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Join as many ensembles as you can. I realise this can be difficult with classical guitar (which I'm assuming is your main instrument, judging by your pic and info) because it's normally seen as a solo instrument but there are still things you can do with it. For example, I'm a member of a guitar orchestra and while I was studying, I played continuo guitar in a Baroque ensemble. If you're in an ensemble, you could be the shyest, most introverted person in the world, but you will still find yourself getting to know the musicians around you. When I need to know something technical about instruments that I don't play, the musicians I played with in ensembles are my first port of call, and they are usually happy to help as much as they can. In terms of getting your compositions performed, an ensemble is much more likely to program a new work by one of their own than by some random composer. I've had quite a few of my works performed by the guitar orchestra I'm in even though most of them can't stand the style of music I write. They were willing to grit their teeth and get on with it because I've contributed a lot to the orchestra and I now class these people as my friends. If these sorts of ensemble opportunities don't exist, then you can start them if you're determined enough. You could start a music society if there isn't one already at your college. Remember, it's not just music students who play instruments. Something like a music society could attract some of these other students who could be involved in local music projects that have nothing to do with the university that you could also get involved in.

We read through all pieces this week and the voting was very close but the winner and the piece we will perform is Timmy's Epitaph. I think my students enjoyed its beautiful simplicity and could relate to the idea of losing a loved one. I will say that I thought Sam's piece was really nice as well. The difference may very well have been that it was a more challenging sight read and thus some did not get as good of an idea of what the final product would sound like. I suppose that is the nature of such a contest. Nevertheless all of them were well written and playable so congrats to all.

Congrats, Timmy! You might have hesitated to submit your work with the deadline at hand, but it's great that you decided to go forward with it. Your grandfather would be proud of receiving such a homage. :thumbsup: @benxiwf: be sure to share some kind of recording of this premiere. (Also - just wondering... did you happen to record this week's readings :musicwhistle: ?)...