UCMS is the college’s student-run music society. The musical scene here at Univ is busy and diverse, and we support groups and individuals looking to play for fun as well as providing opportunities to play in concerts and larger ensembles.

 

We run the Fidelio Orchestra in collaboration with Merton and Magdalen colleges. The orchestra puts on regular concerts with a great variety of repertoire, and is open to all students across the three colleges. 

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Our flagship events within the college are Gig Nights, inviting bands from around the University to play sets in our college bar! This means good music and good vibes, with cheap drinks too! These happen once per term and are not to be missed.

 

We also host regular and well-loved Master’s Lodgings Concerts every other week during term time. We invite people from across the college to perform - providing an opportunity to perform in a friendly, informal setting. So far this year, we’ve had performances including singers, guitar, and piano (on Valerie's grand), playing genres from classical to jazz to musical theatre! These run every term, and anyone can perform by signing up beforehand.

 

In conjunction with the JCR Arts and Entz reps, we help organise/fund Open Mic Nights in college. These are usually packed! Whether you've prepared a song, or have just had one too many drinks, we absolutely encourage you to put your singing skills to the test.

 

We also help smaller groups and individuals explore music, and fund rehearsal costs and sheet music purchases for ensembles of many kinds. We really want to encourage this kind of thing, and we offer ensemble matching services.

 

We also have a very popular Chapel Choir, run by our wonderful director of music, Giles Underwood (who's also professor of singing at the Royal Academy!) - the choir regularly holds concerts, along with the weekly evensongs, and free formals. Read more here, or see college's page on choir and choral, organ, and instrumental scholarships.

 

Please get in touch through our socials below, and send any questions you have to music@univ.ox.ac.uk! We’re always happy to chat about how to get more musical at Univ!

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Updated August 2026