Student life
Cardiff is a great location for the study of music. The city’s rich artistic culture combines Wales’ strong musical traditions with contemporary trends.
The diverse range of musical activities here, both within the School and the city itself, are both easily accessible and affordable.
We encourage all of our students to check out upcoming events by the Welsh National Opera and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Our fruitful relationships with both organisations allows students to attend dress rehearsals and buy cut-price concert tickets.
"The community feel is something I enjoyed from the moment I started as an undergraduate. Participation is key - especially in a highly active department that showcases the talents of students and staff. Throw yourself into as much as you can and you’ll have the best time imaginable."
Music society
Cardiff Music Society is open to all students across Cardiff University, from all subject areas. Members have access to a range of musical ensembles, social events, competitions, performance opportunities, trips abroad and more.
The Music Society runs a series of Lunchtime Concerts throughout term, where music students and Music Society members can sign up to perform just about anything they like.
There are also a number of other musical societies including the Cardiff University Operatic Society, Jazz Society and the Brass Band Society.
Ensembles
We have over 20 ensembles, both School and student led. Students are encouraged to audition for our ensembles which will allow them opportunities to play in concerts across the UK as well as further afield.
The Cardiff University Symphony Orchestra embarked on its first European tour in 2015, visiting Germany in 2016 and Xiamen, China in 2017. In 2018, our Gamelan Ensemble spent three weeks in Java, Indonesia, studying and performing.
Our ensembles cover a wide range of music genres, including jazz, African drumming, gamelan, chamber choir, symphony chorus, chamber and symphony orchestras, contemporary music and symphonic winds.
Composition
We offer a range of opportunities for aspiring composers to develop their voice, including composition modules, workshops with visiting composers and professional contemporary ensembles, and opportunities to hear your works performed.
Student reps
Our student-staff panel is a great opportunity for our students to play an active role in the life of the School. Representatives from each of our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are elected each year.
“Becoming a Student Representative for the School of Music has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The role has allowed me to interact closely with fellow students and voice the opinions of those in my year group directly to members of staff and other reps at the Student-Staff panels. As well as helping current and future generations of students, it has also enabled me to develop my communication and organisation skills, and given me experience in negotiating with staff and students of all levels.”
Blog updates from current Music students.