David Zucchi, Canadian saxophonist studying at the Royal College of Music, shares his views on studying in South Kensington
As a student at the Royal College of Music, I am fortunate to spend a great deal of my time in and around South Kensington. Upon arriving here from Canada in September of 2014, I was immediately captivated by the overwhelming amount on offer in the area, from the museums, the parks, the shops and, of course, the music.
While most of my time is spent at the RCM, I enjoy exploring the area as much as I can. A walk through Hyde Park to the benches along the Serpentine is the perfect break during a long day. I have a minor obsession with discovering hidden alleys and mews, which exist in seemingly endless abundance. The Victoria and Albert Museum is an immensely enriching way to spend even a short amount of time (Medieval iconography is a must-see), and the free admission makes regular short visits possible and very easy.
There are a variety of reasons I wanted to study at the Royal College of Music; primarily, the appeal of studying with some of the finest musicians from around the world. I have certainly not been disappointed in this regard. I have had the privilege of studying and performing with some extraordinary musicians, and have performed at a wide array of events at the RCM, ranging from solo recitals to Big Band concerts in the RCM’s stunning Britten Theatre. You can’t get much more of an inspiring view when practising your instrument than the world-famous Royal Albert Hall, which is directly opposite the College.
The RCM also provides students with the opportunity to perform in prestigious venues across London, and I have been fortunate to perform in Cadogan Hall, the Southbank Centre and the V&A. When not busy with performances and rehearsals of my own, I can take advantage of the incredibly wide variety of concerts and events at the RCM and surrounding area, featuring students, professors and world-class visiting artists.
In short, studying in the heart of South Kensington is a wonderful and unique experience that very few schools share, and I will forever treasure the time I have spent here.
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To view David's biography, click here.
To find out more about the Royal College of Music, click here.
