Kieran Jones (BMus 2015)

Kieran Jones works with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as a Development Assistant.

I knew I wanted to study Music at Cardiff University from the moment I visited an open day. Cardiff is a wonderfully compact city surrounded with culture, diversity and opportunity. There is a certain charm about it that is hard to ignore.

I found a perfect balance between academia and performance, a unique aspect to a department that allowed me to benefit and develop my musical skills.

I gained experience as a singer in the University Chamber Choir, the Opera Society and the Contemporary Music Group and was also fortunate to have roles such as Assistant Conductor of the Symphony Chorus, Conductor of the Palestrina Singers at Cardiff University and conductor of the Cardiff University Male Voice Choir. Not only did these opportunities kept me busy but they were invaluable to my personal and musical development.

A lasting memory of my time at Cardiff University was performing Verdi’s Requiem in collaboration with the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, under the guiding baton of Carlo Rizzi in St David’s Hall. This was one of the most magical musical experiences and just one of many amazing concert experiences I had during my time at the School.

One of the most appealing aspects of the department is the welcome as you arrive. As a student at the School of Music I instantly became part of that supportive community. I feel immensely privileged to remain part of the School of Music’s family and I am an extremely proud alumnus.