I highly appreciate LCM for hosting so many music related events whether it be concerts, master classes or talks and workshops from guest speakers. If you are someone who is looking for a music degree that covers a broad spectrum of music, I would not recommend studying at LCM as the course content is very focused and specific. Otherwise , the quality of the teaching is mostly excellent.

I think LCM provides good equipment for popular/contemporary bands: instruments, amps, leads etc. but are lacking on providing high quality classical instruments. This is not much of a problem though as students are normally equipped with their own instruments! At LCM, lessons often take place in practice rooms so it is difficult to find space to practice in college during working hours. I wish LCM would invest more money into expanding their building so practice and teaching rooms could be separated. (Instead, money is invested into expanding the reception area which does nothing to improve the learning environment or facilities provided for students). The library is also very small and nowhere as large as those on uni campuses. They do, however, offer a “order-in” service where you can request to have books/sheet music ordered to the library for free. This means that you can virtually get hold of any music scores eventually. There are a couple of other computer rooms, though rather small as well.

Lots of information is given to students at the beginning of each year about all the forms of support they can access. The student services department are extremely friendly and approachable and are always willing to help. I have used their services when I have encountered problems with funding and they never make me feel like an imposition when I approach them for help. Furthermore, the problems I did have were rectified with the help of student support. I have also sought advice from them in regards to building a CV. I am aware of other students who have used their counselling service and have benefited from it as well.

There are definitely not many student run events in LCM compared to those you would find at a standard university simply because, as I said, LCM is a very small conservatoire with much less funding in comparison – the SU probably simply don’t have the funding they need to put on large events. The effort they put in is definitely admirable as they make the most out of what they have. This is one aspect of life at LCM which makes me wish I was at a university instead.

I am a Londoner so, in comparison, Leeds is a very small city and you do realise you soon cover the area of the city. On the up side, it does mean that everything is very accessible and located in within each other; walking also means you save money on transport. Personally, I do not enjoy clubbing so the streets of Leeds can be quite hectic and rowdy at times during the night as there are many nightclubs located in the centre. So, other than nightclubs, Leeds does offer some very nice bars and small venues which offer live music and is a good alternative to the typical student social lifestyle.

Sadly, because LCM is a small conservatoire, the only societies offered in LCM are various sports societies (dodgeball, swimming, football, to name a few), the Christian society and the LGBT society, all of which are free to join. Students are told that they are able to join the societies at Leeds and Leeds Beckett Universities.

The course and lectures are good in that they are very focused and go into great depth and detail. That being said, the course is not very diverse in that you do not study anything else outside of the pathway you have chosen (classical, jazz, pop, production). I would have preferred it if the college did not have such a narrow focus on one aspect of music and wish they could cover all genres of music and delve into things such as politics, philosophy and psychology of music. They are taught by lecturers who are very clearly informed and knowledgeable about the content they are teaching. Special praise, however, goes to the one-to-one instrumental tutors who are entirely dedicated in what they do, strive to make you achieve to the best of your potential, and help develop your technique as a musician. I have learnt many vital things and developed myself greatly as a musician from my instrumental tutor. LCM also provide classical students with weekly session times with accompanists to prepare you for performances in exams and concerts which is a bonus. To future students: please take advantage of this and book sessions with accompanists!

LCM have dedicated modules which you can undertake which are designed to prepare you for working life. The first year introduces you to the professional/legal/financial aspects of a working musician’s life and you can opt to take the “Self Promotion” module in second year which aims to develop your portfolio for potential employers. LCM also holds many talks and events related to employment and networking. It would be even better if LCM was able to provide students with work experience/placements.

The value of any student accommodation is extremely poor, rooms are small and you have to pay extra for facilities such as laundry. LCM recommends Unite student accommodation which from personal experience, provides awful customer service and extort you of your money wherever possible.

I found my experience both rewarding and enjoyable. The course has helped me master the skills I need to progress further with my career. Content matched up to what I wanted from the course

Good and regular offers but not varied enough and could do with more post graduate schemes