Joseph May

Hello! My name is Joseph May, and I was a member of BMT for many years until I finished school in the summer of 2024.  I moved to Cardiff in September 2024 to study viola at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama for four years, to become a professional violist.

I began my musical journey on the violin when I was six years old, and I was taught by Ivanka Shana and Jonathan Burnett, who helped me develop my playing. I also had piano and guitar lessons, and I sang in a church choir as well as the National Youth Choir.

With the help of BMT, I have grown in my confidence and ability, having played in multiple ensembles there, including Berkshire Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO), Berkshire Youth String Ensemble (BYSE) and Reading Senior String Ensemble (RSSO). I also took part in a few competitions, which enhanced my performance skills, and I successfully auditioned for the National Youth Orchestra – playing in this orchestra was an incredible experience.

Now at the conservatoire, it feels like a continuation of these opportunities, but more challenging and at a higher level, so it has been quite easy to settle in. I’ve had orchestral opportunities, formed a lot of chamber groups, had coaching and masterclasses as well as weekly 1:1 lessons with my teacher, which have all been fantastic and helpful. I am also a bass choral scholar at Llandaff Cathedral, which I enjoy besides my viola playing. For anyone hoping to go to a conservatoire, my tips would be to make sure you are prepared, both in terms of the music you are going to play and also with questions/answers to anything you might discuss in the audition, as both are important aspects. And relax as well! You’ll do your best when you’re relaxed, and they want to hear your best!