Student Life At The Con: Things I Wish I Had Known
Big changes can be tough. We understand that being a fresh faced and bright eyed first year student, jumping into the manic and thrilling world of the Queensland Conservatorium can be daunting.
But wait… What if some of your pseudo big brothers and sisters offered you some wisdom from their first day? Here are some pearly musings of wisdom, to use during your first few weeks at this musical wonderland.
“I wish I knew that it was okay to not know which musical direction to take. In first year I got hit with so many different thoughts on what to play, how to play it, when to play it, whom to play it with that I became rather bewildered! I felt like I had to decide and focus on one thing. When in fact we should use our bachelor to explore what we want musically and find out what we are really passionate about whilst we are in a safe and supportive institution. I wish someone had told me this in first year as it took a year of failing, a year off performance study then 3 years of really focusing, but now I feel I’ve found what music truly drives me and how I can fully express myself through a sonic medium.”
Caleb College, started at con in 2012, classical percussion major
“I wish I knew that first year was about unlearning and relearning.”
Ellie Nunan, started con in 2014, musical theatre major
“I wish I understood that uni is not made to tell me who I am – that it is simply a tool for self discovery and my self worth comes from somewhere else. I wish I was truly real with myself the entire journey. Understanding (or at least attempting to understand) why I felt the way I did in certain situations. I could have done it with counsel or a journal or whatever. I wish I worked hard a bit more consistently (little bits more regularly rather than leaving to the last minute) throughout the year which was a result of me not being honest with myself. But the biggest thing I would say is to know who you are, embrace yourself and be yourself wholeheartedly.”
Nii Anang, started at con in 2015, jazz keys major
“Advice I would give to a first year student is: 1. take every opportunity you have to meet new people and 2. set your goals mighty high and work hard for them 3. Learn to enjoy the things you find difficult”
Jess Goodrich, started in 2015, classical French Horn
“My advice to first years would be to be available, and get to know everyone! Try not to over commit to extra activities – your practise and studies come first! Reach out for help when you need, and make time for your weaker subjects. Try to get to know people who aren’t in your major. You never know when you’ll need a pianist or MuTech student to come to rescue you”
Sabrina Wall, started in 2016, classical voice
“Being a first year can be a little daunting. For me, I threw myself in to many ensembles and lectures not just relating to my major study. This allowed me to get to know the departments and students from all areas of the con and expand my social circle.”
Genevieve Brown, started in 2015, jazz voice
Well there you have it – you have hindsight before you’ve even started. Good luck!
Thanks for reading!
Bridget O’Brien, Bachelor of Music