Kia's UWTSD Experience
Name: Kia Elise Breckon
Course: BMus Vocal Performance
Previous Studies: Scarborough Sixth Form College
Hometown: Whitby, North Yorkshire
Kia's BMus Vocal Performance
What was your favourite thing about Cardiff campus?
My favourite thing about the Cardiff campus was how central it is. It is very easy to get to and it has lots of student accommodation that is just a short walk from Haywood House. The building itself has amazing spaces that are used for lessons, masterclasses, rehearsals, and performances. As a performance student, being surrounded by the arts was so important to me, and at WAVDA that’s exactly what you get. There are so many different creative spaces near Cardiff campus including the Wales Millennium Centre which is just a short train ride away.
Why did you choose UWTSD?
I chose UWTSD because the Vocal Performance course was unlike any I had seen at other universities. UWTSD offers a unique blend of how you learn: an hour each week of one-to-one vocal coaching and a one-to-one singing lesson; lessons and projects lead by industry professionals that are still working whilst teaching; smaller classes so the lecturers are able to get to know you as a person and a performer. UWTSD has a focus on industry links and on the Vocal Performance course you build them from day one.
What did you enjoy outside your studies?
Outside of my studies I enjoy reading – fantasy is definitely my favourite genre. I also went to the gym before my lessons and rehearsals because it set me up with a positive mindset for the day, and I feel like I was definitely more productive. I also enjoyed meeting up with my friends who were on the Musical Theatre course.
What are you doing now, how did you get to where you are and how has your course helped you in your career?
Now that I have finished the Vocal Performance course at UWTSD, I am going to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama to complete a Master’s in Arts Management. During my time at UWTSD, I found that I have a love for organisation, whether it was the programme for the Student Spotlights – which is a concert series we created on the Vocal Performance course as part of a module in second year or creating rehearsal schedules for performance projects. The course definitely helped me build on the organisation skills I already had ready for my time at RWCMD.
What was your favourite thing about your course?
The lecturers that I was lucky enough to be taught by were my favourite part of this course – both the HPLs and the visiting lecturers who took us for masterclasses. They are all incredible. Their passion about the arts is unmatched to anyone I’ve met before and their experiences provided me with valuable insights into the industry and inspired me. They taught me how to look after my voice, how to use it properly and how to use it in different ways which has helped me grow as a performer.
Would you recommend UWTSD and why?
Yes, I would highly recommend UWTSD. The university offers a unique and enriching educational experience, especially on courses like the Vocal Performance course. The experiences you get at UWTSD are incredible and I have never seen them be offered anywhere else which I feel makes the university really special. UWTSD’s focus on employability and strong industry links also provides invaluable practical experience and career opportunities.
