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!