Last week the Music Department hosted two successful events.
The first was a flute masterclass led by Ian Mullen, flautist with the English National Ballet. Five students performed for him, each receiving detailed and constructive feedback. Ian offered not only insightful commentary on their individual pieces, but also broader guidance on flute playing as a discipline — from tone production and phrasing to technical control and musical shaping. He was precise and encouraging in equal measure, providing practical exercises for the musicians to incorporate into their daily practice routines. By the end of the session, there was a noticeable improvement in each performer’s confidence and musical clarity.
Ian concluded the masterclass with a performance of his own, which was both inspiring and technically outstanding — a powerful demonstration of the artistry and professionalism he had been encouraging throughout the session.
The second event, Solo Platform No. 4, featured twelve students performing solo works by a wide range of composers, including Finzi, Chopin, Bach, and Debussy. The programme showcased an impressive variety of instruments, representing every department: woodwind, brass, piano, strings and voice.
The overall standard was exceptionally high, and it was particularly heartening to see the students supporting one another so warmly. Together, these two events highlighted not only the depth of musical talent within the department, but also its strong sense of community and shared commitment to excellence.
