Name: Amber Thomson
Course studied at Mareel: HNC Music
Course and Conservatoire: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to study BA Musical Theatre
How have you found Shetland Arts’ Music course at Mareel, what have been your highlights?
I’ve absolutely loved doing the course. I did it as a replacement for S6 at school and it was definitely a good decision, I feel like I’ve learnt so much and enjoy coming in every day. I would say the best thing about the course is feeling really supported by everyone around me and having opportunities that I wouldn’t have had if I stayed on at school. One thing that was really good was being able to use the recording studio and green room to film my RCS audition, it took a big weight of my shoulders having that put in place for me as it is such a competitive course and I wanted my audition video to look professional.
Could you describe the process of preparing your application for the Conservatoire? Was it a challenging process?
It was quite stressful as there’s so many things you have to prepare for your two auditions. It’s also quite difficult because most people don’t really realise how tricky the process is and how much there is to do, so it did feel a bit lonely sometimes. The actual auditions though was a very positive experience and I really enjoyed the day I spent at RCS being able to meet people who are interested in the same things as me.
What are your goals for the future?
My dream is to be on the West End, I love performing more than anything and doing 8 shows a week sounds like the best time ever!
Do you have any advice for future students considering similar paths?
I would encourage everyone to do the course at Mareel, it’s been such a positive experience and has allowed me to devote my time to what I love most. I was aware when I decided to apply to RCS that they usually like you to have done a year at university before going there and I genuinely don’t think I would have gotten in if I was still at school, they seemed very happy in my interview when I said I was studying this course!
Name: Daisy Anderson
Course studied at Mareel: HNC Music
Course and Conservatoire: BMus Jazz at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
How have you found Shetland Arts’ Music course at Mareel, what have been your highlights?
Being at Mareel has been such a boost, I always feel creative and inspired when I’m in the building. Shetland Arts in general has been such an important part of my musical career, I have been given so many opportunities to perform and I genuinely wouldn’t be half the musician I am without that. It has been brilliant being taught by tutors that are so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what they teach.
Could you describe the process of preparing your application for the conservatoire? Was it a challenging process?
Application was definitely a challenge, I was helped immensely by my instrumental tutors. I had some very useful conversations with Norman Willmore, who also studied Jazz at RWCMD. I think the biggest difficulty, being on Shetland, I didn’t know any other applicants and as a result, I had no idea what level other people were at. I had to go into it with the mindset of just giving it my best shot. When I got down to Cardiff to do my audition, I had such an excellent time. I don’t get to play in a jazz setting often, and I was genuinely just so excited to be there and play and talk with the band. Everyone at the Conservatoire was so welcoming and I felt confident that I had a shot at getting in.
What are your goals for the future?
My goal is to make the most of this opportunity to study among outstanding jazz musicians. I want to get bigger gigs, start to release my music and make connections with other young people who love jazz.
Do you have any advice for future students considering similar paths?
I would say first off that the HNC Music course really has been invaluable for my development as a musician and I would highly recommend other musicians consider the course as a jumping point to further courses. As someone who has been through Conservatoire auditions I would say that it is very normal to feel nerves and fear, but try not to let that stop you altogether. You will know just by being there whether the place is right for you. You can still feel hesitant, but that gut feeling will tell you that you are in the right place. Finally I would encourage anyone who wants to go to a Conservatoire to try to speak to someone who has gone through the process. So much of being a musician is putting yourself out there and making connections, so it is a great idea to start that process. Even as someone on a remote island, you can still put yourself out there and find opportunities for yourself.
