Student Profile
- Daisy Lawrance Johnson
- 2nd year
undergraduate
1. What attracted you most to the program?
The broad range of subjects that were on offer was a real attraction for me. In studying a music degree you weren’t limited to just music subjects. You could select from Arts subjects available as well. This broadens your education and means you can choose subjects that will really complement your music skills. I was even able to go a step further and take a double degree, which allowed me to really expand my knowledge base in the areas I was passionate about. This means that I can combine skills I have gained to present myself as a unique option for future employers.
2. What were the key skills and knowledge you have gained by studying the program?
The music program at UNSW has improved my technical knowledge of music remarkably. I have leant a lot of skills in a short amount of time, some in areas I never would have thought possible. I’ve learnt how to compose, analyse, review and perform music, and had the opportunity to work with ensembles such as the Collegium Choir and the Jazz group, which have given me skills in professional team work, and the opportunity to work with skilled musicians who share my passions.
3. What do you enjoy most about the program and why?
What I enjoy most about the program is getting to work with people who share my interests and love of music. It’s an amazing environment to be in, everyday. The music community at UNSW is like a family; we learn from each other and support each other to grow and develop our skills to become better musicians.
4. Which ensembles are you part of? What performance opportunities have you had?
In my time at UNSW I have been involved with the Collegium Musicum Choir, the Intermediate Jazz group, and the World Music group. The Choir has a performance every semester, and often gets the opportunity to work with professional musicians from the Australia Ensemble, Their rehearsal rooms are based at UNSW and they give lunchtime concerts and seminars to the students every month. The World music group along with the Handbells group also have a recital to the students towards the end of the semester. The Jazz group meet every week and each session is like a mini performance in itself; we perform to each other and work on improving our skills in improvisation and ensemble work. In April this year the Music department is also having a showcase concert that students from every year level have been selected to play in, and will display a combination of genres from Classical to Jazz and Musical Theatre.
5. What inspires you most about your area of interest/career?
What I find most inspiring about the music industry is how much it offers in the way of creative potential and possibility. We live in an ever-changing world, the music industry changes with us as we create new technology and develop new methods of listening to and creating music. People often don’t realise how much sound and music plays a dynamic part in their lives. I believe it is one of the most valuable artistic mediums available. I’m really excited to explore the possibilities that lie in music development, and work with the many amazing and creative people that there are out there in the music industry.
