As a musician, nothing beats being able to play your music with other people. The current pandemic makes that delicate choreography challenging – but not impossible, as Durham University has shown.
The university recently developed a course to connect students across the world, who are unable to return due to lockdown restrictions.
The result – students composing, working and playing music together across eight different time zones, with the potential to shape how musicians work in a post-pandemic world.
Durham University has been rated as the top UK music department for four years running in The Complete University Guide
The Durham University Music Department distributed instrument packs, comprised of 15 objects, providing equal access to the same sounds.
These objects – made from wood, glass, metal and paper – enabled students to choose from a wide range of sound sources, allowing them to explore the sound world they wanted to create.
Secure in the knowledge that, whether in China or the Caribbean, they could be joined by others to perform their pieces at the same time, the results have been impressive, with students conducting each other across Zoom calls and creating some memorable music.
Associate Professor Eric Egan, who co-ordinated the project
Associate Professor Eric Egan, who co-ordinated the project, said: “Each piece offers an insight into how modern music continues to be shaped by the simplest of objects.
“It was inspiring to see the way the students embraced the opportunity to make music together, after such a long time apart.
“They dove into it headfirst and wrote some fantastic music that sounds as great when played together through Zoom as it will in a packed concert hall… once we’re allowed.” Second year student, Kiko Keighery said: “The project generated unique challenges that encouraged me to create a piece with an entirely new perspective.
“Not only did we have non-conventional instruments provided, but it was an interesting challenge to write for a socially distanced ensemble.
“It is reassuring to know that it is still possible to create high-quality art with other musicians, even in the isolated environment we find ourselves in.”
The university boasts numerous choirs, orchestras, opera, jazz and early-music ensembles
Initially designed to work through lockdown restrictions, The Postal Composition Project was well received by staff and students alike and is now viewed not simply as a stop gap during a pandemic, but a vital insight into what it is like to perform as a modern day musician.
Durham University Music Department has been rated as the leading UK music department for four years running in The Complete University Guide (2018-2021) and for three of the past four years in The Sunday Times Good University Guide Table (2018, 2019 and 2021). The university ranked first in the Guardian University League Table in 2019 and 2021, and appeared in the top three in the Research Excellence Framework 2014.
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