I friend of mine facebooked me this week and asked how nice it must be to be at the end of term. Well, I guess I'm not commuting, but the pressure is heavy as tescos birthday cakes!
It is nice to be home for a while. Especially in this bizarre siberian weather. My little car, which has been so loyal, broke down today :( The RAC reckoned about a 5 hour wait, and suggested I try to get the kids home. Poor OJ has been poorly this week anyway, so we set off into the cold. Randomly, we stumbled across some carol singers, and a kindly priest offered to take us home. Now that's nice. Oscar got so cold, he was coughing like a loon, and when we got out the car, poor little chap was sick, just from coughing. Hot chocolate, manuka honey, bath and cuddles soon straightened him out, but my stress levels were through the roof! However, the new 'healthier' me, opted for a fresh mint tea to calm the nerves, which worked a treat.
Anyway; of the music? It's hard not to get overwhelmed, but I figure the best thing to do is write music. It gets me out of my head, and gets me closer to achieving my goals, so it's a double whammy. I am really glad to have found a time management technique that works well for me - I set my iphone timer to 25 minutes, and will not do anything except write in that time. Then I have a 5-10 minute break, where I do things like write this blog, or send an email, or check my receding bank balance! It's great. if I can get 4 or more of those in a day, I see real progress.
So here's the lay of the land;
Chroma ensemble piece - 8 minutes, due Jan
Accordion piece for Rafal - sketches asap
Animation project - due 6 Jan
Choreographer Collaboration - due 13 Feb
Oboe piece using live electronics -due 3 Feb
New projects coming up in Jan...phew
Plus gigs; choir, christmas, NYE, new solo performance venue 6 Feb. Blahblah.
Teaching is done until 5 Jan. That's a good thing!
My Chroma piece is based on a piece of contemporary Chinese art 'Shadows of Trees on Sunny Water' by Cao Jingping - taking different elements of the textures as influences for the musical material, which is working well here. It occurred to me last night, that Cao Jingping might like to know what I'm up to, so I sent an email to an art gallery inBeijing, who are currently exhibiting his work, to see if they can put me in touch with him. I hope he gets in touch. Would just be interesting...
Oh - the music theatre piece went down a storm. The snow finally abated on the Saturday, and I was able to get up to London for the performance. Fancy the first time you ever hear the music the you wrote being played at the performance! It was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences I have had ever! Luckily, it worked though. The singers were pleased as punch, and the trumpet player said he loved the muted trumpet part. Generally, great feedback. Crikey - what a trip!
LVP completely rocked out at Lauderdale house last week. Class gig! We had Tim Whitehead guesting on sax (we sung one of his compositions), Kenny Wheeler was there (we sung a few of his compositions), the lovely Nikki Iles trio backing us up (Yi, we sung one of Nikki's too!)
It was just a beautiful vibe in the room.
Can't wait til Sunday's gig at the 606. All our classic tunes. Will be a riot! (Oh please don't let the silly snow stop me from getting there)
Next year's performance of the Jon Hendricks vocalese for choir over Miles Ahead (Gil Evans), has been confirmed - Jon has asked us to all get a copy of the album and listen to it every day before we go to bed, and first thing in the morning. So I am. I put it on when I go to bed - think I'll have the first 3 tracks sorted, but might never get to hear the rest; am usually so exhausted by the time I finally turn in! There is a version of Nature Boy on there. My fave song of all time - I sing it to OJ every night, bless my little man.
Okey dokey - I've oer-run my 10 minute break, so it's back to work for me, next 25 minutes going on the clock...
Merry Christmas one and all.
Ding Dong Merrily on high :)
x
Friday 17 December 2010
Wednesday 1 December 2010
End of term?
Well, it is a little premature for me to be 'summing up' the term, with still 2 days to go. But it seems like the weather might have re-defined my life this week, and it seems pretty unlikely that I'll be making it into the academy any day soon.
It's in some way, a blessing, because the madness was getting a little out of hand. I was chasing my tail, feeling that I was one step behind all the way. Not having time to see the people I should see; I only had 20 minutes with the talented Jonathan, conductor; but I will be seeing him in January for sure. Spending too much time with people I shouldn't see; ah the wolves at my door! and just getting a little overwhelmed really.
I had 2 gigs on Saturday. It's funny, because the first one was (in my mind), a low profile xmas launch shopping centre gig. Solo piano / vox, 11.30-4.30. I should have spent more time going through my xmas tunes, but time was not on my side. So I turned up to the gig, looking pretty, but totally unprepared! I had borrowed a book of 'carol praise' from my student Adam, and figured I'd be tinkling in the background, do a bit of xmas sight reading, and noodle my way through some jazz...cool.
When I arrived, and there was a beautiful Steinway Grand set up in high profile on a stage (I kid you not!), I wished I'd done more preparation!
But I guess in the end, you can't replace experience, and I played well (thanks Steinway), and sung some great tunes. I guess you might say I rose to the occasion. Which I am quite proud of really.
when I came back from a break, Santa (who was set up opposite the piano), said 'look on your stool' - and there was a single white rose, with a note simply saying "like an angel". How cute is that? (especially as my angelic qualities are not my most prominent!!!)
I shared the gig with a ballon modelling elf and 2 ice people. 1 on stilts, 1 ground level doing contact juggling with crystal balls.
Now, I had some pre-conceptions about these acts, but they were blown away on the day. the professionalism and quality of the work they delivered was outstanding, and I was quite enamoured with their talents. I might be slightly miffed that the ballon modelling elf demanded a higher price than me, but I guess that's part of being a musician. Peace beyond passion and all that.
Then I went on to a wedding in the evening with Tim, Steve, Alex and the nice drummer (?), which was cool, but a mf of a get in. Oh loving your beautiful wedding venue with bridges over water to get in....but not with 2 keyboards and a PA at -2 degrees MF! Plus, it was that standard wedding blah. Running late, saying the right words, but not really giving a shit. Still, I had a nice gig, and got to hang out with my muso buddies, which was cool. Was a late night tho ;)
I have missed too much this week due to external influences. It's a bummer. Should have been at LVP extended rehearsal on Monday evening, but couldn't get into town because of tube strikes. Then I missed Tuesday because of snow. Drove in a circle trying to get home and ended back at Crystal Palace afterall. I guess I just couldn't get away!! 5 hours to get nowhere? Well, time to think is an environment that often eludes me, so I guess it was invaluable in some ways (would have been better if I hadn't needed a wee!) I didn't really want to stay out on Tuesday night, but the only place I could get to was Alex's, so there I went. At least it was warm. I watched a movie - now that's a proper treat! i couldn't concentrate on work, so in the end, I stopped pretending to work, and took the chill time for what it was.
Was glad to get home today and pick up my kids and have some normal time together. it's snowing hard, so I guess it sledges and hot chocolate tomorrow. So much for the composer. Tomorrow I am mum, and that will be nicer and less complicated than all the other things I have been this week!
I have started on my chroma composition tho, and am making headway into my accordion piece, so i"m still doing it, despite the world!
Nunight people. Tra la la xxx
It's in some way, a blessing, because the madness was getting a little out of hand. I was chasing my tail, feeling that I was one step behind all the way. Not having time to see the people I should see; I only had 20 minutes with the talented Jonathan, conductor; but I will be seeing him in January for sure. Spending too much time with people I shouldn't see; ah the wolves at my door! and just getting a little overwhelmed really.
I had 2 gigs on Saturday. It's funny, because the first one was (in my mind), a low profile xmas launch shopping centre gig. Solo piano / vox, 11.30-4.30. I should have spent more time going through my xmas tunes, but time was not on my side. So I turned up to the gig, looking pretty, but totally unprepared! I had borrowed a book of 'carol praise' from my student Adam, and figured I'd be tinkling in the background, do a bit of xmas sight reading, and noodle my way through some jazz...cool.
When I arrived, and there was a beautiful Steinway Grand set up in high profile on a stage (I kid you not!), I wished I'd done more preparation!
But I guess in the end, you can't replace experience, and I played well (thanks Steinway), and sung some great tunes. I guess you might say I rose to the occasion. Which I am quite proud of really.
when I came back from a break, Santa (who was set up opposite the piano), said 'look on your stool' - and there was a single white rose, with a note simply saying "like an angel". How cute is that? (especially as my angelic qualities are not my most prominent!!!)
I shared the gig with a ballon modelling elf and 2 ice people. 1 on stilts, 1 ground level doing contact juggling with crystal balls.
Now, I had some pre-conceptions about these acts, but they were blown away on the day. the professionalism and quality of the work they delivered was outstanding, and I was quite enamoured with their talents. I might be slightly miffed that the ballon modelling elf demanded a higher price than me, but I guess that's part of being a musician. Peace beyond passion and all that.
Then I went on to a wedding in the evening with Tim, Steve, Alex and the nice drummer (?), which was cool, but a mf of a get in. Oh loving your beautiful wedding venue with bridges over water to get in....but not with 2 keyboards and a PA at -2 degrees MF! Plus, it was that standard wedding blah. Running late, saying the right words, but not really giving a shit. Still, I had a nice gig, and got to hang out with my muso buddies, which was cool. Was a late night tho ;)
I have missed too much this week due to external influences. It's a bummer. Should have been at LVP extended rehearsal on Monday evening, but couldn't get into town because of tube strikes. Then I missed Tuesday because of snow. Drove in a circle trying to get home and ended back at Crystal Palace afterall. I guess I just couldn't get away!! 5 hours to get nowhere? Well, time to think is an environment that often eludes me, so I guess it was invaluable in some ways (would have been better if I hadn't needed a wee!) I didn't really want to stay out on Tuesday night, but the only place I could get to was Alex's, so there I went. At least it was warm. I watched a movie - now that's a proper treat! i couldn't concentrate on work, so in the end, I stopped pretending to work, and took the chill time for what it was.
Was glad to get home today and pick up my kids and have some normal time together. it's snowing hard, so I guess it sledges and hot chocolate tomorrow. So much for the composer. Tomorrow I am mum, and that will be nicer and less complicated than all the other things I have been this week!
I have started on my chroma composition tho, and am making headway into my accordion piece, so i"m still doing it, despite the world!
Nunight people. Tra la la xxx
Monday 22 November 2010
You just never know huh?
No.1...I've completed my orchestration. Thank goodness for that. I was starting to think that it was going to remain elusive for the rest of my living days!
No.2...I went to London yesterday to a 'champagne reception' and talk / music with the astounding Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. His horn quintet (I am sure it has a better name, but for now that'll do!), was conducted by Jonathan Mann - academy conductor. Class job J man! I took him to one side at the end, and asked for his help with conducting. As part of my course, we are taking a class in orchestration and conducting. Now - nothing yet has been 'comfortable', but conducting??? the last thing I conducted was the school orchestra when I was 14 - and they made me stand on a chair because I was too small to be seen by the backline...Aah, nothing changes, except that I now have a collection of fine 6" heels, which may do the job as well as any grey school chair! However - leading a shit hot ensemble in contemporary music? So glad I've met Jonathan. We're having coffee Thursday lunchtime; he says he'll show me the basics. (I wonder if he knows just how basic that is!!!)
2.2; met Colin - Max's partner. he was lovely. Showed me lots of pics of where they live in Orkney. Then invited me up to visit! Ah yes, a weekend with Max n Colin, and maybe little red wine? Sounds good to me!
No.3..serendipity. I was on my way home, for the 'early night'...10.32 from Victoria...all good. Until I bumped into a fellow musician and virtual stranger on the station. Daniel was on his way to Ronnie Scotts to see Jon Hendricks (whom I was supposed to be in a masterclass with this week, but couldn't make, because of a tragic timetable clash). He said 'come'...I said 'no...I must work'...
so then we're at Ronnies. I got in by luck, some American visitors had a spare ticket, and more than kindly invited me to join them or the evening. So I Did! Funny how life pans out huh?
They would not even consider letting me pay for my ticket, and shared their Tattinger champagne with me, while we watched the king of vocalise do his thing.
No.4...Pete was there too (king of jazz, light shiner on my world)..and introduced me to James (boss of Ronnies). He said how much he loves LVP, and that he wants us to sing there!
Ronnie Scotts. LVP. Max, Colin, Orkney. My friend Jules, My children.
My friend Oz, for percussion advice at any time of night.
My friend Hollie, who is going to crack the smoking thing!
My choir
My family
My sanity
welcome to my world...
It's kinda fun!
Nunight friends x
No.2...I went to London yesterday to a 'champagne reception' and talk / music with the astounding Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. His horn quintet (I am sure it has a better name, but for now that'll do!), was conducted by Jonathan Mann - academy conductor. Class job J man! I took him to one side at the end, and asked for his help with conducting. As part of my course, we are taking a class in orchestration and conducting. Now - nothing yet has been 'comfortable', but conducting??? the last thing I conducted was the school orchestra when I was 14 - and they made me stand on a chair because I was too small to be seen by the backline...Aah, nothing changes, except that I now have a collection of fine 6" heels, which may do the job as well as any grey school chair! However - leading a shit hot ensemble in contemporary music? So glad I've met Jonathan. We're having coffee Thursday lunchtime; he says he'll show me the basics. (I wonder if he knows just how basic that is!!!)
2.2; met Colin - Max's partner. he was lovely. Showed me lots of pics of where they live in Orkney. Then invited me up to visit! Ah yes, a weekend with Max n Colin, and maybe little red wine? Sounds good to me!
No.3..serendipity. I was on my way home, for the 'early night'...10.32 from Victoria...all good. Until I bumped into a fellow musician and virtual stranger on the station. Daniel was on his way to Ronnie Scotts to see Jon Hendricks (whom I was supposed to be in a masterclass with this week, but couldn't make, because of a tragic timetable clash). He said 'come'...I said 'no...I must work'...
so then we're at Ronnies. I got in by luck, some American visitors had a spare ticket, and more than kindly invited me to join them or the evening. So I Did! Funny how life pans out huh?
They would not even consider letting me pay for my ticket, and shared their Tattinger champagne with me, while we watched the king of vocalise do his thing.
No.4...Pete was there too (king of jazz, light shiner on my world)..and introduced me to James (boss of Ronnies). He said how much he loves LVP, and that he wants us to sing there!
Ronnie Scotts. LVP. Max, Colin, Orkney. My friend Jules, My children.
My friend Oz, for percussion advice at any time of night.
My friend Hollie, who is going to crack the smoking thing!
My choir
My family
My sanity
welcome to my world...
It's kinda fun!
Nunight friends x
Wednesday 17 November 2010
The leap of faith...
And so, my tumble into the abyss was not so bad afterall...
Did I mention that my tutor asked me to orchestrate my music theatre piece (When I hit the street) without any 'musical' aids? No piano, no sibelius, just me and my pencil (and rubber, bien sur!), and a big pile of manuscript paper.
Hmm.
Thing is; I did a whole undergrad degree in which my music was abstract. Dots on the page, but never on the music stand (except my jazz pieces, which I performed, and my big band piece). One of things that freaks me out, is the musicians who are going to take my dots and turn them into sound. They are all class, and most of them 'top class'. It's a pressure, you know...the 'big, wide world' thing.
So..picture this, if you will.. 20 pages of A3 manuscript; 1 vocal part, 1 gaping score. 16 musicians and a load of musical theatrics men ready to sing, with heart and soul, the words of these 'tortured' prisoners.
No pressure then?!
I've had a ball, writing this stuff. Orchestrating by ear, by heart and by theory...
So I took it to Gary today; and you know what? He likes it!
Some nips and tucks, but it's all there.
So tonight, I had an evening off. Spoke to my kids, who make me proud and happy every day. Saw my brother, who is my special fave. Spoke to Jules, who is my princess, and did my very best to be strong without my people here...Alex, Oj, Nel....it's so quiet. But not lonely...so I'll be okay I guess.
the world spins, and a daily question?... my own place within this madness...well, don't we all?
Nunight friends xxx
Did I mention that my tutor asked me to orchestrate my music theatre piece (When I hit the street) without any 'musical' aids? No piano, no sibelius, just me and my pencil (and rubber, bien sur!), and a big pile of manuscript paper.
Hmm.
Thing is; I did a whole undergrad degree in which my music was abstract. Dots on the page, but never on the music stand (except my jazz pieces, which I performed, and my big band piece). One of things that freaks me out, is the musicians who are going to take my dots and turn them into sound. They are all class, and most of them 'top class'. It's a pressure, you know...the 'big, wide world' thing.
So..picture this, if you will.. 20 pages of A3 manuscript; 1 vocal part, 1 gaping score. 16 musicians and a load of musical theatrics men ready to sing, with heart and soul, the words of these 'tortured' prisoners.
No pressure then?!
I've had a ball, writing this stuff. Orchestrating by ear, by heart and by theory...
So I took it to Gary today; and you know what? He likes it!
Some nips and tucks, but it's all there.
So tonight, I had an evening off. Spoke to my kids, who make me proud and happy every day. Saw my brother, who is my special fave. Spoke to Jules, who is my princess, and did my very best to be strong without my people here...Alex, Oj, Nel....it's so quiet. But not lonely...so I'll be okay I guess.
the world spins, and a daily question?... my own place within this madness...well, don't we all?
Nunight friends xxx
Wednesday 10 November 2010
and breathe......
Oh my. I swear it's getting crazier in here!
I'm having the most amazing time at the academy, but it is certainly taking a little bit of me with it.
The problem really is time. I simply don't have enough of it. Now, I am a pretty disciplined person, but despite my best efforts, there are times when it simply seems more important to vacuum the stairs than to orchestrate my music theatre piece. Or that I simply have to have fresh peppermint for my tea if I am to work effectively. Or that tragic right hand, that reaches out for the mouse and of its own volition, finds its way to the facebook time vacuum!
I have not turned the tv on since summer. So at least that's something. And, you know what, I probably spend as much time as anyone else on the work / distraction quota. But I'm pretty hard on myself, and when the kids are here, there simply are things that have to be done (especially cuddles!) Ah, the balance eludes me.
Have had some great musical moments this week tho. My music theatre short score is done and submitted, and I've done a scratch recording of it, which is great. I have discovered that I prefer to orchestrate with pencil and paper, and in fact, since I saw Gary on Tuesday, he has encouraged me to do only that; to develop my 'inner ear'. So I've got a big fat A3 canvas to fill in. It's a pretty big ensemble...wish me luck! Have 1 week to get it done. I keep hearing that countdown musical theme; it's my current, and frustrating ear-worm. Running round and round my 'inner ear'...I reckon that once my piece is completed, if you listen carefully, there just might be a moment when you hear the countdown theme sneaking into the clarinets...!
Orchestration class is starting to make a little sense; I don't feel like a complete retard anymore, which is good. We are gong to the 'wand shop' tomorrow; off to buy our batons! Hurrah. Mine shall be made with the feather of a phoenix, and the orchestra will obey my every whim!
I had a lovely outing with my friend Jules. We had a moment of culture at the tate modern. It was a great experience, and it was just lovely to hang out with my buddy...I don't get much time for things like that. Mwah the Jules.
I find myself drawn to the composition of new material for instruments with less repertoire. Basically the accordion and the bassoon. The thing is, that I am in a place where the best players in the world are happy to sit with you and show you their instrument, and talk about the details of playing style and application. My first collaboration will be with Rafal Luc, who is the most amazing accordion player, and is showing me around this fascinating and complex instrument. On Tuesday, I had an accordion lesson, and to play it was such a great idea. Now I have a feel for the workings of it, and can't wait to get writing. (the only thing was that his accordion is really big...and I am really small. It was comedy!)
So next week, it's LVP, Roehampton dance, Chroma ensemble, Music theatre orchestration, MAX MSP, too much coffee, and less distractions.
Maybe coffee with my bro, and dinner with Jules?...well, we all need a break sometime...x
I'm having the most amazing time at the academy, but it is certainly taking a little bit of me with it.
The problem really is time. I simply don't have enough of it. Now, I am a pretty disciplined person, but despite my best efforts, there are times when it simply seems more important to vacuum the stairs than to orchestrate my music theatre piece. Or that I simply have to have fresh peppermint for my tea if I am to work effectively. Or that tragic right hand, that reaches out for the mouse and of its own volition, finds its way to the facebook time vacuum!
I have not turned the tv on since summer. So at least that's something. And, you know what, I probably spend as much time as anyone else on the work / distraction quota. But I'm pretty hard on myself, and when the kids are here, there simply are things that have to be done (especially cuddles!) Ah, the balance eludes me.
Have had some great musical moments this week tho. My music theatre short score is done and submitted, and I've done a scratch recording of it, which is great. I have discovered that I prefer to orchestrate with pencil and paper, and in fact, since I saw Gary on Tuesday, he has encouraged me to do only that; to develop my 'inner ear'. So I've got a big fat A3 canvas to fill in. It's a pretty big ensemble...wish me luck! Have 1 week to get it done. I keep hearing that countdown musical theme; it's my current, and frustrating ear-worm. Running round and round my 'inner ear'...I reckon that once my piece is completed, if you listen carefully, there just might be a moment when you hear the countdown theme sneaking into the clarinets...!
Orchestration class is starting to make a little sense; I don't feel like a complete retard anymore, which is good. We are gong to the 'wand shop' tomorrow; off to buy our batons! Hurrah. Mine shall be made with the feather of a phoenix, and the orchestra will obey my every whim!
I had a lovely outing with my friend Jules. We had a moment of culture at the tate modern. It was a great experience, and it was just lovely to hang out with my buddy...I don't get much time for things like that. Mwah the Jules.
I find myself drawn to the composition of new material for instruments with less repertoire. Basically the accordion and the bassoon. The thing is, that I am in a place where the best players in the world are happy to sit with you and show you their instrument, and talk about the details of playing style and application. My first collaboration will be with Rafal Luc, who is the most amazing accordion player, and is showing me around this fascinating and complex instrument. On Tuesday, I had an accordion lesson, and to play it was such a great idea. Now I have a feel for the workings of it, and can't wait to get writing. (the only thing was that his accordion is really big...and I am really small. It was comedy!)
So next week, it's LVP, Roehampton dance, Chroma ensemble, Music theatre orchestration, MAX MSP, too much coffee, and less distractions.
Maybe coffee with my bro, and dinner with Jules?...well, we all need a break sometime...x
Wednesday 3 November 2010
Gunpowder, treason and plot...
So, the plot thickens...will she possibly make the deadlines that are looming so large? Can she ever immerse herself into a world of contemporary classical craziness to such an extent that writing in that style is not faked or forced?
John Williams writes 9-5 every day. He aims to complete between 30 seconds to 2 minutes of music in that time. I was shitting myself with the '3 weeks to compose 8 minutes' deadline for Chroma that arrived in my inbox on Friday.
In isolation, it might be possible. Coupled with orchestrating my music theatre piece, recording and composing a soundtrack for the 'Horripilation' animated short, planning the piece for the Roehampton dance project...oh my, I can't complete the list; it's exhausting!
Anyway, have a lot on my plate. An awful lot ;)
Went to see my friend Gary this afternoon. Laid my fears in his lap. He is the lamb, and has mended my temporary tilt into beyond stress. He phoned Phil (head of composition), and has delayed my Chroma piece until the second deadline, which gives me a couple of extra weeks. There is light!
Then he showed me the delights of scoring in logic. Simply blows the socks off sibelius in certain areas. So that's my ticket for now...score the music theatre piece in logic, research suitable styles and instrumentation techniques for Chroma. Await the imminent arrival of the storyboard for animation project. Learn Jon Hendricks arrangements for LVP ready for the masterclass on 19 Nov. Get my soft head around MAX MSP.
A little aside is a new collaboration with Rafal. Yr 4 accordion player. He is amazing! Polish dude, prize winning player and up for new music. Accordion is another step beyond my comfort zone (maybe I just don't have a comfort zone at this level?!!). Spent a happy hour or more in the library with Rafal today looking at scores and analysing the good and bad elements of scores. There is a market for this music. I am certainly going to explore this area...and if I can do it with one of the best players in the world?...well, who wouldn't?
Funny thing is. I'm happy. I'm doing it. My kids came to school with me on Friday (their half term, of course, not mine). They were golden. Took them for dinner at Hayes Galleria....we have some super adventures Oj, Nel and me, and if I ever worry that they do not get the best of me, I try to think of our adventures; and there are so many! I know I'm not the text book mother figure, but I am 3 dimensional, and I love to have fun, so it's not so bad I think, being my child. How many children have been backstage in many London venues, have sung with Cleo Laine? (OJ?!), have hung out at the Royal Academy of Music? Have met Mr. Bobby Mc Ferrin, Mr. Peter Churchill, Mr. Simon Bainbridge? Bless my people. They keep me real, and they are always up for a hug. {{{MWAH}}}
Nunight then. Sweet dreams x
John Williams writes 9-5 every day. He aims to complete between 30 seconds to 2 minutes of music in that time. I was shitting myself with the '3 weeks to compose 8 minutes' deadline for Chroma that arrived in my inbox on Friday.
In isolation, it might be possible. Coupled with orchestrating my music theatre piece, recording and composing a soundtrack for the 'Horripilation' animated short, planning the piece for the Roehampton dance project...oh my, I can't complete the list; it's exhausting!
Anyway, have a lot on my plate. An awful lot ;)
Went to see my friend Gary this afternoon. Laid my fears in his lap. He is the lamb, and has mended my temporary tilt into beyond stress. He phoned Phil (head of composition), and has delayed my Chroma piece until the second deadline, which gives me a couple of extra weeks. There is light!
Then he showed me the delights of scoring in logic. Simply blows the socks off sibelius in certain areas. So that's my ticket for now...score the music theatre piece in logic, research suitable styles and instrumentation techniques for Chroma. Await the imminent arrival of the storyboard for animation project. Learn Jon Hendricks arrangements for LVP ready for the masterclass on 19 Nov. Get my soft head around MAX MSP.
A little aside is a new collaboration with Rafal. Yr 4 accordion player. He is amazing! Polish dude, prize winning player and up for new music. Accordion is another step beyond my comfort zone (maybe I just don't have a comfort zone at this level?!!). Spent a happy hour or more in the library with Rafal today looking at scores and analysing the good and bad elements of scores. There is a market for this music. I am certainly going to explore this area...and if I can do it with one of the best players in the world?...well, who wouldn't?
Funny thing is. I'm happy. I'm doing it. My kids came to school with me on Friday (their half term, of course, not mine). They were golden. Took them for dinner at Hayes Galleria....we have some super adventures Oj, Nel and me, and if I ever worry that they do not get the best of me, I try to think of our adventures; and there are so many! I know I'm not the text book mother figure, but I am 3 dimensional, and I love to have fun, so it's not so bad I think, being my child. How many children have been backstage in many London venues, have sung with Cleo Laine? (OJ?!), have hung out at the Royal Academy of Music? Have met Mr. Bobby Mc Ferrin, Mr. Peter Churchill, Mr. Simon Bainbridge? Bless my people. They keep me real, and they are always up for a hug. {{{MWAH}}}
Nunight then. Sweet dreams x
Sunday 24 October 2010
All singing, all dancing
I did say earlier that I thought my posts might become less frequent, and so it has come to pass! I am working flat out, trying to get the music out of my head and onto the page (or into logic).
It has been a real turning point this week, with some exciting projects starting up, and existing projects taking shape.
It's funny, because the week just gone was supposed to be 'reading week', i.e., no usual classes. Turned out that I was in every day except for Friday, meeting new people and going on adventures! On Wednesday, we met the choreographers from Roehampton. Each composer will be teamed up with a choreographer, and we will collaborate to make a live music and dance performance, which will be performed in May next year. Our instrumentation for that is a choice of either flute, percussion and cello, or flute, oboe and cello. I have a feeling that I will use percussion, but we shall see...
The way this project works is that the choreographers and composers will select who they want to work with based on hearing / seeing each other's work. We started the day by 'speed dating', so that we each met all of the others individually. Then us composers played some of our music, so that they could get an idea of our style. In a couple of weeks, we will be visiting Roehampton, and they will give a performance of their dance, so that we get an idea of their style.
It's a great way to work, and I'm really looking forward to that getting underway.
Then, on Thursday, 7 of us took the train to Bristol, to meet with our other collaborators; 'the animators', from UWE. It came as quite a surprise after the 1-1 session the day before, to walk into a room full of animators, awaiting our arrival! We viewed a couple of films that were created on last year's project, which were very abstract, but brilliantly done. Each composer was assigned 3 animators to work with, and given an uncommon word which serves as a starting point for the inspiration for the film. My animators are Fedias, Sylvia and David; all of whom come from very different backgrounds, so that's going to be interesting. Our word is Horripilation; which means basically 'goosebumps' raising of the skin due to fear or cold.
Mmm...juicy!
We spent a couple of hours taking through ideas and getting to know each other. I've set up a blog for the 4 of us, so that we can communicate despite distance, and so that we have an online resource for the progress of the project when we come to write it up at the end.
I thought that for the musical aspect, I would explore using only sounds made by the voice and body, and manipulating them to create a creepy environment to support the visuals. I have spent a very happy couple of hours recording all manner of noises as my sound library. It is going to take much longer to cut up and label each sound file, but that's what laptops and train journeys were invented for!
My music theatre piece is nearly completed in short score for piano and male voices. I probably mentioned that I have used poetry written by inmates from New Jersey prison. It's quite compelling reading, and really gives an insight into the despair and inhumanity of the prison environment. I went on to the New Jersey prison website, and there you can actually search for inmates, and view their profiles. It was quite eerie to see the faces and the crimes of these men whose heartfelt words I had been reading. It made me feel really uncomfortable.
Well, it has been a long weekend. I've been doing so much music and just spending some time alone with my thoughts. I was really happy to take Oj & Nelly to my brother's for tea this evening. It's my 5 days without them, and they always seem to pass so slowly. So ye, it was nice to break it up, and see them today. They'll come home on Wednesday and stay until the following Monday, so that's nice. It's much harder without them now that I don't have Alex around to distract me either and to fill that void.
Back to school tomorrow, then some LVP singing time. Hurrah for that! Can't wait to see my vocal buddies...
x
It has been a real turning point this week, with some exciting projects starting up, and existing projects taking shape.
It's funny, because the week just gone was supposed to be 'reading week', i.e., no usual classes. Turned out that I was in every day except for Friday, meeting new people and going on adventures! On Wednesday, we met the choreographers from Roehampton. Each composer will be teamed up with a choreographer, and we will collaborate to make a live music and dance performance, which will be performed in May next year. Our instrumentation for that is a choice of either flute, percussion and cello, or flute, oboe and cello. I have a feeling that I will use percussion, but we shall see...
The way this project works is that the choreographers and composers will select who they want to work with based on hearing / seeing each other's work. We started the day by 'speed dating', so that we each met all of the others individually. Then us composers played some of our music, so that they could get an idea of our style. In a couple of weeks, we will be visiting Roehampton, and they will give a performance of their dance, so that we get an idea of their style.
It's a great way to work, and I'm really looking forward to that getting underway.
Then, on Thursday, 7 of us took the train to Bristol, to meet with our other collaborators; 'the animators', from UWE. It came as quite a surprise after the 1-1 session the day before, to walk into a room full of animators, awaiting our arrival! We viewed a couple of films that were created on last year's project, which were very abstract, but brilliantly done. Each composer was assigned 3 animators to work with, and given an uncommon word which serves as a starting point for the inspiration for the film. My animators are Fedias, Sylvia and David; all of whom come from very different backgrounds, so that's going to be interesting. Our word is Horripilation; which means basically 'goosebumps' raising of the skin due to fear or cold.
Mmm...juicy!
We spent a couple of hours taking through ideas and getting to know each other. I've set up a blog for the 4 of us, so that we can communicate despite distance, and so that we have an online resource for the progress of the project when we come to write it up at the end.
I thought that for the musical aspect, I would explore using only sounds made by the voice and body, and manipulating them to create a creepy environment to support the visuals. I have spent a very happy couple of hours recording all manner of noises as my sound library. It is going to take much longer to cut up and label each sound file, but that's what laptops and train journeys were invented for!
My music theatre piece is nearly completed in short score for piano and male voices. I probably mentioned that I have used poetry written by inmates from New Jersey prison. It's quite compelling reading, and really gives an insight into the despair and inhumanity of the prison environment. I went on to the New Jersey prison website, and there you can actually search for inmates, and view their profiles. It was quite eerie to see the faces and the crimes of these men whose heartfelt words I had been reading. It made me feel really uncomfortable.
Well, it has been a long weekend. I've been doing so much music and just spending some time alone with my thoughts. I was really happy to take Oj & Nelly to my brother's for tea this evening. It's my 5 days without them, and they always seem to pass so slowly. So ye, it was nice to break it up, and see them today. They'll come home on Wednesday and stay until the following Monday, so that's nice. It's much harder without them now that I don't have Alex around to distract me either and to fill that void.
Back to school tomorrow, then some LVP singing time. Hurrah for that! Can't wait to see my vocal buddies...
x
Wednesday 20 October 2010
Mr. Stephen Sondheim and Ms. Betsy Jolas
It has been a privilege to have been in the company of some of the world's finest composers this week. I cannot express my awe and gratitude for the gems that have come to me from America and France.
I will share my experiences with you as soon as I come down to earth...
there are many!
For now, thanks for listening!
Jake caught the mouse that was eating my carrier bags, and my dear Aunty Maggie gave me a contribution to my studies for which I am eternally grateful.
The music is running at a new speed. I hope I can keep up!
I promise more next time...tomorrow I have a meeting regarding my teaming up with an animator at Bristol Animation Studios. Hurrah. Check my website (www.nikkifranklin.co.uk) to see my last animation project. It's fun :)
For now, I am the one thing that is not compromised by the self-opinionated government that we have in place, and that will no doubt make bigger history books than I hope to occupy...maybe I'll write the accidental musical that accompanies their exploits!!!
Peace (if appropriate), Love (if not abused and misguided) and harmony (of which I have little!)
Nunight x
Wednesday 13 October 2010
So much music everywhere...
That's actually a title to a Brad Mehldau & Pat Metheny piece. It's certainly worth a listen. Beautiful...
Anyway, beyond stealing other artist's titles, I've been writing like a loon this week. Am at that point where I have five new things bubbling about, but nothing completed, or even fully sketched. Some interesting musical thoughts taking shape though.
My newest jazz influenced piece is nearly ready to start orchestrating, and fleshing out the parts. I'm looking forward to that.
I've also been working with loops, using garage band, for a change of scene, which has been really inspirational. I'm layering vocals, along the lines of the circle songs LVP were immersed into through Roger Treece this year. It's all a bit diatonic at the mo, but if I stick with it, I reckon I'll be able to explore more challenging areas, and get gritty with the harmonies.
Then it occurred to me that the use of loops would be a really interesting way to layer contemporary techniques in solo instruments, whilst retaining some musicality, rhythmic probably more than melodic, but textural interest. I think it's too easy to write a piece that explores such areas as 'the extended range of the oboe', which certainly does explore that area, but does not always remain musical. (Ha; like what is musical anyway?)
So, I'll be doing some of that (thank you Steve Reich for New York Counterpoint...."London Loops" doesn't sound quite so compelling though, does it?!)), recording solo oboe. This week, I worked with an accordion player, and we created a little layered loop piece, which was really effective. yes, food for thought...
Then there's the music theatre piece that I'm writing for a performance on 3rd December. I've had a few ideas for that, but it's got be be fully formed with vocal and piano score completed by next Tuesday, so it's top of the pile. The male vocal line is inspired by poetry from prison inmates (which I've narrowed down to one particular poem). The music seems to be coming quite easily from the text...Hmm, we shall see. I'm going to get my brother over this weekend to be my singer. He has lots of West End experience, and knows his stuff, so that will be fun, and hopefully very productive.
The last thing for today was a session with Paul Patterson on Sibelius. Oh my; I am in shortcut heaven! Why did no-one tell me that the 'R' key copies highlighted passages with just 1 click, or that you can format rhythm and easily replace the pitches. Ah, loads of great tips, was definitely worth the 3 hour travel time for the 1 hour lesson.
I've been on a synchronicity vibe also...yesterday, on Victoria tube station, I bumped into a guitarist I met in the summer. Daniel; played gypsy jazz at my cousin's wedding. How random was that? and he introduced me to the music of a British big band composer I need to check out. Matthew Herbert. Very interesting.
Then today, I met on the train a drummer I worked with in one of my first bands. Crikey! We talked all the way from Three Bridges to London Bridge, certainly no awkward silences. Nice to catch up with Paul. I must find him on facebook...
Things are a little brighter today. I still haven't found my shine after a few rough weeks, but it might be just out the corner of my eye...
Nunight xxx
Anyway, beyond stealing other artist's titles, I've been writing like a loon this week. Am at that point where I have five new things bubbling about, but nothing completed, or even fully sketched. Some interesting musical thoughts taking shape though.
My newest jazz influenced piece is nearly ready to start orchestrating, and fleshing out the parts. I'm looking forward to that.
I've also been working with loops, using garage band, for a change of scene, which has been really inspirational. I'm layering vocals, along the lines of the circle songs LVP were immersed into through Roger Treece this year. It's all a bit diatonic at the mo, but if I stick with it, I reckon I'll be able to explore more challenging areas, and get gritty with the harmonies.
Then it occurred to me that the use of loops would be a really interesting way to layer contemporary techniques in solo instruments, whilst retaining some musicality, rhythmic probably more than melodic, but textural interest. I think it's too easy to write a piece that explores such areas as 'the extended range of the oboe', which certainly does explore that area, but does not always remain musical. (Ha; like what is musical anyway?)
So, I'll be doing some of that (thank you Steve Reich for New York Counterpoint...."London Loops" doesn't sound quite so compelling though, does it?!)), recording solo oboe. This week, I worked with an accordion player, and we created a little layered loop piece, which was really effective. yes, food for thought...
Then there's the music theatre piece that I'm writing for a performance on 3rd December. I've had a few ideas for that, but it's got be be fully formed with vocal and piano score completed by next Tuesday, so it's top of the pile. The male vocal line is inspired by poetry from prison inmates (which I've narrowed down to one particular poem). The music seems to be coming quite easily from the text...Hmm, we shall see. I'm going to get my brother over this weekend to be my singer. He has lots of West End experience, and knows his stuff, so that will be fun, and hopefully very productive.
The last thing for today was a session with Paul Patterson on Sibelius. Oh my; I am in shortcut heaven! Why did no-one tell me that the 'R' key copies highlighted passages with just 1 click, or that you can format rhythm and easily replace the pitches. Ah, loads of great tips, was definitely worth the 3 hour travel time for the 1 hour lesson.
I've been on a synchronicity vibe also...yesterday, on Victoria tube station, I bumped into a guitarist I met in the summer. Daniel; played gypsy jazz at my cousin's wedding. How random was that? and he introduced me to the music of a British big band composer I need to check out. Matthew Herbert. Very interesting.
Then today, I met on the train a drummer I worked with in one of my first bands. Crikey! We talked all the way from Three Bridges to London Bridge, certainly no awkward silences. Nice to catch up with Paul. I must find him on facebook...
Things are a little brighter today. I still haven't found my shine after a few rough weeks, but it might be just out the corner of my eye...
Nunight xxx
Thursday 7 October 2010
Coughs and Cage and Waterproof trousers...
How quickly time is passing! Of course, I expect the time that I am studying to fly by. It’s a natural by-product of working under pressure. But the thing that has really hit me this week, was Oj celebrating his 9th birthday. Fancy having a son who is 9 years old?! It’s quite bizarre. To me, he is my little bean, and a joy to behold. But I mustn’t ever forget that he is really growing up now, and finding his own place in the world. It’s been a crazy adventure, this ‘mother’ business. I can’t compare it to anything else. and of course, as with any relationship encounter, it is unique and totally normal at once. Every mother knows certain truths, joys and pains, yet each mother knows her own personal story that fits within those ‘norms’. I couldn’t begin to talk about it here; but what an adventure.
Ah yes, the coughs. Poor kids. Oj started it on Sunday - had a headache before his party (laser hub rocks by the way!). Poor little man has been off school all week; temperatures, coughs and croaks. And now Nelly is coughing well too. Mwah.
What of Cage? This evening, I went to a performance at the Louise Blouin Foundation. It was quite an experience. To be honest, I thought it was going to be pretentious. It was an evening of American experimentalism intertwined with new and not so new works by British composers (2 current students from the Academy). I think the thing that made it un-pretentious was the quality of the performers. each note played with depth and an appropriate regard for style. My favourite musical sound was where the percussionist played with brushes on the strings of the piano. the texture was spine tingling. (HA! Look who’s pretentious now?!) Anyway, it was class.
I met an interesting chap, who certainly looked like he should be attending a champagne reception at a kooky art gallery muso performance in London. Well, he was a visual artist, who went because John Cage was a fan of his, so he came along to support the Cage performance. How funky is that? ...It’s so easy to forget that these great pillars of contemporary society also have things that they like to listen to, look at, places they like to go. It’s so easy to imagine your favourite artist, of any sort, simply creating their art, and not having a 3 dimensional life. Like Stevie Wonder guesting with Take 6, because they are his favourite group!
Of my music? Well, it’s trucking along. Projects kick off next week, and I’m doing my best to write a little every day, and spend some time on logic, until it’s not scary anymore. Like everything I seem to get up to; it’s scary at first, but if you keep doing it, it can just become something you do.
In a very short space of time, some very big things have changed in my life. A few times in these last weeks, I thought I might fall over, or be sick in my mouth. But I didn’t yet, so maybe I won’t.
x
Did I forget to mention the waterproof trousers?...maybe it’s just aswell.
Friday 1 October 2010
You don't get this from a book...
That's the favourite saying of the Academy.
It's true tho.
Despite the gems of knowledge and experience that are handed to us every day, there's the environment.
Practice rooms are like gold-dust, so there is rarely a stairwell free without a guitarist or cellist at the bottom of the stairs, practising their hearts out. You can just imagine the acoustics in a stairwell; it's like a fountain of music filling all the available space, and it's beautiful. Or today, when I was waiting the the downstairs corridor, there is a whole line of practice rooms...my head was full to bursting with a cacophony of sound...opera singers, concert pianists, various strings, brass etc. all making noise. Class!
There have been some real gems this week. I would like to share a few with you. I have met on my travels some awesome people this week; a lifetime's worth really!
We had a talk from Howard Shore who wrote the music to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and accompanying him was Doug Adams (not Douglas Adams!), who spent 9 years analysing Howard's music from the Lord of the Rings, and wrote a big fat book on it!
His gems;
research the idea; be truthful to the idea
forget about the style; write what is right for yourself
grasp the arc of the piece before you start
write every day
Then there was the guitarist Stefan Ostersjo, who is a performance artist and has worked with many contemporary composers, analysing the lines of communication between the composer, and the artist, through scores and other communication.
'When the performance practice was internalised, personal authenticity became more prominent'
His thesis included the following gem;
'tradition can never be copied, nor can the performance of an individual work. the transmission of a tradition and of a work must always involve an element of transformation'.
There is so much more. I went to jazz composition and arranging with Pete Churchill, had a 1-1 lesson with Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, had a great lesson with Gary (who likes my new piece), started to learn the basics of sound recording, and twiddling knobs in a meaningful way in a studio environment, and had a tutorial with postgrad composers, Hollie, Joe and Phil, run by Phil Cashian.
I have so much I want to write here today, and promise I will return to this week and these people...
but for now, I'm tired, It's been a long, and emotional week. It's strange to come home every day and not to be met by Alex, and to cook all my own dinners (well, my Mum cooked for us today; yummy!).
But I'm doing okay. And I'm writing the music. And there's a little bit of me that is starting to believe that it's going to be okay, and that I can make it happen if I just stick like glue to my kids and my manuscript paper :)
Going to see 5 guys names Mo tomorrow, with my kids and some LVP'ers.
that's nice.
More gems soon!
It's true tho.
Despite the gems of knowledge and experience that are handed to us every day, there's the environment.
Practice rooms are like gold-dust, so there is rarely a stairwell free without a guitarist or cellist at the bottom of the stairs, practising their hearts out. You can just imagine the acoustics in a stairwell; it's like a fountain of music filling all the available space, and it's beautiful. Or today, when I was waiting the the downstairs corridor, there is a whole line of practice rooms...my head was full to bursting with a cacophony of sound...opera singers, concert pianists, various strings, brass etc. all making noise. Class!
There have been some real gems this week. I would like to share a few with you. I have met on my travels some awesome people this week; a lifetime's worth really!
We had a talk from Howard Shore who wrote the music to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and accompanying him was Doug Adams (not Douglas Adams!), who spent 9 years analysing Howard's music from the Lord of the Rings, and wrote a big fat book on it!
His gems;
research the idea; be truthful to the idea
forget about the style; write what is right for yourself
grasp the arc of the piece before you start
write every day
Then there was the guitarist Stefan Ostersjo, who is a performance artist and has worked with many contemporary composers, analysing the lines of communication between the composer, and the artist, through scores and other communication.
'When the performance practice was internalised, personal authenticity became more prominent'
His thesis included the following gem;
'tradition can never be copied, nor can the performance of an individual work. the transmission of a tradition and of a work must always involve an element of transformation'.
There is so much more. I went to jazz composition and arranging with Pete Churchill, had a 1-1 lesson with Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, had a great lesson with Gary (who likes my new piece), started to learn the basics of sound recording, and twiddling knobs in a meaningful way in a studio environment, and had a tutorial with postgrad composers, Hollie, Joe and Phil, run by Phil Cashian.
I have so much I want to write here today, and promise I will return to this week and these people...
but for now, I'm tired, It's been a long, and emotional week. It's strange to come home every day and not to be met by Alex, and to cook all my own dinners (well, my Mum cooked for us today; yummy!).
But I'm doing okay. And I'm writing the music. And there's a little bit of me that is starting to believe that it's going to be okay, and that I can make it happen if I just stick like glue to my kids and my manuscript paper :)
Going to see 5 guys names Mo tomorrow, with my kids and some LVP'ers.
that's nice.
More gems soon!
Monday 27 September 2010
Strange days...
I find myself in yet another strange place. With Alex gone, maybe for now, or maybe for longer, my situation is very different. For now, it's me, Oj & Nel, and Jake the cat. What a funny little family. (I'd like to include my lovely White Yamaha, and maybe the red Fender Rhodes in my list of nearest and dearest, but fear that is clutching at straws!)
It has not been a good week for the composing, with quite a plethora of emotional backlash taking up much of my time; plus I had a dep keys gig with a new band on Saturday, and had loads of songs to learn for that. Fortunately, they were a great band, and apart from a couple of comedy errors on my part (which I hope were noticed more by me than anyone else), I did a good job. See, there it is again, the music; keeping me sane!
I shall make my apologies to Gary Carpenter tomorrow for my measly offering, but I'm hoping life will even out shortly, and allow rather more attention to the musical matters at hand.
To that end, I have decided to approach the composing very much as a skill that needs to be practiced daily, like learning an instrument. I aim to do a minimum of 30 minutes composing even on the busiest days, and where time and energy permits, 2 or 3 90 minute sessions in a day will be really productive. Finances are more than tight, so I have to fit in the teaching and gigs to keep my head above water, but I hope that I will soon find the level from where I can be most productive. Crikey, if I can do an undergrad degree whilst getting divorced and going through a custody battle for my children, I guess I can do this. It's not like anyone ever said "masters at the academy?...piece of piss", so I'm hardly unprepared for the level of work ;)
Went to LVP this evening. They are really smashing people, and, as ever, I come away feeling good. Thank goodness for friends and songs and a cup of tea! Some great new repertoire coming up. It's great that we'll be doing the 606 regularly, it gives us a platform for the new work, which is never complete until it's been gigged a bit.
Going to see the Pete for jazz composition and arranging on Wednesday. Can't wait. So much to learn, so much to say.
tra la la! xx
ps. does anyone else think the newest version of iTunes grey and annoying? I'm not being a luddite, but I did prefer the old version.
It has not been a good week for the composing, with quite a plethora of emotional backlash taking up much of my time; plus I had a dep keys gig with a new band on Saturday, and had loads of songs to learn for that. Fortunately, they were a great band, and apart from a couple of comedy errors on my part (which I hope were noticed more by me than anyone else), I did a good job. See, there it is again, the music; keeping me sane!
I shall make my apologies to Gary Carpenter tomorrow for my measly offering, but I'm hoping life will even out shortly, and allow rather more attention to the musical matters at hand.
To that end, I have decided to approach the composing very much as a skill that needs to be practiced daily, like learning an instrument. I aim to do a minimum of 30 minutes composing even on the busiest days, and where time and energy permits, 2 or 3 90 minute sessions in a day will be really productive. Finances are more than tight, so I have to fit in the teaching and gigs to keep my head above water, but I hope that I will soon find the level from where I can be most productive. Crikey, if I can do an undergrad degree whilst getting divorced and going through a custody battle for my children, I guess I can do this. It's not like anyone ever said "masters at the academy?...piece of piss", so I'm hardly unprepared for the level of work ;)
Went to LVP this evening. They are really smashing people, and, as ever, I come away feeling good. Thank goodness for friends and songs and a cup of tea! Some great new repertoire coming up. It's great that we'll be doing the 606 regularly, it gives us a platform for the new work, which is never complete until it's been gigged a bit.
Going to see the Pete for jazz composition and arranging on Wednesday. Can't wait. So much to learn, so much to say.
tra la la! xx
ps. does anyone else think the newest version of iTunes grey and annoying? I'm not being a luddite, but I did prefer the old version.
Tuesday 21 September 2010
Oh yes. The jazz speaks
I'm happy to compose any kind of music. Some I'm good at, some I'm shit at, but I'll try anything. Today I had 20 minutes to compose a performance piece that could be played on any instrument, with a performance time of 10 seconds (£35 per ticket please ladies and gents!)
Myself and Laura the flautist, (who hates her name, because she thinks it's bland), came up with a piece in which specific notes or rests were assigned to letters of the alphabet. it was up to the performer to play the notes of their name, using a dynamic variation which they felt defined their character.
Pretentious perhaps, but actually quite interesting. Involve the performer in the outcome of their performance, rather than defining every factor, and you get a much more 'real' end product. i guess classical performers don't have enough room for self expression within the traditional canon of through composed pieces. Hmm, food for thought.
Saw that Gary today, and he looked right through me and out the other side. What I love to do and desire is to compose for big band, and incorporate jazz style into orchestral work. Cheeky bugger saw that in only our second meeting, and has actively encouraged me to run with it. Hurrah.
Life is better when you are saying what you want to say, rather than what you think somebody else might want to hear. I get caught between those 2 places with monotonous regularity. I really didn't think that the academy wanted to hear my jazz chops on viola, so I was trying to suppress that voice. Now I can really go out to play!
Get me some Maria Schneider and Colin Towns. Yi!!
Monday 20 September 2010
Lutoslawski, Stevie Wonder and prawns
Well, a rich combination indeed! During the evening hours I engaged deeply with Lutoslawski (the 3rd symphony; blew me away!), with Peter Maxwell Davies, and his life in Orkney, which sounds so peaceful, with Stevie Wonder, 'cause I've got a gig on Saturday and I have to play some Stevie tunes (there's no place like home, there's no place like home...), and with Joe Sample; can't believe I transcribed his solo. He is the groove- meister.
I spoke with Oj on the joys of having friends over to play, and my Pa on the joys of getting permission from my landlord to convert my shed into a music room (hurrah!). Further, I spoke with my friend who today is 40, and wondered when I would be the one with friends reaching 40, rather than dreading playing the 40th birthday gig, where people have too much fun for their age! I sent my best wishes to my newest friend who is 18 and on her way to Cambridge to study languages. She is a clever girl, and fab musician, with a super shiny future - keep polishing that future lady!
I am in the middle of a new composition for piano, based on a flower that looks like a bird; so that's a good image for me. Something that isn't quite as it seems. Nothing like a struggle to give me some good compositional material :)
I spoke with Alex, of music and double glazing, which is imminent in his chilly abode. I also bought him a nespresso machine, which I can't really afford, but just seemed like a nice thing to do.
It's been a busy day.
Tomorrow I see 'Gary the composer Carpenter' for the second time. This time with my new piano score and big band composition. Ooh.
and to top it all, I made a super yum stir fry with king prawns and cashew nuts.
Today, life is fine.
I like those days indeed.
Nunight x
I spoke with Oj on the joys of having friends over to play, and my Pa on the joys of getting permission from my landlord to convert my shed into a music room (hurrah!). Further, I spoke with my friend who today is 40, and wondered when I would be the one with friends reaching 40, rather than dreading playing the 40th birthday gig, where people have too much fun for their age! I sent my best wishes to my newest friend who is 18 and on her way to Cambridge to study languages. She is a clever girl, and fab musician, with a super shiny future - keep polishing that future lady!
I am in the middle of a new composition for piano, based on a flower that looks like a bird; so that's a good image for me. Something that isn't quite as it seems. Nothing like a struggle to give me some good compositional material :)
I spoke with Alex, of music and double glazing, which is imminent in his chilly abode. I also bought him a nespresso machine, which I can't really afford, but just seemed like a nice thing to do.
It's been a busy day.
Tomorrow I see 'Gary the composer Carpenter' for the second time. This time with my new piano score and big band composition. Ooh.
and to top it all, I made a super yum stir fry with king prawns and cashew nuts.
Today, life is fine.
I like those days indeed.
Nunight x
Sunday 19 September 2010
1 week in...
It has been a challenging start to my new life; so many adjustments to make, and in many ways, re-defining who I think I might be. I bring with me all of my ideas, my strengths, my weaknesses, into this new world. I have tried to be open to new ways of thinking and feeling, that have to this point in my life, not really been challenged (well, not to this level anyway!)
Up until thursday evening, I thought I had made a terrible mistake. Not that the academy isn't everything I had hoped for, but that it was more than I'd hoped for, and that I wouldn't be able to rise to the heights that they seemed to be asking of us. yet, on Friday, we had the composition department meeting; everyone from the 4 years of undergrads, the 2 year masters and the doctoral nuts. There was something about the vibe in the room that made me feel I might be in the right place afterall. Then, at the end of the meeting, Phil Cashian gave out our projects for the year, and I think that was the point that I could see what lies ahead.
I need a plan. A framework. Goals. Until friday, I didn't really know where I was going. And now I do, so I can visualise the point ahead, and work out how to get there.
My projects are super exciting...
I'll be working with
Bristol Animation studios,
Doing a live electronic music performance,
writing for Chroma Musika (canadian ensemble),
Roehampton dance,
and
Rolf Hind (British pianist, composer)
plus there's the internal work. The composition workshops, the recording techniques and the orchestration and conducting.
ok. It's a lot, A big lot. So I'm going to cut out anything that I can in order to make time. Time is my biggest enemy. I shall be the multi-tasker extraordinaire!
Luckily, Oscar & Ellen are growing up, and are basically very happy kids. That is so important. I couldn't do this if they were messy. I try to let them know that every minute we spend together is as important to me as it is to them, so no one is left behind.
Then Alex is kind and supportive. He seems to know when I need him really close, or when I need to be on my own, or just with Oj and Nel. It seems perfectly natural to me at 37 to have a boyfriend, rather than a husband or 'partner'. It's a different bag, and we like the time we spend together, without the pressures of the 'big-commitment'...yi, it works, and I'd really miss him of he wasn't in my life.
My family are the bedrock. Ma n Pa are stepping up and being super helpful, especially with the kids, but just in the interest they show for what I'm doing.
There's more, so many more super people. But this isn't an acceptance speech (or is it?) ...
Ha. I've got work to do! Am loving scribbling this down tho, I thought it might help, and so far, it does.
:)
Up until thursday evening, I thought I had made a terrible mistake. Not that the academy isn't everything I had hoped for, but that it was more than I'd hoped for, and that I wouldn't be able to rise to the heights that they seemed to be asking of us. yet, on Friday, we had the composition department meeting; everyone from the 4 years of undergrads, the 2 year masters and the doctoral nuts. There was something about the vibe in the room that made me feel I might be in the right place afterall. Then, at the end of the meeting, Phil Cashian gave out our projects for the year, and I think that was the point that I could see what lies ahead.
I need a plan. A framework. Goals. Until friday, I didn't really know where I was going. And now I do, so I can visualise the point ahead, and work out how to get there.
My projects are super exciting...
I'll be working with
Bristol Animation studios,
Doing a live electronic music performance,
writing for Chroma Musika (canadian ensemble),
Roehampton dance,
and
Rolf Hind (British pianist, composer)
plus there's the internal work. The composition workshops, the recording techniques and the orchestration and conducting.
ok. It's a lot, A big lot. So I'm going to cut out anything that I can in order to make time. Time is my biggest enemy. I shall be the multi-tasker extraordinaire!
Luckily, Oscar & Ellen are growing up, and are basically very happy kids. That is so important. I couldn't do this if they were messy. I try to let them know that every minute we spend together is as important to me as it is to them, so no one is left behind.
Then Alex is kind and supportive. He seems to know when I need him really close, or when I need to be on my own, or just with Oj and Nel. It seems perfectly natural to me at 37 to have a boyfriend, rather than a husband or 'partner'. It's a different bag, and we like the time we spend together, without the pressures of the 'big-commitment'...yi, it works, and I'd really miss him of he wasn't in my life.
My family are the bedrock. Ma n Pa are stepping up and being super helpful, especially with the kids, but just in the interest they show for what I'm doing.
There's more, so many more super people. But this isn't an acceptance speech (or is it?) ...
Ha. I've got work to do! Am loving scribbling this down tho, I thought it might help, and so far, it does.
:)
Monday 13 September 2010
The Ears of an Angel?
I don't know about you, but when I think of angels, I don't tend to think about their ears as my first port of call!
I went to the London South Bank University today to have my 'audiometric test', which is a government initiative relating to noise at work (tho more to protect road digger types than sensitive musicians!). Basically we get a test now, a seminar about protecting our lug'oles, and a test at the end of our course.
Anyway, after sitting in an acoustic booth for what seemed like 17 hours, but was probably not much more than 5 minutes, (wondering whether it was normal to hear the blood rushing through my poor ear lobes from the extreme pressure of the headphones, and indeed further wondering whether this audible sensation might affect the results of my test) pressing a little button for each squeak I heard start and stop...i finally achieved my results.
I know that one's hearing, like eyesight and parts of the body affected by gravity (no detail here), that 40 is the golden age where it all goes to shit. So I was perfectly prepared to be told that my composing days were over before they had properly (ie. being paid to do it) begun, and that I should go back to the playground where I belong, and take my kids to the park more often! Therefore, I was delighted when the ear expert dude said that I had better than perfect hearing, and in fact, had the 'ears of an angel'. In the audiology world, there is a mark for perfect hearing, which is zero. My score was -20.
I am more than happy about my angelic ears, and hope that my short skirt bore no over-flattery of the real results, in which I have nice legs, but actually quite shit hearing!
I also made it through my first proper seminar today, on the importance of one's professional portfolio, and it's veritable contents. I take matters of education and goal setting very seriously; maybe it makes me a geek, or maybe it's why I get good marks nowadays (O my, please let that continue, as it matters very much when one is parting with huge sums of money for the privilege of being weighed and measured against a rather steep scale of attainment), either way, I loved the seminar, and think that the blokey who led it (Dr. Neil Heyde), is class at his job and his profession. I like people who love music, it's an affliction!
Tomorrow, I meet the fabled Gary Carpenter, who is to be my personal composition tutor. OOH it's so exciting! I even have moments where I am more excited than scared, though I think it could be a good few weeks (104??) before I stop waiting to feel an official tap on my shoulder followed by an apologetic, yet large man, telling me politely that there has been some mistake, and that it was quite another Miss Nikki Franklin who should have been offered this golden place of opportunity, and that I should quietly get my coat, and make my way back to the playground where I belong and to please take my kids to the park more often!
Okay, so it's scores out tomorrow for the beginning of my noise making under the knowledgeable eye, and perhaps angelic ear of Gary Carpenter...ooh, I can't wait!
If you don't hear from me for 7 weeks, you'll know he is a task-master extraordinaire, and that I am writing symphonies as fast as my faber-castel can take it!
Tra-la-la xxx off to the park then!
I went to the London South Bank University today to have my 'audiometric test', which is a government initiative relating to noise at work (tho more to protect road digger types than sensitive musicians!). Basically we get a test now, a seminar about protecting our lug'oles, and a test at the end of our course.
Anyway, after sitting in an acoustic booth for what seemed like 17 hours, but was probably not much more than 5 minutes, (wondering whether it was normal to hear the blood rushing through my poor ear lobes from the extreme pressure of the headphones, and indeed further wondering whether this audible sensation might affect the results of my test) pressing a little button for each squeak I heard start and stop...i finally achieved my results.
I know that one's hearing, like eyesight and parts of the body affected by gravity (no detail here), that 40 is the golden age where it all goes to shit. So I was perfectly prepared to be told that my composing days were over before they had properly (ie. being paid to do it) begun, and that I should go back to the playground where I belong, and take my kids to the park more often! Therefore, I was delighted when the ear expert dude said that I had better than perfect hearing, and in fact, had the 'ears of an angel'. In the audiology world, there is a mark for perfect hearing, which is zero. My score was -20.
I am more than happy about my angelic ears, and hope that my short skirt bore no over-flattery of the real results, in which I have nice legs, but actually quite shit hearing!
I also made it through my first proper seminar today, on the importance of one's professional portfolio, and it's veritable contents. I take matters of education and goal setting very seriously; maybe it makes me a geek, or maybe it's why I get good marks nowadays (O my, please let that continue, as it matters very much when one is parting with huge sums of money for the privilege of being weighed and measured against a rather steep scale of attainment), either way, I loved the seminar, and think that the blokey who led it (Dr. Neil Heyde), is class at his job and his profession. I like people who love music, it's an affliction!
Tomorrow, I meet the fabled Gary Carpenter, who is to be my personal composition tutor. OOH it's so exciting! I even have moments where I am more excited than scared, though I think it could be a good few weeks (104??) before I stop waiting to feel an official tap on my shoulder followed by an apologetic, yet large man, telling me politely that there has been some mistake, and that it was quite another Miss Nikki Franklin who should have been offered this golden place of opportunity, and that I should quietly get my coat, and make my way back to the playground where I belong and to please take my kids to the park more often!
Okay, so it's scores out tomorrow for the beginning of my noise making under the knowledgeable eye, and perhaps angelic ear of Gary Carpenter...ooh, I can't wait!
If you don't hear from me for 7 weeks, you'll know he is a task-master extraordinaire, and that I am writing symphonies as fast as my faber-castel can take it!
Tra-la-la xxx off to the park then!
Friday 10 September 2010
you know when you throw your coin in the well, and wait for the plop?
I've been standing on the edge of my particular wishing well for 3 days now, and I still didn't hear that comforting 'plop', so I still don't know how deep it is!
The nice thing tho, is that there already seems to be some pretty chilled people gathering around and listening too, so however deep, I'm not the only one listening...
Today, the small, but perfectly formed composition newbies gathered for our first meeting. I think it's gonna be okay here. Good, I might say. The other composers are smart people, without competitive egos. All I felt today was support...support of the strange maybe? The composition department is pretty small, and to one side, metaphorically, from the wealth of world-class performers that inhabit the rest of the building, but already there is a family vibe, a unity that I like. It's scary you know, being the out of town-er, the only mum, the 37, and certainly the smallest!!, but today I wasn't scared, just excited. Happy to have my locker, and to have used it for the first time. It's like piglet going exploring. I may be a small animal, but I'm going to be brave!
As for the music...I can feel it brewing. As we speak, there is a little ribbon floating around; it's been there all afternoon, but just a little out of reach, but it's coming closer, and that's going to be my first ribbon, ready to be used and grown upon. I think it's something dark, but not melancholy. I guess I'll find it in a minute and I'll write the bugger down...then see what happens. Maybe I'll hear that 'plop'? (or maybe that will never come?)
So I have my final weekend of relative freedom. The kids are with their dad, and I've just got a little teaching to do. Alex is gigging all weekend, and has some of his own shit to deal with. So it's me, Jake the cat, and those dancing ribbons.
Nice x
Wednesday 8 September 2010
Day One...
It has been an emotional day. A kinda crazee start really.
It's not easy trying to balance the commitments I have; work (teaching, gigging), bringing up my children, and study. Plus making quality time with my boyfriend and my family and friends. it doesn't always add up.
So, when I found out my new timetable is not the 3 days that I had been led to believe, but in fact 5 days a week, I have to admit, I'm rather freaked out. So, I've been on an organizational mission to try to find the balance. I'll be pulling 12 hour days on Monday and Tuesday in order to work, go into college, and maintain my private teaching and retain my sanctuary in Monday night rehearsals with the London Vocal Project. I've turned down the 4 hours teaching I was offered at a music specialist school, which is a 'damn shame', because it would have been great to work there. I've also moved my Saturday students to once a fortnight.
...well, I never thought this was going to be easy...
But to the positives (and there are many)
The whole vibe today at the academy was superb. The staff are welcoming and encouraging, and oozing enthusiasm for the music, which is where I really feel I will fit in. I think that to be successful in such a competitive world as music, you have to be focused and passionate, and I know that I fit both of those criteria. I don't really believe in that 'natural talent' thing. Sure, some people have a leaning, an understanding of the rhythms of music, that certainly heighten the appeal of study, but I know of no musician who hasn't worked bloody hard to get where they are. It's a kind of addiction. When one of the lecturers today said that what we do as musicians, is to bring pleasure to people through music, and get paid for it; he was spot on. That's exactly what I think. It's why I can commit as much musically to Billy and Mandy's wedding reception, as I do to a big performance. The gift I give is the same. Enjoy the music!
I met some interesting people today, and there are without doubt plenty more to find. There is Benedict, a postgraduate composer and conductor from Switzerland, who won a competition to get his place. There is Dorian, from somewhere else (I can't remember), a violinist, specializing in baroque instruments and performance, who had a cool idea for a composition linking history with modern. Stephen, another postgrad guy from Northern Ireland, who'll be singing his way through the nest two years. and Ruta, DPhil composer from Lithuania, who I happened to be sitting next to in the introductory meeting.
Loads more people to meet, but definitely an encouraging environment.
Well, there is going to be much to say, I am sure. It was a delight to come home to my kids and get the cuddles in before bedtime. Maybe it will be hard, but it might just not be possible if it wasn't for those cuddles!
Sunday 5 September 2010
606
Today I sung at the 606 club, Lots Road, London, with my choir of fab people, the London Vocal Project.
We have been on an amazing journey together, from humble beginnings in our rehearsal space at the Church on the Corner in Islington, through performances with Norma Winstone, Dame Cleo Laine and Sir Johnny Dankworth, and Bobby McFerrin with Roger Treece. We are led and inspired by Pete Churchill, who is simply within the music. The detail of sound and performance that he suggests to us, has led us beyond any individual's capabilities.
The highlight today, was the first solo performance from one of our newest members, Kwabena, currently studying the the Academy. He ripped the arse out of Stevie Wonder's "Love's in Need' (Songs in the key of life). It was a delight to see him perform. More from him, and from all of us without a doubt.
The LVP have been my sanctuary through all of my personal struggles, and when we sing together, nothing else in the world matters. It's all good really...
Still freaked about starting my Masters on Wednesday...ouch. Will be interesting to see how I feel 3 weeks down the line.
x
We have been on an amazing journey together, from humble beginnings in our rehearsal space at the Church on the Corner in Islington, through performances with Norma Winstone, Dame Cleo Laine and Sir Johnny Dankworth, and Bobby McFerrin with Roger Treece. We are led and inspired by Pete Churchill, who is simply within the music. The detail of sound and performance that he suggests to us, has led us beyond any individual's capabilities.
The highlight today, was the first solo performance from one of our newest members, Kwabena, currently studying the the Academy. He ripped the arse out of Stevie Wonder's "Love's in Need' (Songs in the key of life). It was a delight to see him perform. More from him, and from all of us without a doubt.
The LVP have been my sanctuary through all of my personal struggles, and when we sing together, nothing else in the world matters. It's all good really...
Still freaked about starting my Masters on Wednesday...ouch. Will be interesting to see how I feel 3 weeks down the line.
x
Friday 3 September 2010
A new journey
What is a single mother from Crawley doing, going back to school? Well, iI can tell you, it's been an interesting journey, and this is just another step along the way. Where will it lead? I don't know, and I don't much mind. It's the journey that thrills me.
Next Wednesday I start a Masters in Composition at the Royal Academy of Music in London. It is beyond a life ambition, and I feel so privileged to have been given this opportunity.
Who am I anyway? I am a 37 year old mother of 2. Oscar and Ellen - 8 and 7 now, and both at junior school this year. I have been a musician for 20 years...20 years? It seems crazy! And still I ramble on, ever changing, but with one constant in my life - the music.
I play the piano, and play keyboards in various bands; function bands mainly, some great, some crap. I also sing. How I love to sing!
My favourite kind of music to perform is jazz. Me, my piano, my voice. Its quite something to be self-sufficient as a musician, to be able to create a performance all on your own. Of course, I love to play with other musicians, (especially the ones that listen!) but it is nice to just sit there and noodle through my favourite tunes. I've played pianos in so many places - from castles to barracks, mansion houses to smelly pubs. It's all about the music. Once I start to play, it doesn't matter where I am or what time it is, it's not about how much I will be paid, or what happens next. It's just about the music, and it wraps you up and takes you wherever you want to go.
I've opened this blog because I know that the next 2 years of study are going to be really challenging, and my way of coping with stress is to write things down. It leaves more space in my head for thinking about the things I am supposed to be concentrating on.
and so...let the journey begin.
Nikki x
Next Wednesday I start a Masters in Composition at the Royal Academy of Music in London. It is beyond a life ambition, and I feel so privileged to have been given this opportunity.
Who am I anyway? I am a 37 year old mother of 2. Oscar and Ellen - 8 and 7 now, and both at junior school this year. I have been a musician for 20 years...20 years? It seems crazy! And still I ramble on, ever changing, but with one constant in my life - the music.
I play the piano, and play keyboards in various bands; function bands mainly, some great, some crap. I also sing. How I love to sing!
My favourite kind of music to perform is jazz. Me, my piano, my voice. Its quite something to be self-sufficient as a musician, to be able to create a performance all on your own. Of course, I love to play with other musicians, (especially the ones that listen!) but it is nice to just sit there and noodle through my favourite tunes. I've played pianos in so many places - from castles to barracks, mansion houses to smelly pubs. It's all about the music. Once I start to play, it doesn't matter where I am or what time it is, it's not about how much I will be paid, or what happens next. It's just about the music, and it wraps you up and takes you wherever you want to go.
I've opened this blog because I know that the next 2 years of study are going to be really challenging, and my way of coping with stress is to write things down. It leaves more space in my head for thinking about the things I am supposed to be concentrating on.
and so...let the journey begin.
Nikki x
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