Jai Channa BA Music / MMus, 2011/12

Composer

Hi, I'm Jai Channa and I studied BA Music / MMus within Music at the University of Southampton.

It’s inspiring to be in an environment where the whole body is striving for and achieving great things.

What did you enjoy about the course?
The thing I enjoyed and valued most about my education at Southampton was the diversity and modernity of the course, particularly referencing my experiences with the Jazz and Pop, Composition and Studio departments. The staff here were immeasurable (notably the two I disturbed the most, Andrew Fisher and Richard Polfreman) and I’m hard pressed to think of many other places or people who deliver these subjects with the same calibre. Regardless of the obscurity of your interests, there is a member of staff, and sometimes fellow student, who has the expertise to enlighten you.

What is Southampton like as a place to study?
Southampton boasts numerous facilities, opportunities and services to help throughout your studies. It’s inspiring to be in an environment where the whole body is striving for and achieving great things. The campus has a homely feel, which by my final year was difficult to leave – so it’s important to come back!

Tell us about your current job?
I work freelance as a composer, and an arts practitioner/workshop leader for various companies. Most recently I have been writing music for Games Workshop’s audiobooks, an iPhone game and a play for Kali Theatre Company. To compliment this I also am an intern for Entelechy Arts and Pegasus Opera Company. (www.jaipalchanna.com)

How did your course help you in your current role?
My course provided me with the opportunity to cultivate the musical skills and expertise I needed to progress into my field. A lot of what you learn also comes from outside the lecture theatre, with the support of the course to assist you. For instance, those that wanted to perform ventured out to perform around the city, those that wanted to compose began chasing “real world” opportunities, and those that wanted to teach, taught - it is here where you learn the most important skills.

What advice would you give to a student starting their degree at Southampton?
Plan a route through the courses that reflect what you want to achieve at the end - look ahead. The first year is the time for experimenting and exploring avenues that are new and exciting. Eventually a clear picture of where you want to be will emerge, and you can often build the ideal course for yourself. If you have the ability integrate your goals into your studies it becomes a very worthwhile journey.