International Student / Alumni Profiles

"The course lecturers are very approachable on both academic and non-academic issues. Leeds College of Music provides an excellent environment for development, especially with the number of ensembles available. This makes learning enjoyable. As a doubler I get to utilise my abilities in a wide array of musical situations."
Anthony Woodroffe
BA (Hons) Jazz - Graduated 2009
Trinidad and Tobago

"I’ve had a wonderful time studying at Leeds College of Music, learning from inspiring teachers, in both instrumental and ensemble classes. They have helped with demystifying the art of playing jazz, and expressing it with my own musical voice. It has been a real joy and I appreciate their generosity and encouragement."
Tatsuru Naganuma
BA (Hons) Jazz - Graduated 2007
Japan

"Leeds College of Music is a really friendly place. Everyone smiles so as an International student I feel really comfortable. The College has lots of events and concerts so we get the opportunity to be on stage or support our friends. I think these experiences will provide really good memories. Furthermore, everyone who comes to Leeds College of Music wants to study music and I love people who love music whatever the genre. With friendly College staff and opportunities to study, have fun, make friends and show what we are learning, who could ask for anything more? Leeds is a really cute city. There are so many old, but beautiful buildings in the city centre. There are shopping arcades and street musicians. This is the first time I have lived by myself and lived in a foreign country. I think Leeds is quite a safe and comfortable city and I do not feel so much pressure. I want to live here forever if I can!"
Yui Suzuki
ND Performing Arts (Musical Theatre)
Japan

"I have many reasons why I chose Leeds College of Music which is located far away from my country. The main reason is the music scene. I wanted to feel the UK, attend UK gigs, and meet people here. UK music is really popular in Japan, and many UK artists come to Japan to play. I think Leeds is one of the best cities to see and hear current music. There are a lot of live venues, and many famous artists coming here. I love going to gigs, so I have been to many gigs in Leeds since I came here. The ticket price is almost half compared with Japan, and I can get to most of the venues in Leeds by foot. I’ve got some musician friends in Leeds, and they give me many good live music experiences. I can say this is the most important and precious time of my life ever."
Ayumi Harasawa
ND Music Technology
Japan

"For me having worked as a professional musician, composer and educator for many years, it was like having a gap year when I did the Master course at Leeds College of Music.  I was able to concentrate, and really dig into areas of special interest.  Also being advised and taught by a highly professional and skilled staff made the "journey" even more interesting.   It also changed my career, since I was offered a teaching position at the college after graduation." 
Didrik Ingvaldsen
MMus Jazz Studies - Graduated 2003
Norway

" I have always enjoyed performing, composing and listening to Jazz so Leeds College of Music seemed like a natural place to study for a degree.  What I didn’t expect was the other forms of music I would get to experience!  I’ve had the opportunity to study and perform contemporary and Latin music, as well as learning about the technology and business side of the industry."
Kazuyuki Haga
BA Jazz Studies - Graduated 2007
Japan

"I am really glad that I chose to study at Leeds College of Music. I am now studying in year 2 of a BTEC National Diploma of Music. The course is great with plenty of focus on the academic side, but you still have plenty of opportunities to perform, e.g. lunch time concerts every week. There is a real sense of community as all the staff are approachable and friendly and the teaching is excellent and well-structured. As for the city? Leeds is brilliant. No matter whether you are going out eating or shopping, you have loads of choices. As an overseas student, I do enjoy my time spent both in my college and Leeds."
Hiu Ting Fok
BTEC National Diploma in Music
Hong Kong

"I came to Leeds College of Music to study on the BTEC courses.  After graduating from the BA Music Studies Degree I went on to complete a Postgraduate degree here too.  I have enjoyed my studies here immensely because of the performance opportunities, the variety of music and the very helpful staff.  In February 2005 I was invited to a prestigious event at Buckingham Palace, celebrating the contribution of music to UK culture.  Over 500 musicians and composers including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Eric Clapton, Michael Nyman, Jools Holland and Charlotte Church attended.  It is definitely one of the highlights of my time at Leeds College of Music."
Camilla Bisengaliev
MMus Music Studies - Graduated 2005
Kazakhstan

"I'm originally from Norway, but after graduating from Leeds College of Music I now work in Los Angeles in the music industry. Studying at Leeds College of Music gave me the knowledge and confidence I needed in order to work as a professional musician. I felt that Leeds College of Music helped me to become a serious musician with high knowledge in the craftmanship of being a professional musician. At the college I also met many of the important people that I work with today. Ifelt that some of the teachers really did care about our work. I will carry the experiences from Leeds College of Music in my heart for the rest of my life."
Therese Ulvan
BA (Hons) Jazz Studies - Graduated 2004
Norway

"I came to Leeds after reading the course profile and I haven’t been disappointed.  The course is very practical with frequent talks from industry practitioners and intensive group projects throughout the term.  I have really got to know my classmates and teachers well and we have worked together on short films, documentaries and animation." 
Jose Benavides
FD in Sound Design for Film and Television
Spain

"My principal study at Leeds College of Music was Piano Performance, and during those three years I my playing technique and performance skills improved a great deal. My teachers, especially my piano tutor, Mr. Julian Cima, were always patient with me as a overseas student, and encouraged me when I was feeling down or homesick. Studying in Leeds is a great opportunity for students who were willing to experience and learn other kinds of music, such as contemporary, Jazz and Indian… I discovered that I had a great interest in Jazz music in my first year. I then had the chance to choose Jazz singing as second study and that was how I started to listen to and sing Jazz.  Now I am living in one of the world’s biggest international cities – Shanghai.  I work as a Jazz vocalist and I am building up my musical career. Studying at Leeds College of Music was a wonderful experience, and I am grateful to all the staff in Leeds College of Music who helped me and showed me the way."
Yin Chen
BA (Hons) Music Studies - Graduated 2004
P.R.China