Gloria X’s Remarkable Musical Success

On Thursday 31st March 2022, we considered ourselves very fortunate to spend some time with Gloria X. Gloria is a Year 13 student at Dulwich International High School Suzhou, who has recently had the distinction of receiving no less than six offers from some of the top music schools in the UK! The prestigious UK Universities that Gloria has received offers from are as follows:

• University of Edinburgh
• University of Manchester          
• University of Sheffield  
• University of Surrey
• Royal Northern College of Music
• King’s College London

Gloria told us that she was originally attracted to Dulwich due to its excellent reputation as a music school. However, she explained that she experienced something of an existential crisis in year 11, when she struggled with her choice of major. Gloria found herself torn between her love of music and the great enjoyment she found studying psychology at our school. 

Eventually, she arrived at the decision to study music. This was primarily due to the encouragement she received from Mr. Mulliner (Head of Performing Arts). Mr. Mulliner helped her to re-ignite her passion for music and provided the encouragement and support she needed to succeed.

Gloria was extremely modest when it came to talking about her musical talents and achievements. She plays the piano and cello to an extremely high standard and, last year, made it through the heats, all the way to the year 13 finals in our highly prestigious Young Musician of the Year Competition. She was full of respect and admiration for her fellow musicians.

“There are so many incredibly talented musicians at Dulwich.” She explained.

 

During the interview, Gloria spoke in an engaging way about her profound love of music. She told us that:

 “Music is quite magical. For example, I can use music to get away from music. When I'm tired of composing, I can choose to play some pieces I like and when I'm playing the piano (or any kind of instrument) when I'm tired of Bach, I can play another piece, like Debussy and there are huge differences that can suit every kind of mood and emotion.”

Gloria also explained how music is an integral part of her life at Dulwich: 

“I enjoy the music events in the school. I am responsible for rehearsing our house in House Sing-off Competition; In Chinese drama this year (Spirited Away), I made the soundtracks and generated the live sound effects while the drama team were performing; I also participated in the musical (Shrek) this year.”

 

Claude Debussy

Gloria told us that her favorite classical composer is Debussy. 

“I can always feel the groove and flow in Debussy’s music, even visualize them. His music is specific, tangible, and colorful.”

Claude Debussy (22 August 1862 – 25 March 1918) was a French composer. He is sometimes seen as the first Impressionist composer, although he vigorously rejected the term. He was among the most influential composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

 

We were intrigued by how Gloria had such excellent English skills and asked her how she had developed such clear and precise English diction.  Gloria explained that the English Only teaching environment at Dulwich had genuinely helped her to hone her English skills. She was also full of praise for the English Department at our school which helped her tremendously when it came to improving her English. 

“Studying books and reading English Literature really helps! Dulwich definitely helped me develop a sense of personal responsibility. I’ve learned how to plan my schedule carefully, so I know what time to be where. We are not in the same classroom for every subject, which is very similar to the way we will have to study at university. I have always wanted to study in the UK. I love the cultural environment of Europe. It’s a very beautiful place with a rich history.”

Gloria also told us how the CCA program at Dulwich had helped her with her applications. She was the leader of the school Choir for a few years and is a member of the Girls Football Team. Gloria recalls being deeply impressed by the range of CCA’s on offer:

“CCA’s allow students to try all kinds of new stuff! I didn’t even know I could play football before I came to Dulwich!”

 

Baking Cakes

When we asked Gloria about her hobbies and interests, she explained that she finds comfort, and a great deal of pleasure in baking:

“I quite like baking cakes and bread and find it really comforting. I find the process of baking similar to composing music. I love bringing different ingredients together, allowing my own perception of taste and flavors to play with rules and formulas, to create something new and exciting!”

We’re sure you’ll agree, Gloria’s bread and cakes certainly look delicious!

 

Gloria’s Experience with our School Counselling Team

“Mr. Nunns is really professional. He’s extremely efficient but, at the same time, is also very patient. He knows everything! When ever I had a question, he had the resources on hand to answer it. He’s been supportive and has given me so much precious advice.”

She explained that she found the entire counselling department both helpful and accessible, and told us how other members of the counselling team had gone the extra mile to help her in times of need. University applications have the potential to be a very stressful experience for students. One of the roles of the counselling team is to support our students through this process and help them to find the best fit universities for their own unique requirements.

 

Gloria’s Advice for Younger Students

Given Gloria’s incredible music offer success, she’s in an ideal position to offer the benefit of her wisdom. The advice that Gloria had for younger students at Dulwich was simple and to the point. 

“Try out more things! Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Everyone begins by not knowing what to do. It’s a precious experience to try new things. Everyone has their own potential and trying new things allows us to explore it. “

Gloria’s self-assured yet modest nature made her a genuine pleasure to talk to. We can’t wait to see how she gets on studying music at one of the most prestigious music colleges in the UK, which ever one she chooses to attend, she will be able to fulfil her dream of studying music in the UK, while getting the chance to experience and fully enjoy the culture.