Skip to main navigationSkip to main content
The University of Southampton
Humanities

Lisa White BA Music 2011, 2011

Elementary teacher at a top independent school in Scotland

Lisa White's Photo

Absolutely – I would recommend the music department at Southampton without any hesitation at all. The statistics speak for themselves but from a personal level, I could not have asked for a better experience. For this, I am very grateful

Please give a description of your professional life post-university, including any achievements or stand-out moments.

Following my first degree in the music department, I studied for a PGCE at Masters level, the final piece of the jigsaw which allowed me to secure my first teaching post, at a world-recognised International School.

Did you know what you wanted to do with your degree after leaving university, and have your aspirations developed or changed since then?

There were so many possibilities but most of all, a desire to teach, whether it be at primary level all the way through to lecturing at a university. After giving it careful consideration, I made the difficult decision not to complete an MMus and continue postgraduate/postdoctoral work, instead pursuing a Primary PGCE. A major attraction of teaching this age range is the opportunity to teach every subject and start to lay the foundations for young children’s lives ahead. However, if the time was right, I would love to return to Southampton to study for a PhD in nineteenth-century Italian opera before going on to share my passion at a higher level.

What initially interested you in your subject?

I was incredibly late in coming to music, teaching myself to play piano aged 16. Although I had always appreciated and enjoyed music, it was only after much persuasion and encouragement by my music teacher at high school that I began to see just how much I loved it and the potential I had. A fascination to explore and find out as much as I could quickly developed, causing the sciences to fall by the wayside. I love to set myself challenges and this was a perfect one. My passion for nineteenth-century Italian opera was evoked by a particularly inspiring lecturer; I was given a small glimpse into the operatic world and I was hooked!

 What skills did you acquire whilst studying your subject and through what means (i.e. essays/group tasks?)

Whilst studying for my degree, I was able to develop my academic reading and writing, critical thinking through essay writing, and my ability to ask questions. Most notably, however, was the continued development of my confidence and flexibility.

Do you believe these skills have assisted you in your career and if so, how?

Definitely – these skills were commented upon in my first proper job interview, which led to my current position. My degree gave me an excellent foundation to study at Masters level for my PGCE, which in turn has broadened my training and horizons whilst giving me a nice bonus salary-wise too! Of course, if I returned to music and lecturing, these skills would be essential.

Would you recommend a degree at Southampton to others and what advice could you offer to students and recent graduates of your degree subject about moving forward and choosing a career path?

Absolutely – I would recommend the music department at Southampton without any hesitation at all. The statistics speak for themselves but from a personal level, I could not have asked for a better experience. For this, I am very grateful.

To students and recent graduates: keep all of your options open. Don’t be afraid to take a chance and make the most of any opportunity that comes your way, especially those that are unexpected. Keep persevering. Most of all: just do something that you enjoy.

Share this profile Share this on Facebook Share this on Twitter Share this on Weibo
Privacy Settings