Claire Ransome
Melbourne - Violin
The main reason I chose to apply at the Faculty of Music at Melbourne Uni is because I was attracted to the style of the New Generation course, and the variety it offered compared to other University’s Music courses. For two years I’ve wanted to become a Music Therapist, and through my research, I learnt that doing Music at Melbourne Uni would be the best way to lead me into that career. I plan on doing my Masters in Music Therapy.
I’ve never been all that good with my music theory, but the way that there are three different levels of aural training was very helpful. I didn’t expect the university to be so accommodating to those of us that are good with our instrument but hopeless with our theory, and I’ve found that through going back to basics with Peter Hurley, I’ve learnt in a structured and fun environment, and achieved more in terms of how my theory and practical build off each other, than I ever had throughout the whole of high school.
To begin with, I was really shocked by the amount of work that we had to put in to actually benefit from our lectures, but after a while I got into the way uni runs, and began working hard in my own time. I was so used to been spoonfed all of the information that we were required to learn, that once I began uni I couldn’t understand how we were supposed to learn!
Elliott Gyger’s lectures in Music Language were the hardest - I was totally lost! But after about a month, I began reading up on the topics before and after lectures, and I discovered a huge improvement in my learning and work. The Music Language assignments were a huge challenge, but I found them very stimulating and enjoyed working on them.
The best thing about student life on the campus for me is the people. The Uni of Melbourne has such a variety of scenery and places to hang out. There’s really nothing that compares to the culture in Victoria, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it. The students of the Music Faculty are so closely-knit, and I love how inviting the older years are, and how friendly everybody is. It’s nice to be surrounded by like-minded people.
I live with my family, but just got my P plates, so finally I have more freedom. I live in Mt Dandenong, so it takes me about 2 hours to get into uni every day, and 2 hours to get out. It’s a pain in the neck, but I enjoy reading on the train, and a lot of the time there are people I know on my train line, so it’s a bit of a social thing too.
Melbourne is beautiful for its culture. I love the nature in the hills, and the vibe in the city. I wouldn’t live anywhere else in Australia.
I am already teaching violin, and wish to continue this until I retire. I want to do my honours year at the Faculty of Music. I’d like to work in a hospital, or run my own clinic, focusing on Music therapy and h the Arts.
Advice that I have for future students is to make sure you are prepared and composed before your audition. I know it was really scary for me because Melbourne uni is such a prestigious University, but the staff and students are really lovely, and it’s an amazing environment to learn in.