Introduction

Why should I give a shit that Kevin Cahill has applied to my course?
Should I bother reading the rest of this application?

Throughout my undergraduate study I have endeavored to give equal importance to

both my technical ability and wider musical understanding by collaborating with other
musicians and composers in the chamber music arena. Most recently I have
collaborated with three other guitarists from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in
forming a guitar quartet. We will be performing at the Ullapool Guitar Festival & Big
Guitar Weekend in Glasgow amongst others.
I have always had a particular interest in the Segovian repertoire due to its essential
role in the historical progression of the classical guitar. In bringing together
composers from all over the world to compose new works for the guitar, it has pushed
the limitations of the instrument and the performer. It is this diversity that I find both
challenging and hugely rewarding. I feel that at this stage I have established a solid
foundation of skills with which to fully explore the repertoire and use this as a starting
point to develop new works of my own.
In the later stages of my undergraduate study I have developed a keen interest in
collaborating with composers in an attempt to commission new works for the guitar. I
believe it is essential that we not only perform music of the past but also experiment
with new compositions in order to fully appreciate the guitars qualities. There is no
better space to do this than whilst collaborating with others. I hope to pursue this area
further within my masters and in doing so challenge other performers, composer,
audiences and myself alike.

Main body
Why have you decided to pursue a masters now?
Why is this the best course for you?
Conclusion
Why are you better than the other applicants for this course?

why you're applying - this may be linked to your career goals, academic interest, personal
development or the university's reputation. Consider which aspects of the course you find
most appealing, such as modules or work experience opportunities;
your academic and non-academic experience - highlight relevant skills and knowledge that
will enable you to make an impact. This may include grades, awards, placements, extra
readings or conferences attended;
your preparation - address how undergraduate study has prepared you, mentioning your
independent work (e.g. dissertation) and topic interests;
your skillset - mention the abilities that you've developed in areas including IT, analysis,
numeracy, time management, communication, organisation and critical thinking;
your goals - consider your short-term course aims and long-term career ambitions, relating
the two.