"I have learnt to push myself, be confident in my own ability and to be open to new opportunities and challenges."
Laura Bailie - BA (Hons) Music (Classical)
Laura Bailie is a third-year on our BA (Hons) Music (Classical) course. Laura's main specialism at Leeds Conservatoire is as a vocalist, but she has found a second passion during her studies as a conductor.
What has been the most important thing you've learned at Leeds Conservatoire?
I have learnt to push myself, be confident in my own ability and to be open to new opportunities and challenges. It is so important in this industry to have the courage to say 'yes I can do that' and not to doubt yourself (which as musicians, we can be guilty to a lot of self doubt!). Over the last 3 years, I have pushed myself towards new musical ventures, exciting projects and learnt to be confident in myself.
What are you planning on doing after graduation?
I have applied for a Choral Conducting Masters, which I hope to study after graduation. Following on from this, I would like to live abroad in for a year, working as a Chorus Master, hopefully in Europe or USA. My dream is to be Chorus Master for a world class symphony chorus some day!
Is there anything you've encountered over the last few years that has really made you push yourself as a musician or anything new that you had not tried before?
I have watched people give up at the first hurdle, which before coming to Leeds Conservatoire, I would have been prone to myself! Everyone coming to music college is 'in it to win it' and being able to use that drive to succeed, to push my classical music forward and make me into the best version of myself, as a musician but also as person.
What is the best piece of advice you've been given at Leeds Conservatoire?
"Do or do not. There is no try". A quote I was told by one of my lecturers and I will never will forget it.
What has been the best project / opportunity you've had during your degree?
I have had the opportunity to conduct different ensembles throughout the conservatoire and around Yorkshire. One of my most exciting projects of my time of Leeds Conservatoire is being to collaborate with Yorkshire Chamber Orchestra, Ilkley and Otley Choral Societies and SU Chorus to conduct perform Handel's Messiah this December for my conducting debut.
What has been the biggest challenge and how has this helped you develop?
My biggest challenge has been understanding that it is ok if things don't work out first time. I have found it difficult at times to keep working through tough times, and being too easy to accept defeat when something doesn't work out as planned, but as a good friend told me, 'Everything will work out in the end. And if it doesn't work out, then it isn't the end.'
What is your favourite Leeds Conservatoire Memory?
I have had some amazing memories from Leeds Conservatoire, including Opera Projects, recording with my ensemble in The Corn Exchange, working with The Chamber Orchestra and performing in The Prizewinner's concert in 1st year. I am excited to end my time at Leeds Conservatoire with my final recital and being able to graduate alongside my peers.
What advice would you give to others thinking of applying to your course at Leeds Conservatoire?
Leeds Conservatoire isn't just an opportunity to expand your ability in your main specialism, but it gives you the platform to explore different areas of music you didn't even know existed. I have been able to use my classical music degree to work with production students for recordings, pop vocalists and many other degree pathways. Leeds Conservatoire is so much more than a conservatoire, it is an exciting new musical venture.
On and off the conducting podium, I have tried to take John Rutter’s advice : “Watch everything. Read everything. Listen to everything. The more that you put into yourself and not just the music the more you will be able to give back to the music”.
How would you describe your experience at Leeds Conservatoire in three words?
Exciting, challenging, rewarding
Find out more about Classical at Leeds Conservatoire
