Future World Changers

Listening to and taking part in music-making has a wide range of benefits, including: its ability to improve mental health and tackle isolation; its benefits to people living with dementia or memory loss; and teaching children valuable cognitive and communicative skills.

I feel that, especially with recent music funding and educational cuts, it is unfortunately becoming increasingly more exclusive.

Over the next year, I have lots of plans. I want to set up a free concert series around Glasgow, which aims to appeal to everyone by showcasing a wide variety of musical genres in a range of venues.

I want to encourage learning music on campus by extending the ‘Grade-athon’ (which I’m currently running in the music department) to be university-wide. This will mean everyone on campus has access to free instrumental lessons – and will raise money for a local musical charity at the same time.

I will also visit local hospitals and schools with small music groups to give informal concerts to patients and pupils; and run a term of free after-school music clubs at local primary schools near Manchester, and potentially a summer school.

Why Glasgow?

I fell in love with the university when I came for my interview/audition. Everyone is so friendly and happy to help, which makes such a relaxed atmosphere to study in and feel at home.

Why Music?

I chose to study music because it’s what I really enjoy and am interested in. Being surrounded by people who have the same enthusiasm as I do is very inspiring. My favourite aspect of music is its communicative quality; its ability to speak louder than words in so many ways.

Verity is one of the University of Glasgow’s Future World Changers: students with ambitions to improve lives across the globe. Follow their journeys using #UofGFWC.