10 tips for starting your music course at University
Are you going to University to study Popular Music as a singer?
Here are 10 quick tips to make sure you get the most out of your uni experience, compiled from the long list of “things I wish I had known when I went to Uni” and “things I wish my students knew before term got properly started”.
Ok, here we go.
1. Communication is key
It’s possible you’ll get loads of emails when you’re at University. Some may not seem relevant, but get into the habit of opening and checking so that you don’t miss anything vital. This is also is great training for the reality of being a musician.
Make sure you reply to messages from your tutors, and communicate with them if you are running late or are going to be absent (especially if it’s for a one-to-one, so they’re not left wondering if you’re going to show up).
If you are struggling with anything - academically or personally - where appropriate, communicate those needs or difficulties. Tutors will be able to sign-post you to helpful services, such as student wellbeing support or study skills.
2. Take every opportunity to learn
You’re likely to have lessons on your timetable that are ‘optional’ or non-assessed. That doesn’t mean they are not useful or worthy of your time. Think of them as additional training opportunities. You can learn so much from the least likely places.
In particular, take performance opportunities that are presented in workshop/class settings. Even if you are not as prepared as you would hope, the feedback that you can get is priceless for your learning.
3. Don’t avoid your challenge areas
There are always things that we enjoy or excel at more than other things. And it is absolutely to recognise feel confident in what you do well. But if you’re not challenging yourself, you might not be growing and learning as much as you could.
University is one of the best places to experiment, try things out, make mistakes and learn from them.
If you prefer learning by ear and can’t sight-read, challenge yourself to practice by joining the Classical choir. Love reading and hate improvising? Put yourself in group situations that require you to practice using your ear and composing-on-the-go. Don’t let nerves (or ego) stop you from developing your craft.
4. Search out additional performance opportunities
Your course might have loads of great ‘in house’ performance opportunities, but there is nothing better than experience when it comes to performing.
Search out other avenues for increasing your performance opportunities: open mic nights, jam sessions, local venues looking for live music.
Look to collaborate and network too - form a band with your peers, and record or busk together. Any opportunity to develop your craft will be beneficial, and University is a great time to make the most of them
5. Arrive at your singing lessons with a plan – and having warmed up
It’s possible your contact time with your singing teacher will be limited. One-to-one singing lessons (if you get them) are generally no longer than an hour, over a 20 - 24 week academic year. It’s vital you arrive with a plan:
What have you been working on? What have you been listening to? What do you need help with from your teacher?
Using a practice journal can be helpful here - make notes in between lessons, as well as during the session, so you remember what you’ve been working on day-to-day, week-by-week. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a physical notebook, you can use your technology to create written notes, voice recordings or videos - whatever works for you!
Make sure you know your GOALS - short, medium and long-term, and you communicate them to your teacher, so you’re on the same page.
And, if you can, arrive to your lessons warmed up - it will save you lesson time. (If you need help, I have lots of resources on my website).
6. Don’t view your peers as competition
It’s easy to get into a competitive mindset with other singers on your course. In fact, it’s quite natural. But, it won’t help you in the long run. Focus on developing your own artistry, voice and confidence. Your teachers and assessors should not be drawing comparisons, so neither should you.
Instead, consider that the other singers on your course can probably relate to what you’re going through pretty well. You could join up and practice together, or form a vocal group. Collaboration is vital in a music career, so start making those connections and building relationships. When you’re a working singer, it’s likely you will need to call on people to ‘dep’ for you, and they will do the same for you. This is where you start to create that network.
7. Assessment – don’t focus on the number, focus on the feedback
However you feel about it, assessment is a big part of the University journey. A good assessment should provide you with clear links between the task you’re asked to complete, and a ‘real world’ situation or ability you will need as a musician.
Try to focus on the feedback rather than the actual number; it will tell you so much more than the grade will. Good feedback should provide you with ways to improve in those tasks. If it doesn’t, ask for more.
There is always something to improve when you’re singing; use the feedback to propel you forward. Don’t let a grade keep you stationary, either in satisfaction or disappointment.
8. Learn how to practice, get good at goal-setting and prioritising, and learn about yourself
There are a few abilities that will serve you through University and on to a career as a musician.
Getting good at how to practice efficiently (including setting goals) will make sure you use your time effectively. And prioritising will bring huge benefits when you’re studying. Especially when you find all your assignments are due at the same time, and you need work out how to juggle everything without stopping practicing.
The reality of a career in music is that there are often many projects running at once - getting good at prioritising and ensuring things don’t get forgotten will be a vital skill, and University is a great training ground.
It is also the best time to learn about yourself and how your brain works - what are your barriers? How can you help yourself and be compassionate along the way?
9. Use your tutor’s expertise – ask questions!
Tutors are here to help. They often have vast experience of a music career, including performing. Use them!
Ask questions, be inquisitive. Learn all you can.
10. Be mindful of the cost of your education
University is expensive, there’s no getting round it. Be mindful of how much this education is costing you, and make the most of the facilities and opportunities.
If you need to get a job, try to make sure it allows for flexibility, especially around exam time. Be clear with your employer that you take your studies seriously and will have to prioritise your course.
If you’re absent from classes, make sure you catch up.
Don’t rob yourself of the fun and adventure that being a student brings. Yes - go to gigs, go to parties and on nights out. Do all the things a student should do. But also make sure you do the learning, so that you don’t graduate with regrets.
For tips from a University singing teacher, and someone who thinks a lot about what they wish they’d known earlier in their music career, follow me on Instagram or TikTok @tessasmithmusic or explore thesingersguide.com where there are resources all about optimising your singing practice.