Jennifer Li
Melbourne - Piano
There are a number of factors that influenced my choice to come to study at the Faculty of Music. First of all, the Faculty provides its students with lots of performance opportunities, e.g. the concert-class every Thursday and the lunch-time concert every Monday. These are not only very important for the performers to gain performance experience but they also benefit the observers/audience in terms of learning from the performers and broadening repertoire. I also favor the idea of doing a breadth subject. This broadens my general knowledge and gives me the opportunity to interact with people in other faculties. The competition in the University is great, as there are a lot of talented students around and I believe it gives me motivation to work hard.
I’ve been enjoying studies at the University since starting my course at the beginning of the year. The thing I find most challenging is perhaps the balance between practice and academic studies. As musicians, we are required to practice on our own instrument a number of hours every day, and we also have to complete written assignments. Therefore time management is very important.
The lecturers I’ve encountered are all very nice and knowledgeable in the area/subject they teach. They also show interests in their students’ needs. The tutors are very helpful for our learning too.
I’ve done a number of interesting projects since starting my course. I enjoy doing research the most. I’ve researched 19th century Australian composition for one of my assignments. It is interesting because it not only gives me the idea of music in 19th century Australia, but it also helps me learn a great deal of the Australian background and history.
Unlike at high school, students at the University are able to join various clubs and societies according to their own interests. Students can develop their own interests and capabilities beyond study and expand their network. This is the biggest difference from high school life and perhaps the best thing about student life on campus. I’m originally from China, therefore Melbourne is not my home city, however I really enjoy life here. The city is very beautiful and clean and the air is so fresh. The people are very friendly and offer their help whenever I need. I now live with a home-stay family who are friends with my father.
I intend to go overseas for an exchange in my 3rd year, which is a great opportunity provided through the University. My future career goal is to be a music teacher/lecturer at a university and perform regularly as well. I want to bring my music to the world.