In The Spotlight: Greg May

Tell us about what you do now. Has your time at the school influenced your life today?

I'm currently completing the 3rd (and final) year of an undergraduate degree in music at Cambridge University, and will be going to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in September of this year to begin a masters degree in composition. BMS equipped me with a real breadth of musical experiences, as well as the confidence to try new things. 

Tell us about your time at BMS. Do you have any special memories you would like to share?  

It was a really happy few years. I made a lovely group of lasting friends, and it was those people that I could share all kinds of fun times with, whether that be in break or lunchtimes, trips, sports days, or in lessons. I'll never forget the joy of sharing mine and others' music-making in the concerts that happened throughout the year at BMS. 

Who was someone from your time at BMS who had an impact on you and why?  

Too many to mention! I will say though that both John Mower and Mary Perry were, and are, exceptional leaders of the music department. They have both established a creative and stimulating musical environment, leading a great team of staff who allow students to feel both supported and encouraged in new and exciting directions. For me personally, this gave me the space and support to pursue the various interests I have in music (both as composer and performer), as well as trying new things, such as Jazz performance. 

What do you do like to do in your spare time?  

Music is my life, so nearly always something related to that, whether that be finding a bit of time to do some more writing, or some piano practice. I also enjoy swimming, which is a good form of exercise for somebody like me (who doesn't really enjoy playing sports!). 

What advice would you give to your younger self?  

 I still feel young, and that I'm trying to internalise this piece of advice for myself: You don't have to worry about trying to do everything at once - take things one step at a time. 

Are there any other thoughts you would like to share with the OBM and BMS community?  

I just want to say thank you to the BMS community! I had a really enjoyable time at BMS, and always felt that the school had a special sense of community and supportiveness, which was invaluable to me as a teenager.