Alumni experiences

Georgie Ward

Georgie graduated in 2014. During her studies in Bristol she specialised in piano performance and composition, also developing new interests in electronic music through working in the department's studio with the octophonic sound system. In 2025, Georgie is touring with Dua Lipa, and she says that "the ability to push myself in a fun and supportive environment equipped me with the the skills and confidence for a career in music. Whether that was my work as an agent after graduating or my current job as a session musician, I felt ready and prepared.” 

Gareth Treseder

Gareth Treseder is a Bristol graduate who went on to do his performance diploma at the Royal Welsh College. He now pursues a duel career as composer and performer. His music is published by the leading UK music publisher Boosey and Hawkes.

"What I loved about studying at the University of Bristol was the sheer amount of composing and performing opportunities that were available. Writing works for the University of Bristol Church Choir and Bristol Cathedral Choir alongside my studies proved to be invaluable in honing my compositional skills. Receiving these commissions gave me the confidence to produce music that has since been premiered by choirs across the world, including the BBC Singers and St Helena’s Cathedral in Montana, and subsequently published by Boosey & Hawkes.

Furthermore, singing in as many ensembles as possible – the University Singers, the University Chamber Choir, Bristol Operatic Society, to name a few – helped to shape the discipline and skills required for a career as a chorister and soloist. In no small part due to these experiences, I have since performed alongside many celebrated choirs, including the Monteverdi Choir, in such prestigious venues as the Royal Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall." Gareth sang alongside the Monteverdi Choir at the Coronation of TM King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey.

Frederick Long

Frederick went on to a conservatoire after graduation but his singing career shaped towards opera. With engagements at many of the UK's major opera houses he is now well established in the profession as an exciting young bass-baritone.

"After enjoying a wide range of performance opportunities at Bristol in many different guises, it seemed my future lay as a singer. I completed four years' postgraduate study at the Royal Academy of Music, and a further year at the National Opera Studio. After two wonderful seasons with the Glyndebourne chorus, I am lucky enough to have worked as a principal for English National Opera, Scottish Opera, Opera Holland Park and the Royal Opera. Not to mention marrying Bristol music department alumna, Emily Vine!"

Suzie Blankfield

Suzie juggles a combined career as a professional cellist, string arranger and government policy advisor (Senior Policy Advisor, Arts & Sponsorships at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport).

Her music degree at Bristol equipped her with the diverse range of skills for this work:

"I gained strong foundations in musicology that have enabled me to articulate the issues that underpin current arts debates in my role as an Arts Policy Advisor at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and the wide variety of modules on offer (where I studied everything from 19th Century Parisian Opera to 90s Hip-Hop) mean I can speak confidently on a variety of genres and art forms in my work. 

I’m also grateful to have studied somewhere with such a high standard of vocal and instrumental tuition, as well as a huge variety of performance opportunities. This successfully prepared me for music college auditions and helped me to hit the ground running in my performance postgrad. Since leaving music college, I’ve worked with a variety of high-profile artists as a session musician and string arranger, including Biffy Clyro, Bombay Bicycle Club, Little Mix and Dizzee Rascal, as well as teaching cello and volunteering for various Community Arts projects across London.” 

Thomas Nießer