Meet Fee, a BA (Hons) Jazz student in her third year at Leeds Conservatoire.
Fee is a talented trumpet player who is deeply involved in Leeds' jazz scene. You can catch them performing in numerous bands like Goddess Collective, Ferg's Imaginary Big Band and Heritage, and Alfie Blue band.
We caught up with Fee about her time at Leeds Conservatoire so far, and she shared her advice for prospective students.
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Hi, Fee – Where did your musical journey begin?
I picked up the trumpet when I was 10 and a teacher came into to do a taster session. My friend managed to make a noise on the mouthpiece before me, so my competitive side kicked in and I stuck with it until I could play a note, and I then kept going. I dabbled In other instruments along the way, including drums, bass and singing, but when starting on the jazz course at Leeds Conservatoire I focussed all my energy into improving my skills on the trumpet.
What made you choose Leeds Conservatoire?
When researching conservatoires, Leeds stood out as being the most focused on performance and making music, which is what I want to do most. I went to the open day and I loved the atmosphere in the building, and the openness towards all styles and genres of music.
What's the coolest thing you've done on your course?
The coolest thing I did on my course was getting to play 'We Out Here' festival with Goddess Collective, Yusuf Yellow and the Energy Collective, Mica Sefia, 2/22, and Heritage: all bands that I became part of through meeting people on the jazz course. The conservatoire has a partnership with the festival and we were lucky enough to be chosen to play through this connection. We got to meet a lot of really cool people, and it was great exposure for us all.
How has your course shaped your artistry?
The course has shaped my artistry by introducing me to lots of new people, who have shown me music that I didn't even know existed! Hearing so many different styles and genres has opened my mind, and helped me to figure out my own sound, and the music I want to make. Additionally, being able to see the progression and follow in the footsteps of graduates and alumni who are doing what I want to do has been very inspiring and reassuring.
Has the Conservatoire provided many opportunities for you as an artist?
As well as the conservatoires link to We Out Here festival, they also have a link to Liverpool Sound City festival, which I was lucky enough to play with my band Goddess Collective. We are also regularly made aware of lots of opportunities to play at some of the local venues such as Sela Bar. During our enrichment weeks we are offered the chance to play in many different bands led by our teachers, as well as workshops learning about many different styles such as Latin and African music. During my second year we were invited to go to the Barbara Hepworth museum and perform some improvised music inspired by the art, which was an amazing experience.
Have you been able to collaborate with other students?
I've collaborated with many other students, not only on my own course but on other courses as well. The conservatoire is quite small so it's easy to get to know people in the years above and below, and also easy to find people who want to make music with you. In my first year we used to have these huge late-night jams with everyone on the course and it's one of my favourite conservatoire memories.
What’s the community like at the Conservatoire?
The sense of community is one of my favourite things about Leeds Conservatoire. Everyone knows about other people's projects, and are very supportive of them. The atmosphere in the conservatoire is very friendly, and I've met so many people that I work with just by chatting to them in the cafe bar. People are always willing to share advice about their experiences in the industry, and are always up for depping or helping out in other peoples projects.
What’s the jazz scene like in Leeds? What’s your favourite jazz venue?
The jazz scene in Leeds has a special place in my heart and always will. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging of each other, and we all really enjoy going to watch each other's gigs. Bands are always happy to share musicians, and the older graduate musicians are enthusiastic and willing to pass on advice and contacts to those just starting out. Dj Lubi runs the scene and he has given many of us amazing opportunities, supporting successful bands and playing at some cool venues. I think there is a really distinct sound coming out of the Leeds jazz scene right now, and I love it. I'm really excited to watch the scene develop, and for Leeds to continue to be recognised as a thriving jazz hub. To gig, my favourite venue is the Brudenell, as it has a large stage and the sound is generally very good, but to go and watch my favourite venue is Hyde Park Book Club. It's a very safe and cosy place, where you can either watch some incredible trad jazz or free jazz upstairs in the snug, or a one-of-a- kind headline gig downstairs with bands from all around the country. It's easy to get to, and you will always see people you know there, so it's just a lovely place to be.
Finally, why should someone study jazz at Leeds Conservatoire? What advice would you give them?
You should study at Leeds Conservatoire because I believe that Leeds has one of the best scenes in the UK right now and the conservatoire is the perfect place to get a foot in the door. You are given space to explore any kind of music that you wish to, and you can tailor the course to suit what you want to do.
My best piece of advice would be to go to gigs! Many of the opportunities I've got have stemmed from going to gigs and talking to the musicians and the people. It's so important to get to know the scene. Also, it's easy to feel like you're not as good as the people around you, but remember that they're still figuring it out too. You just have to fake it till you make it.
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