Phil Chevassut

"The BMus (Hons) Music course at Surrey really stood out to me as it was so varied, welcoming and also one of the few universities to offer Professional Training placement opportunities for a music course. I love the facilities, the variety of options available for study within the course and having the opportunity to partner and work alongside colleagues on the neighbouring music courses in the recording studios. Surrey’s league table results seemed to also state that students were satisfied and enjoyed being at the university – and that is certainly true for me too now I’m studying here.  

I would encourage anyone looking into the course to attend an Open Day to chat to the students themselves and experience everything in action. I visited the University on an applicant day and found it incredibly insightful and helpful to hear about the courses in more detail and to be able to ask questions.

"I chose to study this particular course because I loved the variety and versatility it offered." 

I am interested in so many musical genres and instruments, and Surrey really encouraged and helped me by offering a course where I could embrace all of that through many different performance and academic opportunities.

I enjoy many areas of the course, especially modules on harmony, performance, composition and jazz. As a jazz pianist, analysing different jazz harmonies and compositional techniques was incredibly interesting for me.

The academic staff in the music department are very caring and helpful and the facilities here are wonderful. There are spaces to practise individually or in groups, and recording facilities where you can work directly with students studying the BSc (Hons) Music and Sound Recording (Tonmeister) course.

I am part of a number of music ensembles including the gospel choir, the Christian Union and the Spikeball Society. They have really added to my university experience and helped me to develop even more friendships.

I do think I have changed and grown a lot since I’ve started at Surrey. I have developed skills as a musician, formed friendships with a number of other students, refined my academic and study skills, grown in faith spiritually and confidence socially, and I have gained a greater understanding of life as a music student.

I consider one of my greatest achievements this year to have been able to record my first EP professionally in the Surrey recording studios!

I currently am unsure what I want to do when I graduate, but there are a number of options and areas that would appeal to me, including music teaching, Primary or Secondary school teaching, session music work, studio music work, church music work, or postgraduate study!”

Discover more about our courses in music and sound recording, including our BMus (Hons) Music.