Conservatoire Life, Practise

Fixing mistakes – problem solving in practise

I have a confession to make, I have a bad habit that I've been trying to break for years. Practising in mistakes. I think this has to be the most common error musicians make when practising, I know this because there are so many chapters in books and articles dedicated to just this one topic.… Continue reading Fixing mistakes – problem solving in practise

Conservatoire Life, Mental Health, Practise

Covid-19: cancelled recitals

Cancelled concerts are something so many musicians across the world are having to deal with right now, so I wanted to spread some positivity and share my experience. It's beginning to hit home. The reality that I won't be playing my end of year recital. Earlier this week I got an email saying that all… Continue reading Covid-19: cancelled recitals

Conservatoire Life, Practise

Technical assessments – why only once a year?

This January I had my last ever technical assessment, its crazy to think that two years ago I had my first one! I failed my first technical assessment, not because I didn't try, but because I really struggled to play scales and arpeggios fluently. I passed on my second attempt two weeks later. I really… Continue reading Technical assessments – why only once a year?

Conservatoire Life, Practise

Covid-19 – Practise Experimentation

RWCMD made the decision to shut this week due to Covid-19. It's hard not knowing when college will reopen, whether summer recitals will still be taking place etc. This is a very tough time for those who have contracted the virus. It is also a difficult time for my fellow musicians and artists that are… Continue reading Covid-19 – Practise Experimentation

Mental Health

Musicians are emotional

I want to start opening up the conversation of mental health in music. It seems to be 'normal' to generalise that musicians, or any form of artist, are overly emotional. I have come to realise that those working or studying in the arts tend to be more emotional because of the pressure we put on… Continue reading Musicians are emotional