Anu Hawkins
BA (Hons) Applied Music
My expectations have been met and exceeded. The course is flexible and accessible – I can work three days a week and stay at home, while also applying music to my work. Having a say in my instrumental tutor allows me to explore musical styles I’m interested in. The course has given me a holistic view of music – the modules link up and are cohesive, which works well for my learning style.
The residencies as part of the course have allowed me to meet up with other students, and I am in touch with students who live close to me. I’ve also taken advantage of opportunities outside the university that have been shared with students through announcements.
Choose something you are motivated by and passionate about, something you know you’d like to spend a lot of time doing. Make the choice not too focused on future plans – do what feels right now, as plans can change. Try to get in touch with tutors beforehand to ask questions and check it’s the right thing. Go for it! Make sure you have the time and space to commit to it, and that it will be your priority.
- What are your favourite things about the university? The opportunity to network with people all over the world and to travel to different locations for musical purposes. The person-centered way of teaching and acknowledgment of mature students. They have mixed age groups.
- What career direction would you like to take after studying? Currently, I would like to do a music therapy Masters at Queen Margaret University, eventually working with adults with learning difficulties in the local community.
I have been gaining the musicianship level required to give a therapeutic service. My studies in different areas of music such as contextual studies help give me a rich musical understanding that can be applied in a variety of therapeutic settings to support people. It has also helped me to develop confidence in performance and group situations.