Student 2012-2019
My 7 years at SMA have been the most incredible years of my life. Studying violin/viola and vocals there, the lessons I had have helped to shape me as a musician in many ways. To have purely individual lessons is one thing, but to be able to study musicianship, theory and aural amongst other classes has pushed me to develop my versatility in music which has inspired the way I perform. I loved having performance platform-style classes, as it not only helps me to receive feedback from my peers but also to give feedback to others. Furthermore, the countless amounts of concerts I have had the pleasure to perform in both as a soloist and as a part of various ensembles has helped immensely with confidence! My favourite thing about being a part of SMA has to be performing with others. It has fuelled my passion for ensemble playing that I never would have had without the help of all the teachers and students there!
Melissa went on to study viola with Jon Thorne at Royal Academy of Music. She is now a violist with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
The Sheffield Music Academy allowed me to share my interest in music with other people in a way that I couldn't at school. It was great to be surrounded by like-minded people and to make music together. I now teach at the Sheffield Music Academy, tutoring small ensembles and assisting with the cello groups there. The overall effect of music on my life is that it has brought me a real sense of optimism. The practise, care and thought that goes into music brings with it a sense of control. When your hard work pays off it is a great feeling and helps to build my confidence. Music makes me realise that when you carry on giving thought and putting in effort then you can achieve anything. That is an ethic that carries on into all areas of life.
Elliott is now a professional cellist having studied performance at Royal Northern College of Music and Royal Academy of Music. He has been involved with several exciting orchestras such as Chineke! and The Hallé.
Student 2009-2019
I was a member of Sheffield Music Academy for about 10 years - that's a lot of Saturdays! The classes offered in theory, aural and musicianship were excellent, and particularly useful supporting studies for me as I did not take A level music. In addition to pursuing my own studies, every Saturday I very much enjoyed assisting with the junior string orchestra; always great fun. I would say that the chamber music opportunities are a particular strength of the Academy. Participation in various ensembles, ranging from duos and quartets to medium size ensembles and the chamber orchestra, probably had the greatest influence on my playing and overall approach to music and performance. One of the most enjoyable and memorable performances for me was Copland's Appalachian Spring, a collaboration involving senior students and tutors. Another special memory is my graduation recital where I performed Handel-Halvorsen's Passacaglia for violin and viola with my teacher Martin Cropper.
Sarah is currently a freelance musician. She studied violin with Catherine Yates at Royal Northern College of Music.
Student 2008-2012
Cellist and Singer Lindsey James achieved a 1st class honours degree in Music from Kings College London. Lindsey's plans for the immediate future are; to apply for a PGCE course in London or Rotherham, to take on some private singing pupils and continue her choral work. Lindsey was given a place as part of Genesis Sixteen upon graduating from the Academy – a very prestigious training programme run by The Sixteen. 'After 35 years of worldwide performance and recording, The Sixteen is recognised as one of the world's greatest ensembles. Comprising both choir and period-instrument orchestra, The Sixteen [enjoys a] special reputation for performing early English polyphony, masterpieces of the Renaissance and for bringing fresh insights into Baroque, early Classical music and a diversity of 20th and 21st-century music…' www.thesixteen.com
Student 2010-2019
There is discipline in having a day dedicated to learning your chosen instrument (in my case the violin). It's motivating and encourages you to develop your abilities independently throughout the week. The Academy has provided me with the opportunity to meet like-minded musicians; to be able to play in groups, learn from knowledgeable tutors and develop team/social skills which translate to the non-music world. Most importantly, you attend to find inspiration. I crave to be inspired; it's what keeps me going. Inspired by fellow students, inspired by my principal tutor, inspired by chamber groups. It's this desire to be inspired and say 'wow, I want to play like that' or 'they sound great, I wonder when I'll reach that standard' - and that's why I chose to return each year. To surround myself with talent which in turn pushes me to become better. It's through this that I believe the Academy has successfully delivered on its slogan - Inspiring Young Musicians.
Since graduating from the RNCM, Nazar has attained a postgraduate certificate in education with specialist instrumental teaching from Manchester Metropolitan University. He currently enjoys secondary and instrumental teaching as well as freelance work.
Student 2009-2014
Talented singer Emily Baycroft was awarded a choral scholarship for the choir of Selwyn College Cambridge upon graduating from the Academy. Since taking up her place there she has recorded a CD of alternative arrangements of Christmas music with the choir. Emily has sung evensong in cathedrals including St Paul's, Ely and Norwich. She has also performed in concerts, including the premier of works by up and coming composers, in a large number of prestigious venues including King's College Chapel (Cambridge), London, and Kent, and been on tour to the Pacific Northwest, singing in Seattle, Sequim, Victoria and Vancouver.
Being a member of SMA has cemented music as an essential part of my life. I will have so many more opportunities to meet new people and share new experiences through music which is very special to me as someone not studying music professionally.
Simon is currently studying Medicine at Gonville and Caius College in Cambridge.
I have so much more confidence when I perform. This has not only allowed me to thrive in musical aspects of my life (giving recitals, being on stage, etc) but has also allowed me to be more open and secure around others in general. SMA also taught me to appreciate the fine details in music, making it a central part of my life.
Abdul is now a student of Gonville and Caius College in Cambridge, studying Medicine.
What did you really enjoy about SMA? 'The sense of community. It wasn't 'I' and 'you' but 'we' and 'us'. Everybody roots for one another. A massive part of my childhood belongs to SMA and I feel very lucky to have been a member. SMA allowed me to grow musically, and it was a safe space to experiment without fear of failure. Consequently, strong friendships were curated, making a solid community which you could rely upon, making Saturdays a highlight of my week.'
Gina began studying violin at the Royal Academy of Music in September.
David (parent)
My son David was keen on doing Music A'level but he was the only one in his year at school who wanted to, and he was told he couldn't do the A'level there. So we looked around for somewhere else he could do it, and were very lucky to find that Sheffield Music Academy had just introduced an A'level course. David had very dedicated teachers who pushed him to excel, particularly Miriam Hill, Valentina Kalashnik (piano) and Tom James (cornet). Miriam and Valentina put in a lot of their own time to teach him for which we are extremely grateful. David went on to achieve a first class degree (BMus) from University of Birmingham, and then an MA (Merit) in Composition from University of Sheffield. His primary interest is in composition but he loves playing the piano, and does so for hours most days when at home. David is currently backpacking through the United States, and plans to apply for a PhD in Composition at one of the East Coast universities, as he has a particular interest in American concert music. All of this was hanging in the balance when he was trying to find somewhere to do an A'level in Music. Many thanks!
Hannah
My cello teacher asked me to join when I was about 9 or 10 and I started learning piano there a year later. I loved the opportunities I wouldn't have otherwise had, like chamber music groups, regular performances and musicianship classes. Since joining I achieved grade 8 cello and grade 7 piano and music theory, and I would definitely recommend it to other students, especially anyone looking for a well-rounded musical education.
Katrina
I joined the Sheffield Music Academy at the not so young age of 15 until I was 18. I was a shy and young individual who used music as a way of self expression. Music was a way for me to communicate and create ideas without the use for direct words. The Academy was a long shot that I took a gamble on, where I hoped my passion, determination and expertise in my chosen instrument would shine through on my interpretations of music. As a result of that gamble, I secured a scholarship that covered my tuition fees and my timetabled activities at the Academy. I had the opportunity to really push myself as a performer, obtaining my grade 8 for my violin as well as Classical Singing; I also experienced the drums which really helped my rhythm and coordination. Apart from my family support, without the support of the staff at the academy, I know I would have doubted myself and not given 100% when faced with unpredictable changes. The time, commitment and support they give you is truly inspiring. They keep cheering you on, even when you lack that self confidence to believe you yourself can overcome that self doubt. I met some truly talented and friendly teachers who taught me more than just music, they taught life lessons, that to this day I carry with me. I also had the opportunity to mix with individuals from all walks of life; some privileged, some not, some from the same city and some from all over the world. I still have friends that I still keep in contact with now. Ultimately, the Academy is a place for individuals who share a passion for music. It is a place that can give your child that opportunity to better themselves, regardless of their financial background. Music has given me so many skills that I apply daily; problem solving, effective communication, team work, perseverance and confidence. The list goes on. So I would like to say thank you to all the staff I had the opportunity to meet in my time there. Please continue to support those children with the talent and drive but maybe not the means to pursue their passion.
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What advice would you give to current SMA students? 'Find the courage to ask questions and get the most out of your teachers - they're all incredible, experienced musicians with so much knowledge that they want to share. Don't be afraid to try something different, and perform in as many concerts as you can - you'll never get the opportunity for informal weekly performance platforms again. Also, if you want to do something musical, you're surrounded by so many other students who will want to join you, and members of staff who will want to facilitate your plans.'
Jacob is studying clarinet with Christopher Richards at the Royal Academy of Music.