Emmanuel has a reputation as being a very musical college. The college has a number of music practice rooms and pianos which can be used by students.
Music Practice Rooms
Emmanuel has three music practice rooms with upright pianos available to all members of college. One is in the Greenwood Room (located at the back of the Queen’s Building, ground floor), and the two Hostel Music Rooms are located in the basement of H staircase. In order to use any of these rooms for practice you must book a practice slot, simply go to the p'lodge and fill in your name and time on the sign-up sheets (beside the maintenance book). If you need any help, just ask our friendly porters. Each of these rooms contains an upright piano. Additionally, Hostel Music Room B contains the ECMS drumkit - further details about use of the drum kit can be found below.
Grand Pianos
There is a fine Bösendorfer grand piano in the Old Library, if you would like to practice on this instrument you will need to be around the standard of grade 8 distinction. There is also a Steinway grand piano in the Queens' building; this piano is mainly reserved for rehearsals and concerts. For more information, and for permission to practice on these instruments, please contact the Director of Music for more information.
Harpsichord and Chapel Organ
Emmanuel owns one of the nicest harpsichords in Cambridge. Please contact the committee if you are interested in lessons. There is also a three-manual organ in the Chapel. Please contact the director of music for permission to access either of these fine instruments.
Funding for Music Lessons
Emmanuel College can provide funding for private instrumental and singing lessons for members of the college who make a substantial contribution to musical life in the college (which usually means taking part in ensembles and/or giving recitals in college). The committee of the Burnaby and Jameson funds meets annually in December and makes grants to cover (usually) part of the cost of lessons. To apply for a grant, write to the Director of Music by the last day of Michaelmas Full Term (For the 2009 - 2010 academic year the deadline is Friday 4th December ). Include in the letter the cost and frequency of lessons taken and anticipated for the academic year, and give details of your involvement in college music. For more information contact the Director of Music.
Drum Kit
Emmanuel College Music Society has recently aquired a drum kit, this is located in Hostel Music Room B. This is available to hire for a nominal fee to University and College clubs / societies / events. Individual members of College may be allowed to play the kit - if you are interested in using the drum kit please email the committee.
Other Equipment
It is recommended that students requiring amplifiers bring their own. It's best to check with those living around you first whether or not they mind you playing in your room, but if they do you can play as loudly as you like in the college practice rooms (which are well-equipped with sockets for this purpose). Amps may be a bit of a pain to bring to Cambridge, but you only need to do it once, as they can easily be kept in college stores over the vacation period.