"If you want to try something a little more out of your comfort zone, don’t be afraid to do it"
Heather Walker - BA (Hons) Music (Classical)
Heather Walker is a talented vocalist who is currently studying on our Classical pathway. She is a part of the pop duo, Fort Sessions and has undertaken optional modules in Songwriting and Self Promotion along with being involved in LCoM's New Music Collective.
Has your music / approach / technique changed at all since your first year?
My vocal technique has improved a lot in classical singing. My optional courses such as Songwriting and Self-Promotion have helped me to step out of my comfort zone and I’m now involved in a pop duo, which I really enjoy and hope to keep up. Last year I wouldn’t have dreamed of doing anything outside of classical.
What has been the most interesting project you have worked on so far?
Songwriting as it encouraged me to try new styles of music I would never have considered, and I now appreciate artists and producers that I never would have batted an eyelash at before.
Is there anything that has really made you push yourself as a musician or anything new that you've not tried before?
Singing pop is completely new to me and so I am becoming more confident in embracing performing as myself, rather than a character with a pre-written song. It has really pushed myself to try and interact more with audiences and feel less embarrassed about being myself.
What sort of accommodation are you living in? What advice would you give to new students about accommodation?
I was still in student flats during second year and, while I think it’s nice for first year (you can get to know a lot of different people) it can be more distracting once you’re trying to be more focused!
What do you get up to outside of LCoM?
Outside of LCoM, I write music with a graduate in my pop duo, as well as doing dance lessons (I have done ballet, tap and modern and dabbled in pole fitness briefly) when I can, video gaming and I work as a crew member for loading theatres in and out across Yorkshire.
Have you been involved in the SU / societies or other LCoM activities?
I was in the LCoM Student Union Chorus in first year. I was also involved in the New Music Collective and had a small chorus role in the opera.
What is the best thing about living and studying in Leeds?
I love the city and the people in Leeds; they’re very different from where I’m originally from and I enjoy it here.
What advice would you give to a prospective student thinking of applying to your course?
When choosing optional modules I would suggest to not necessarily go for the traditionally “classical” options, such as conducting or music education. I found that choosing things that are a bit different has helped me to widen my abilities and what I feel comfortable doing. If you want to try something a little more out of your comfort zone, don’t be afraid to do it.
