16/10/2026
For day 4, meet bassoonist Sarolta Nagy, who first joined RIAM on Erasmus during the third year of her Bachelor’s at the Liszt Ferenc Academy in Budapest 🇭🇺.
That first experience led her to audition successfully for our Master’s programme. Now in her second year, she reflects on what brought her here and why she chose to return.
Why RIAM?
To be honest, before starting my final year, I realised I needed a change of environment. I felt like I was losing my motivation and my passion for music. Ireland has always been a very special place for me, so the opportunity to live and study in such a beautiful country, in English, was amazing. At the time, I did not know much about RIAM; I just knew it would offer a completely new perspective, which was exactly what I was looking for.
Highlight from her Erasmus Term
The absolute highlight for me was regaining my motivation and enjoying what I do again. Thanks to RIAM’s support, I had a fresh start without past judgments, and people gave me their vote of confidence. I developed a lot during the semester through orchestral projects, my main subject lessons, chamber music, and taking different classes. Looking back, I feel like I gained so much from this experience, and I am still really greatful for it.
Coming Back for her Master’s
I absolutely loved my time at RIAM during my Erasmus, and I felt at home right away. I really liked how structured it was, the number of opportunities, and the chance to improve in an environment where my contribution actually mattered. Everybody was super helpful and supportive at RIAM. So I was naturally curious to see what a Master’s program here meant and how it could help me to move forward in my studies and career.
Considering an Erasmus term at RIAM? Sarolta’s story shows where that first step could lead.
Erasmus Ireland
