"The MA Musical Direction programme offers advanced training while also encouraging you to explore and refine your practice. It's a comprehensive and enriching course that will equip you with valuable skills, expand your horizons, and push your practice to new heights."
Photo credit throughout: Lee Davidson (@snapsbylee)
Meet Joe, a MA Musical Direction student in their third year at Leeds Conservatoire.
Joe is a talented saxophonist with a BA(hons) in Jazz from Leeds Conservatoire. Currently pursuing an MA in Musical Direction, Joe also collaborates with Playful Anywhere, an organisation in Leeds dedicated to bringing play opportunities to different spaces in the city and surrounding areas.
We caught up with Joe about their time at Leeds Conservatoire so far, and they shared their advice for prospective students.
Hi, Joe – Where did your creative journey begin?
I started learning clarinet in primary school, and in year 5, I also began learning the saxophone. Initially, I focused on classical music for both instruments, but my interest shifted to jazz saxophone around the age of 15. Since I was young, I've been captivated by theatre pit orchestras, probably because of the exciting array of instruments that reed players get to have fun with. I got involved with local amateur dramatic groups, playing in the pit, and eventually worked my way up to becoming an assistant Musical Director with one of the groups.
What motivated you to study BA Jazz at the Conservative?
I had been studying jazz at the Birmingham Junior Conservatoire for a year before applying and wanted to explore other conservatories. When I visited Leeds for the open day, I was struck by the welcoming and encouraging atmosphere at the Conservatoire (it was still Leeds College of Music back then). It felt like the right place for me, and the city itself had a similar appeal.
How did you find your undergraduate experience?
Honestly, at the time, it was a mixed experience. The course was challenging as I had only recently started studying jazz in the scheme of things. I also took on a late-night bar job on weekends during my 2nd year, which didn't help! However, the conservatoire staff provided fantastic support, allowing me to push through and complete my degree. The quality of instruction I received during my undergraduate studies was excellent, and I still find myself returning to the exercises and practice approaches I learned as far back as my foundation year. On that note, the foundation year was one of the best decisions I made for my musical development. I highly recommend it, especially if you approach jazz training later in your instrumental study.
Why did you decide to stay on and study MA Musical Direction?
I've known for some time that I wanted to study Musical Direction, and started by studying contemporary musical direction during my second and third years of undergrad. When I learned that the Conservatoire was starting the MA Musical Direction program and welcomed individuals with less formal piano training and those interested in redefining the role of a Musical Director in theatre, I knew I had to apply. It's the perfect blend of comprehensive Musical Direction training and finding your place in the industry. It's an ideal path for a jazz saxophonist like me looking to venture further into the realm of Musical Direction for theatre.
How has MA Musical Direction influenced your understanding of theatre?
The programme has significantly transformed how I perceive my practices and approaches. Throughout the various modules, I've discovered a new (for me) thread—exploring the creation of theatre music and questioning the necessity of formally trained musicians within this domain. It's led to me finding out about many incredible creators and theatre companies already engaged in this kind of work and doing some amazing things with it, which has been fantastic!
Was transferring from Jazz saxophonist to Musical Director challenging for you?
It has indeed been a process, and it's ongoing. Two significant aspects of this transition have been working with the vocal side of theatre work and developing piano skills for Musical Direction. Working with bands and orchestras is firmly in my wheelhouse, but working with vocals has been a real challenge. Additionally, as a primary saxophonist, I've always been cautious about my piano skills. However, the MA Musical Direction program is designed to facilitate skill transfers, and one of the most valuable aspects has been receiving voice lessons from one of the excellent Musical Theatre vocal coaches, Emma Trow, and piano lessons from the course leader, Laura McIntosh. I'm more confident in these areas now, especially with my piano technique and approach to learning piano music, having come a long way.
Do you get to perform and work on performances while studying here?
Absolutely; as part of the program, we were assigned to a third-year undergrad show. I worked as an Assistant Music Director on their production of 'Crime & Punishment', getting to work alongside the lovely sound designer/MD Dan McGlade and the fabulous director Debs Newbold. I also worked with the New Music Collective as a guest Music Director for their semester 2 concert as an extra-curricular. This collaboration led me to establish my own improvisational music ensemble, 'The Storytelling Collective’. Our latest project involved creating a live improvised score for a silent film screening in a local bar. Without the connections I made from the New Music Collective that wouldn’t have been possible.
What is the best thing about studying in Leeds?
The standout aspect that drew me to the Conservatoire initially — the welcoming and encouraging environment of both the Conservatoire and the city. This feeling has remained true even seven years later! Leeds is a vibrant and friendly city, and being a significant student hub means there's always something to do. People here are open to collaborating with or hiring students, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to get up to things you'd never thought you could do!
What do you get up to outside of studying?
A lot of my time revolves around music, which makes sense given my career path. I'm fortunate to freelance as an arranger and copyist, which keeps me busy when there's a big project in my inbox. I'm also a facilitator for Playful Anywhere, an organisation in Leeds that focuses on bringing play opportunities to spaces across the city and local areas. It's a lot of fun and often involves constructing marble runs and experimenting with giant bubble recipes. Beyond that, I enjoy spending time with friends and making the most of the city's offerings.
Finally, why should someone study “MA Musical Direction” at Leeds Conservatoire?
The Conservatoire provides exceptional training in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. The city itself is fantastic, with a student-centred vibe and abundant cultural opportunities, including top-quality theatre performances. If you're interested in becoming a well-rounded Musical Director, exploring the role across multiple genres of theatre, especially working with Actor-Musicians, this program is an excellent choice. The MA Musical Direction program offers advanced training while also encouraging you to explore and refine your practice. It's a comprehensive and enriching course that will equip you with valuable skills, expand your horizons, and push your practice to new heights.
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