A snapshot of your musical year

Welcome to the University of Reading! If you love music, you’re in the right place. Whether you want to perform, learn, or simply enjoy listening, there’s a huge variety of opportunities waiting for you. Even if you’re not ready to make music yourself, there are still plenty of ways to get involved and feel part of our musical community.

As the year begins, more details will be coming your way – but to make sure you don’t miss out, join our mailing list now. It’s the easiest way to stay in the loop about everything that’s happening.

Welcome Week

After coming to say hi at the University of Life Fair (Tuesday 22nd September), we kick things off during Welcome Week with a music social on Saturday 26th September. Everyone interested in music is invited to meet at Whiteknights and walk down to our musical home of L29 and the Great Hall at London Road Campus. Come and explore the facilities, meet people who share your passion, and then join us for a relaxed social afterwards.

Meet Your Ensembles!

Then in the first couple of weeks all our ensembles hold their open rehearsals. These are very welcoming (and fun!) events, and they give you the chance to try groups, make some friends, and find out what your year will look like when you join! There are lots of lovely groups, covering different styles of music, for you to join and choose from; some student led, some department led, all wonderful and welcoming!

If you don’t see your favourite style represented, let us know – we’ll do our best to help you find others who share your interests and turn that idea into an ensemble or society.

Your First Semester

There’s plenty happening in the first semester, whether you want to perform, develop your skills, or just chill and enjoy the music. All the groups, societies and ensembles get going and start working towards their end of semester events.

There’s elements for individuals and small groups as well: for instance join us for Jam Nights at The Dairy (our Ldn Rd gig space), or get involved in WK live and all the band action, including free ‘tech your band’ and ‘record your band’ sessions. Jam Nights are get together pop / rock sessions, where you can help make musical friends, create some good sounds, and find potential band mates. Or if you want to push yourself as an individual you can audition for OMAs (Outstanding Musician Awards), masterclasses or Associated Artists’. OMAs are bursaries giving you free lessons and Associated Artists give you lots of performance time and help.

If you’d love to play in a small group but don’t know anyone yet, talk to us (music@reading.ac.uk) and we’ll help you make connections. The same if you play an instrument and you want to talk through options for how you can develop.

You’re always welcome to drop by and say hello in person too – we’re based in L29, upstairs in Room 105. Come and tell us about the music you love.

End-of-Semester Highlights

As the first semester wraps up, there will be lots of opportunities to perform and share what you’ve been working on – from gigs at The Dairy and concerts in the Great Hall to special events in the community, and possibly with the Mayor in Reading Minster. This end of 2026 marks the end of a massive centenary year for the university. It also marks the end of a big one for us too – and we smashed our 100 for 100: over 100 gigs, events and workshops spread across the year.

But don’t worry: next year we’ll just go bigger!

Looking Ahead

As we go into 2027 we’ll be looking to build on the success of all the development surrounding 100 for 100. Again, there will be something for everyone to get involved in, from intimate performances to major collaborations. This time round there will be particular development in wellbeing events, masterclasses, and career opportunities. Some smash hits will hopefully be returning, especially another project with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Make sure you’re on the mailing list so you can hear all the details as they’re announced.

Whatever music you love, you’ll find a home for it here at Reading.

You’ve chosen a fantastic time and place to get involved:

there’s so much happening, and so many passionate,

talented people ready to make music with you.