Miriam's story...
Miriam Levenson is a post-graduate student at the RCM, studying with Joost Bosdijk and specialising in orchestral performance. Before joining the RCM, Miriam completed a BA in Music from the University of Cambridge graduating with First Class Honours.
“With students and teachers from more than 50 different countries worldwide, the RCM is a real melting-pot of musical experiences and personalities. Everyone is incredibly passionate about their music-making, and whether you walk through the doors of College at 8am in the morning or last thing at night, you will hear music coming from all corners of the building. At first I was worried about not knowing many people, but everyone is really friendly and keen to get to know each other.
The quality of teaching available here is amazing, and the number of different types of classes on offer means that you get to work with a huge range of professors. On top of my regular one-to-one lessons, I’ve really enjoyed having group sessions with other bassoonists, and getting to grips with big orchestral pieces in wind section classes. There are also lots of performance opportunities, whether playing for fellow students or for wider audiences, and I have gained so much confidence ‘playing solo’ since I started at the RCM.
The opportunities for chamber music are also unparalleled, and my wind quintet can sign up for unlimited coaching from any of the College professors. The RCM’s Woodhouse Professional Development Centre sends out regular bulletins for professional performance opportunities, and their team are fantastic at helping you find your way in the professional world.
Although there isn’t enough time in the day to make the most of all the opportunities offered here, the staff are extremely supportive of external commitments that you might have, whether for personal reasons or as a result of other musical opportunities. There is always someone who is happy to talk to you if you have a problem or a query!”
