Haoran Zhou, China

MMus Music Performance and Education

To me, music has never been just about performance techniques—it is a language that transcends words and reaches the soul. Classical vocal music, in particular, carries a kind of solemnity and emotional depth that always allows me to resonate with the spirits of the past through singing. Because of my love for this art, I longed to study and immerse myself in the place where it was born. The UK has a profound foundation in classical music, and Liverpool—a city that blends tradition and modernity—gives me a sense of musical charm that is close to everyday life.

When people mention Liverpool, many first think of The Beatles and the legend of pop music. But for me, this city is also a place where classical and contemporary music coexist. Liverpool has the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, many historic churches and concert halls. It is not an unattainable classical temple, but a city where music is deeply rooted in daily life—that is exactly the kind of artistic atmosphere I yearn for.

The MMus programme at the University of Liverpool shows me what “living classical music” looks like. It not only values traditional vocal training but also emphasizes the integration of classical music with contemporary society, intercultural contexts, and artistic practice. The vocal training offered by the university is very in-depth, while still giving me the space to explore various ways in which music is presented and communicated today. Whether it is performance opportunities, academic resources, or links with the music industry, I feel this is a place where I can truly break through and grow.

In my core subject—classical vocal studies—I have gained a lot. My vocal teacher is an excellent singer, the best I have seen in my 15 years of studying music, both in technique and artistic expression. She not only has strong professional skills, but also teaches in a friendly, warm, and powerful way. When I face difficulties with high notes or other technical challenges, she always comforts and encourages me, helping me regain confidence. I’ve always believed that in the arts, a good teacher must understand both technique and the student’s mindset. If it’s just constant criticism, the student may become afraid to sing or even open their mouth. At the University of Liverpool, I feel a teaching style that is ‘gentle but firm’. After each one-to-one lesson, we also have group classes where we can observe and learn from each other, improving together. These group classes are held in actual performance halls, helping us become familiar with the stage and preparing us for future performances.

In the first semester, we mainly studied essential academic skills in music research, including how to make a programme note, notate on staff paper, and the norms of academic writing. These are crucial abilities for a postgraduate student. What moved me even more is that even outside of class time, the teachers spend a lot of time on individual tutorials to make sure every student fully understands the materials. This responsible and detailed attitude deeply impressed me.

Then, in the ‘Performance Project’ module of the second semester, I experienced the most anticipated part of my study journey. We had the opportunity to collaborate with students from other music specialisms, and even perform with members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. This was a very exciting experience for me. Through working with these professional musicians, I learned a lot about stage practice and ensemble communication. It was not just a learning process, but also a personal growth experience. Through rehearsals and performances, we constantly adjusted and collaborated to finally present a complete and excellent show. I think this is the most valuable teaching method at the University of Liverpool—students improve through real performance practice.

During my year of study at the University of Liverpool, the school provided us with many valuable opportunities to showcase ourselves. I participated in four formal public performances in total, which were very important practical experiences for me on the path to becoming a qualified singer. I am truly grateful for these opportunities.

I particularly want to share my experience in the “Music Pedagogy” module. I have seven years of teaching experience in China, but after coming to the University of Liverpool, I still learned many new educational concepts and methods. The university invited in-service music teachers from local primary and secondary schools in the UK to share their real-life teaching experiences with us in class. Even more valuable, the university arranged for us to visit a local primary school in Liverpool and observe their music lessons in person. This immersive learning helped me understand what music education is really like in the UK and gave me many useful references for my future teaching.

In addition, the university thoughtfully provides an academic language course throughout the academic year for international students like me. This course helps us improve our English communication and academic writing skills, and I have received a lot of practical support in this regard. The library resources are also very rich. Whether it’s online search or offline borrowing, it is very convenient. Even if a particular book is not in stock, we can request it and the library will help us get it. This provides strong academic support for our studies and research.

Looking back at my journey in music—from the first time I touched vocal music and stepped onto the stage 15 years ago, to becoming a vocal teacher with seven years of experience—I have never stopped loving and pursuing music. Coming to the University of Liverpool was the bravest and most correct step I’ve taken for my dream. For this belief, I left home and traveled thousands of miles alone to Europe, just to stand at the birthplace of classical music and rekindle my passion for the arts.

My time at the University of Liverpool has significantly improved my professional skills and helped me gain a deeper understanding of music and education through its curriculum, performance opportunities, and teaching philosophy. Every rehearsal, every class, every performance has enriched my soul and laid a solid foundation for my future career.

I am grateful for the choice I made, and sincerely thankful to the University of Liverpool for all the support and nourishment it has given me. Here, I have grown into a more mature singer and have rediscovered my passion and purpose as a teacher. In the future, I hope to bring all the valuable experience I have gained in this city and this university back to my classroom and to my students. Choosing the University of Liverpool is the most proud and important step in my journey of pursuing my dream.