Takisha Sargent

Why did you choose to study the MMus course at RWCMD?

I chose to pursue my Masters in Composition at this conservatoire because I felt it was truly committed to making classical music more inclusive. Unlike many institutions, which can feel exclusive, this conservatoire stood out for actively breaking down barriers and creating new pathways for a wider range of people to follow. I believed it was leading the way for others to follow suit.


How did you tailor your experience to best fit your career aspirations?

I did a placement with Ty Cerdd whilst writing my final portfolio for my degree in my second year. I also built up a connection with National Youth Arts Wales and have taken part in panels with a focus on making classical music more inclusive in Wales.


Did you have any notable performances during your time on the course?

I had the incredible opportunity to compose music for Professor Pamela Howard OBE’s recent installation, Welcome to Wales, which was open to the public at the Old Library in Cardiff city centre. My favourite piece from this project was my score for Emigrants Lament by Bertolt Brecht for which actor Jack Klaff (Star Wars) spoke the words to my music. This was an especially exciting project, as I became the first composer to set Brecht’s poems to music.


How did the course help you in your career path, post-graduation?

I believe this course helped me establish valuable connections in the professional world, not only with theatres and artists through my composition work but also with music organisations via placements. Developing strong interpersonal skills has been key to building industry relationships that have longevity.


What’s it like to study in Cardiff?

Having completed both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Cardiff, it’s safe to say I absolutely love the city. I plan on staying as long as I can because the vibe here is unbeatable. It’s the perfect mix of a smaller city with plenty of wide, green spaces. There’s always something to do—whether it’s cycling down to the bay, enjoying a picnic in the park, or heading to the pubs during the Six Nations.