IntroductionWhy should I give a shit that Kevin Cahill has applied to my course?Should I bother reading the rest of this application?

Throughout my undergraduate study I have endeavored to give equal importance to both my technical ability and wider musical understanding by collaborating with other musicians and composers in the chamber music arena. Most recently I have collaborated with three other guitarists from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in forming a guitar quartet. We will be performing at the Ullapool Guitar Festival & Big Guitar Weekend in Glasgow amongst others.

I have always had a particular interest in the Segovian repertoire due to its essential role in the historical progression of the classical guitar. In bringing together composers from all over the world to compose new works for the guitar, it has pushed the limitations of the instrument and the performer. It is this diversity that I find both challenging and hugely rewarding. I feel that at this stage I have established a solid foundation of skills with which to fully explore the repertoire and use this as a starting point to develop new works of my own.

In the later stages of my undergraduate study I have developed a keen interest in collaborating with composers in an attempt to commission new works for the guitar. I believe it is essential that we not only perform music of the past but also experiment with new compositions in order to fully appreciate the guitars qualities. There is no better space to do this than whilst collaborating with others. I hope to pursue this area further within my masters and in doing so challenge other performers, composer, audiences and myself alike.

Main body Why have you decided to pursue a masters now?Why is this the best course for you?

Conclusion Why are you better than the other applicants for this course?

why you're applying - this may be linked to your career goals, academic interest, personal development or the university's reputation. Consider which aspects of the course you find most appealing, such as modules or work experience opportunities;

your academic and non-academic experience - highlight relevant skills and knowledge that will enable you to make an impact. This may include grades, awards, placements, extra readings or conferences attended;

your preparation - address how undergraduate study has prepared you, mentioning your independent work (e.g. dissertation) and topic interests;

your skillset - mention the abilities that you've developed in areas including IT, analysis, numeracy, time management, communication, organisation and critical thinking;

your goals - consider your short-term course aims and long-term career ambitions, relating the two.