Dudu Pektunc

Choosing Surrey

I decided I wanted to come to Surrey after my interview where I was really impressed with the facilities that Surrey offers. I was studying the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Grade 8 Violin, ABRSM Grade 8 Music Theory and Sociology A-Level exams at the time and was looking forward to studying music at a top university.

In 2020, Surrey was ranked 2nd for music by The Guardian University Guide. Although I received offers from other universities that ranked in the top ten, Surrey’s Department of Music and Media  has a unique side that offers training in various styles – for example, you have a chance to perform classical music, but study and analyse popular music. The course structure offers both performance, harmony and musicology modules, and the lecturers are some of the most successful musicians in their fields.

Your course

Music, for me, is a lifelong passion that began at the age of six. I read about the lives of famous musicians and classical music was always played at home. When I enrolled in violin classes, it soon became my greatest hobby and I found myself really drawn to classical music. When I found the University of Surrey, I did a lot of research into the campus, accommodation, and course. I discovered that the music department had such versatile musicians and tutors, plus believed that Surrey could offer me everything I wanted – including performing in recitals, composing or recording my own songs in the studios.

There is a wide range of genres and module choice within the course – I can study classical violin performance while also studying popular music analysis and musicology. There are huge opportunities to collaborate with other students from different year groups and courses, especially in the Music Project module.

Staff and facilities

The music facilities at Surrey are outstanding. There are many practice rooms with 24/7 access, editing rooms, Mac labs, instrument storage facilities and a large recital venue equipped with recording facilities. In addition, the academic staff are always supportive through teaching and tutorials.

Best bits

My best moment at Surrey so far has been performing in Studio 1 during the violin masterclass as part of the Performance and Music Professional Practice seminar. I received high praise from leading artist Rachel Calaminus at the end of my performance.  

Looking forward

I’ve grown a lot since starting my degree at Surrey. I’ve developed my skills as a performer, improved my academic knowledge and gained a wider perspective in understanding music. I am thinking of continuing my studies at Surrey as a postgraduate.

I would like to encourage anyone looking to study music to attend an undergraduate virtual open day to chat with the academic staff and students. I have attended many applicant days as a student representative, and it is so nice to see prospective students and answer their questions relating to the course and life at Surrey.