Interview : 1 year of Erasmus+ in Germany

pôle Aliénor has developed partnerships with numerous European institutions within the Erasmus+ exchange program. Students can thus benefit from an experience of studying abroad as part of cooperative partnerships.

    • ©Julien Briard / Hochschule fĂĽr Musik WĂĽrzburg

    Who are you?

    My name is Octave Blanchard. I’m 24 years old, and I’m a performer saxophonist studying bachelor’s degree in music performance in pôle Aliénor on the Poitiers campus. I have done an Erasmus+ exchange for one year at the Music Hochschule in Würzburg, south-central Germany.

    Why did you decide to participate in Erasmus+?

    I wanted to experience going to study in a foreign country. For me, it was a possibility to discover different education during my bachelor’s degree.

    Why did you choose this institution?

    I have chosen to go to the Music Hochschule of WĂĽrzburg for their individual lessons in soprano saxophone and the ensemble of contemporary saxophones.

    Were there any cultural differences?

    I think that there isn’t a huge cultural difference; for me as a French person, the adaptation process was quite easy. However, the Music Hochschule of Würzburg is a very international school (nearly 30% of students are foreigners), so the exchanges among students are always very interesting.

    How are the studying process and lessons organized?

    Music Hochschule of Würzburg proposes a lot of programs at bachelor’s and master’s levels: theory, performer, jazz, modern music, early music, chamber music, pedagogy, and so on. The saxophone course is organized per week with 2 individual saxophone lessons, 1 saxophone ensemble training, and 2 hours of lessons with all the class. For those who were interested, we could also have an individual lesson focused on tenor or soprano saxophone. For other lessons, I had to register personally with teachers to participate, for example, in conducting, ear training, harmony, yoga classes, and many others.

    How is the student life in WĂĽrzburg?

    WĂĽrzburg is quite a dynamic city during the daytime, thanks to its student life and touristic popularity. Many outings, visits and activities are possible. Moreover, Music Hochschule of WĂĽrzburg proposes a lot of activities, parties and outings, and all that helps you to meet people and make connections.

    Do you recommend Erasmus+ exchange?

    YES, for those who are interested in visiting another country, trying a different culture, studying another language and just experiencing a different type of education, these exchanges will be an outstanding opportunity!