Student Spotlight: Lily McNeill - BMus Vocal Studies (Soprano) student
Student Spotlight: Lily McNeill - BMus Vocal Studies (Soprano) student
From Opera North's Children's Chorus to Guildhall's BA Vocal Studies (Soprano) programme, Lily McNeill reflects on her journey into opera, the experiences that have shaped her as a performer, and what's next as she begins her MPerf studies.
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to apply for BMus Vocal Studies at Guildhall?
I knew I wanted to be an opera singer from the age of seven, when I joined Opera North's Children's Chorus. Being on stage from such a young age sparked a love for opera that has stayed with me ever since, and I later went on to join Opera North's Youth Company. I studied Music at Durham University before deciding to pursue singing professionally. Guildhall stood out because of its exceptional vocal training, performance opportunities and the chance to study in such a vibrant artistic community in the heart of London.
What does a typical day of rehearsals or lessons look like?
No two days are ever quite the same, which is one of the things I love most. A typical day might include a singing lesson, language coaching, rehearsals for an opera or scenes project, movement classes and plenty of individual practice. It's a busy schedule, but every day is different, and you're constantly learning from your teachers, coaches, and fellow students.
What has surprised you most about your experience on the course so far?
I think what surprised me most was how much I've grown beyond just my singing. Of course, my technique has developed, but I've also become much more confident as an actor, collaborator and musician. I've learnt that being an opera singer is about so much more than having a beautiful voice. It's about communication, storytelling, and connecting with an audience.
What advice would you give about moving to London?
Say yes to as much as you can. London can feel overwhelming at first, but it's an incredible city with endless opportunities. Go to concerts, watch opera, explore different parts of the city and make the most of the people around you. It takes a little while to find your feet, but once you do, it's an inspiring place to live and study.
Can you tell us about an exciting performance or opportunity you're currently working on, or have previously worked on?
One of the highlights of my time at Guildhall was performing my final-year recital. It was such a rewarding experience to create a programme that felt personal and reflected everything I'd learnt over the past four years. At the moment, I'm also preparing a series of opera scenes with Glass Light Opera Company, which has been a fantastic opportunity to continue developing my stagecraft, work with new colleagues and explore more repertoire.
How has Guildhall supported your creative curiosity and experimentation?
Guildhall has really encouraged me to explore and trust my own artistic instincts. Whether it's experimenting with different interpretations, discovering new repertoire, or collaborating with students from other departments, I've always felt supported in taking creative risks. That freedom has helped me become much more curious about the kind of artist I want to be.
How has your confidence as a performer changed since starting the programme?
My confidence has grown enormously, not because I feel like I've mastered everything, but because I'm much more willing to get up and have a go. In my first year, I spent a lot of time reading about vocal technique and trying to understand how the voice works, and that knowledge has definitely been valuable. But I've learnt that there's no substitute for actually doing it: getting on stage, experimenting, making mistakes and learning from them. Guildhall has given me the confidence to take those risks, knowing that's where real growth happens.
Looking ahead, what are your ambitions after graduating?
I'm delighted to continue my training on Guildhall's MPerf programme this September. Alongside building a professional performing career, I'm excited to keep discovering who I am as an artist. I want to explore what I uniquely bring to the opera and classical music world, continue refining my craft, and build a career that reflects my own artistic voice.
How has the course prepared you for a career in the music industry?
The course has prepared me in so many ways beyond vocal technique. It's taught me how to work professionally with directors, conductors, and répétiteurs, how to collaborate with other musicians, and how to manage the demands of a busy performance schedule. The variety of performance opportunities has also helped me feel much more prepared for the realities of a career in the industry.
Finally, if you could be any composer or performer of a particular piece of music, what piece would it be and why?
I don't think I could choose just one piece, but if I had to choose a composer, it would be Mozart or Handel. Their music just makes sense to me. It feels almost like medicine for the voice, even though it's often some of the most technically demanding repertoire to learn. There is such clarity, elegance and honesty in their writing, and I always feel like they bring out the very best in a singer. They're composers; I know I'll keep coming back throughout my career.
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