I always knew I wanted to study music, but the idea of studying it abroad took root gradually. It began with a simple curiosity — what would it be like to learn in a country that had produced some of the most iconic names in pop and contemporary music? That curiosity grew into a clear goal during my years in Mumbai. I wanted to challenge myself, grow artistically, and understand music not just as an art form but as an evolving global industry.
After completing Class 10 and 12 from Bhopal, I needed to step into a space where I could be immersed in music. Therefore, I moved to Mumbai to study at the True School of Music (2020–2023), pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music Production and Technology with a minor in Drum Techniques. Bhopal gave me my roots and my hunger. Mumbai gave me the stage. I spent my time jamming in dusty rooms, playing the drums, and writing songs, knowing this wasn’t just a hobby. It was my calling.
After graduating, I joined a music label where I worked across A&R, production, and artist development. A&R is Artists and Repertoire. It is a division within record labels and music publishing companies responsible for talent scouting, artist development, and overseeing the creative and commercial aspects of an artist’s career. That one year gave me an inside look at the real workings of the music industry — how careers are shaped off-stage. But even while working, I held on to a long-standing dream: to pursue my master’s abroad.
Options I considered to study abroad, resources that helped me navigate
When I started researching options, I looked at the US, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. However, the UK just clicked. There’s a raw, historic energy in places like London and Manchester, where music isn’t just played, it’s lived. The MMus in Pop Music at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) was everything I was looking for: performance-driven, experimental, and deeply rooted in artist development.
It was also practical — the course lasts a year, which made sense both financially and in terms of my career timeline. What really drew me in was how RNCM marries tradition with innovation. A lot of artists I look up to have walked these halls. I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to grow, not just as a drummer or a producer, but as a music professional who understands the creative and the commercial.
The British Council was instrumental during this time. Their resources helped me understand the UK education system better—everything from courses and scholarships to crafting a strong application.
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Admission at RNCM: Process, application, visa and scholarship
Getting into RNCM was not easy. It is one of the world’s top music schools, and the admission process was rigorous. I chose not to hire a counselor; I wanted to do it on my own. I sent in my application with academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, references, proof of English proficiency, and a portfolio of original compositions and performances.
The highlight was a performance video, which, once shortlisted, led to the final stage — a live performance and interview with the Head of Department. It was intense, but the RNCM team was incredibly supportive throughout.
The visa process required a lot of attention to detail, especially financial documentation. My biggest advice — triple-check everything and follow official guidelines strictly.
I was fortunate to be awarded the GREAT Scholarship, funded by the UK Government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council, in partnership with selected UK universities. It played a major role in turning my dream into reality.
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If I had one tip for future applicants, it would be this – be specific and personal. Show how your journey aligns with your ambitions and how studying in the UK fits into that story.
Landing in Manchester, life at RNCM
Landing in Manchester felt like stepping into a movie. It was raining, obviously. Everything — the accents, the fast-paced city life, even the supermarket layouts — was new. That first week was a whirlwind of induction sessions, setting up a bank account, buying basics, figuring out how tenancy contracts work, and adjusting to stores closing earlier than I was used to. However, thanks to RNCM’s support systems and other international students facing the same challenges, I never felt alone.
Life at RNCM is unlike anything I have experienced before. Teachers here don’t just lecture — they mentor, collaborate, and co-create. The flexibility of the programme has allowed me to experiment with acoustic and electronic drumming, collaborate with artists from across the globe, and dive deep into research topics like jazz drumming and adaptive modelling.
One unforgettable moment: in a seminar about Tony Williams and improvisation, a jazz-loving faculty member just jumped in to jam with me. That spontaneity and openness define my experience here.
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A day in my life at UK
My daily routine is a fluid blend of rehearsals, studio sessions, lectures, and assignments. Mornings are usually quiet—maybe a run if it’s not raining, or a strong coffee and journaling. But by midday, I’m usually either in the studio, in class, or working on music. Evenings are for jamming with friends, catching live sets, or just hanging out at someone’s flat or a café near campus. Manchester’s backstreets always offer a new surprise.
Budgeting, living and learning
Budgeting has been a skill I’ve honed fast. I track my expenses closely, cook at home when I can, and take full advantage of student discounts—UniDays and Revolut have been lifesavers. Every pound saved feels like an investment in the bigger picture.
Studying in the UK has definitely shifted my outlook on life. Living and learning in a completely new environment pushed me out of my comfort zone, not just musically, but personally. I’ve become more independent, more intentional with my time and energy, and a lot more open to perspectives I hadn’t encountered before. Collaborating with people from different cultures and musical backgrounds has really broadened the way I think about creativity and community.
It also made me more mindful of the kind of example I am setting for those back home. Friends, peers, and some of the younger musicians I have connected with have started asking more questions, not just about studying abroad, but about building sustainable careers in music. It has been heartening to see how my journey has opened up conversations that did not exist before. I never set out to be a role model, but I have realised that sometimes just choosing a different path can inspire others to imagine new ones for themselves.
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(This letter is part of a series by The Indian Express where we bring to you the experiences of students at different foreign universities. From scholarships and loans to food and cultural experiences — students tell us how life is different in those countries and things they are learning other than academics)
