My interest in music started when I taught myself electric guitar.

This passion ignited during

Year 10, when I started playing drum kit in an indie rock band. We recorded three E.P.s of
original material and performed over forty concerts, supporting many prestigious bands in our
genre. We earned headline slots (some of which sold out) at many of the South’s best venues.
I began to study GCSE music, which introduced me to musical history and analysis. I
thoroughly enjoyed studying the subject and went on to achieve an A grade. This opened my
eyes to a new world of contemporary and classical music and whet my appetite to perform in
other genres and become more involved in music in the school.

During my first year in Ringwood Sixth Form, I became Principal Student in Music
Technology, a role that I carried through to my second year. I also assisted in Key Stage 3 and
4 music classes every week. I joined the Sixth Form Choir, performing at school carol
services and summer concerts. I am particularly proud of playing percussion for my school’s
production of West Side Story, in February 2008. This involved playing over nineteen
percussion instruments. Subsequently, I was invited to play timpani, percussion and drum kit
in various school ensembles including choirs, brass band, a funk/soul band and in the 2009
production ‘We Will Rock You’.

In 2008, I first experienced the full impact of a classical concert on one’s senses and emotions
when I heard the B.S.O perform Pier Gynt, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto & Saint-Saens
Organ Concerto. This led to me joining the percussion section in the Wessex Youth Orchestra
where I particularly enjoyed playing Kodaly’s Hary Janos suite. In the last year I have been to
other live classical performances like Rouse’s Der Gerettete Alberich (Percussion
Concerto) and Berg’s Wosseck.

In the summer of 2008 my fascination with jazz began. I attended a six-day jazz
improvisation course with Mehr Clef at Roehampton University. We performed concerts
every night and played alongside many talented professional jazz musicians like Alan Barnes.
It opened my eyes to how much more there is to learn! I have since been to some great jazz
concerts including Chick Corea and Bela Fleck.

Whilst studying my A levels I began to realise how many gaps there were in my practical
musicianship because I had entered the field at a late stage. I decided to take a gap year to
address this. Having attained 94% in my Grade 6 drum kit exam in February 2009 I started
working towards my Grade 8. I am also preparing for Grade 8 in orchestral percussion (tuned,
snare and timpani) and Grade 6 piano. In addition, I am attending theory classes at Poole
College in readiness for Grade 8 theory. I am extending my orchestral repertoire by playing in
the Bournemouth University Orchestra, Westbourne Orchestral Society and Bournemouth
Rehearsal Orchestra. Since September I have also been invited to play percussion on a
professional basis alongside a DJ in a leading night club, at functions with a reputable
professional acoustic guitarist, and for Bournemouth Operatic Society.

Outside of music, I have taken an active role in my school in badminton, football, rugby and
joining NAGTY. I have been involved with community activities such as setting up at the
local carnival, helping with a charity gig and running my own club-night gig. I am currently
working part-time in telesales which funds my lessons and will enable me to backpack
through SE Asia in June 2010. I hope to do some further scuba diving whilst there (I acquired
my PADI Advanced scuba diving license in 2004).

I recognise that my musical development is in its early stages and realise I need to mix with a
wide variety of other musicians. I am capable of self-guided study, but I understand the
benefit of being mentored in the academic milieu. Furthermore I am looking forward to the
opportunity for personal development, through active participation in university life.