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UC Choice

Alexandra

16 October 2023

Master of Arts in Music

 

HOW TO APPLY

You’re in your fifth year at UC. What are you studying?

I’ve completed my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Bachelor of Music in Performance, and I am currently studying my Master of Arts in Music, specialising in Composition and Performance Voice. Following that, I will start my Doctorate in Composition.

Maths and music; those sound like very different paths! How has it been navigating both?

It's been great! I’ve had some amazing lecturers over the years who have helped me in each subject. I managed to complete both of my degrees within four years, which was amazing. There was always a student advisor on hand if I needed to see someone.

How did STAR help prepare you for uni life?

I had so much fun during the STAR programme in Year 12, it made me really excited to start uni. It was great to meet lecturers and see what uni life would be like before actually jumping into it. It made my admissions easier as well because I had already taken some university papers.

What’s one highlight of your academic experience so far?

We were involved in Masterclasses with New Zealand Opera and one of the leads would come to campus and give us all their wisdom and we would soak it up as much as we could. I absolutely loved taking part. They were really invaluable.

You’re obviously super passionate about music. What musical opportunities have you found at UC?

I have participated in Consortia and Friday lunchtime concerts through the Music Department. I also was introduced to Wednesdays at One, a concert series run at St Mary’s Pro Cathedral. In my second and third years, two small-scale operas were produced. They were an amazing introduction to opera and I took it a step further and branched out singing with the New Zealand Opera Chorus. We have just performed ‘Macbeth’ at the Isaac Theatre Royal.

If it’s really something that you want to do, commit to doing it and it will work out. If there’s something you love, just do it. Don't let anything else hold you back. It’s your path and your life, so it’s your decision.

Wow, that’s a big stage! How was it?

It was amazing, absolutely incredible. I wish I could do that every night as it was just so much fun. Two performances were not enough!

Sounds like you’re a very busy person. How do you balance it all?

I have a thorough and correct diary. I fit things in where they fit, and that’s that. If you are organised, it’s fairly straightforward. I'd love to say it's a really complicated issue, but I just plan for the things that I want to do.

And one of those things you really enjoy is flying planes!

I have loved planes since I was very little. At 16, I started taking weekly flying lessons, and I came back from every lesson with a smile. I’ve now had my license for nearly five years. I compete in aerobatics, and I competed at nationals in 2020 and somehow won my class.

Are you happy with your decision to stay in Ōtautahi Christchurch and attend UC?

I don’t think it could have gone much better. I’m so pleased with how it’s turned out. I’ve had a wonderful time over the last five years, and I look forward to seeing where the next three take me. I couldn't imagine a different path.

What three words would you use to sum up your UC experience?

Engaging. Informative. Fun.

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