Max Bilbe

Why did you choose to study Music at The University of Manchester?

I wanted to study a course that taught a range of different subject areas in music, including performance, composition, and musicology. The University of Manchester offers teaching in a range of different subject areas in music and provides many opportunities outside of lectures to enhance your skills.

What has been the highlight of your course so far?

I was selected to perform Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto no. 5 with the Manchester University Music Society (MUMS) Symphony Orchestra in October 2019, and I played the first two movements of Schumann’s Piano Quintet with the Danel String Quartet in a performance workshop with them in February 2020 as part of the performance module.

Have you undertaken any placements or internships?

I have been involved with the organisation Kinder Choirs as one of their accompanists since August 2019. This has been an invaluable experience since it is an advanced children’s choir who have a very high standard.

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

I have performed in several concerts with MUMS as a soloist and ensemble member, and I have been one of their programme managers for this year. I have also been involved with other societies, like the Musical Theatre Society as an Assistant Musical Director and accompanist, and other music companies in Manchester like Opera Shack.

What are your plans for life after graduation?

I will be studying a postgraduate course in Piano Accompaniment at the Royal Academy of Music from September 2020. The modules from the course at The University of Manchester, such as analysis, composition, and performance, have given me a wide range of musical knowledge and skills which are extremely useful for being an accompanist.