major part of my life and is my choice for University. The opportunity of studying Music and being with like-minded people is an experience that I believe that I am suited to and will truly enjoy.

A key factor in my decision to study music was a performance by the Welsh National Orchestra in St David's Hall, Cardiff. The most compelling piece was "The Bells", a choral symphony by Rachmaninoff. I felt that it effectively portrayed the role of bells in significant life events through the use of varying instrumentation, dynamics and texture. Furthermore, I have extensively studied the preludes of Debussy as part of my course; in my opinion, they are perfect illustrations of Impressionism; they paint a clear picture, yet their openness to interpretation is infinite. Works such as these appeal to my interest in musical analysis, which is the discipline I most enjoy and thrive in.

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

My most recent work experience furthered my interest and personal development, as I managed to secure a sought-after placement in the piano department of Gamlin's Music Centre, Cardiff. This is a successful shop with a reputation for knowledgeable and helpful staff. It helped me to gain valuable insights and experience by working as part of a team. My main duty was assisting customers by demonstrating a variety of instruments. This retail experience was a good extension from the previous year, when I worked in an IT department for a major international company. The two positions helped me contribute to my school's "Insight into Industry Week", by using my creativity and experiences to help advance our project, working both collaboratively and individually. We needed to decide on a product and then market it. I helped in the discussion and planning, assisted in the product and logo design, by making use of ICT skills, and was responsible for creating and updating the group's presentation.

As a pianist, I play many different forms of music. I like the range of ABRSM set pieces, but I also play other pieces in styles that interest me. I enjoy playing songs by Tom Lehrer, a 50s musical satirist. His pieces are meant to be humorous and are very successful in imitating, as well as satirising, popular musical styles such as Folk and Latin American. I enjoy listening to contemporary composers such as Ludovico Einaudi, whose works are based on pattern and progression. I also listen to Classic FM often, but I find their selection of music is sometimes too narrow, as they seem to play little or nothing by contemporary composers. As a composer, I enjoy creating music that portrays mood and atmosphere whilst adopting structures of well-established musical styles.

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

I believe that it is important for senior students to hold positions of leadership and contribute to the school community. I participate actively in several ways. Examples of this are: as a musician, as a prefect and as a member of the Charity Committee. In the orchestra, I play the keyboard as a substitute for instruments that are not played by any pupil in school, normally the oboe. I sing in the choir and in musical theatre ensembles, and perform with the Jazz Group. I also accompany weekly assembly when we sing traditional Welsh songs. Together, they provide valuable first hand experience in a wide variety of styles and settings of music. As part of the Charity Committee, I help to organise and run various events, such as a charity auction, where I catalogued and photographed the lots.

In my leisure time, I greatly enjoy swimming which ensures fitness all year round. This has led to an active involvement in Surf Lifesaving, which is one of my main activities. I also enjoy skiing in the winter and water sports in the summer.

Together, these interests and experiences have helped me to make the most of opportunities both in and outside of school. I feel that they are excellent preparation for university and later life.

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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