I know Mel through the world of the flute. Though we were both music students at the same time (in different colleges), it was many years later through British Flute Society events and Wonderful Winds roadshows that we actually got to know each other. We stay in touch via Facebook, and I look forward to … More Mel
I spent yesterday in beautiful, sunny Eton. That in itself would have fed my soul – the stunning buildings in quaint streets, the quirky independent shops behind traditional facades, the dabbling ducks and majestic boats along the River Thames… you get the picture. I spent most of the day indoors, however, exercising my brain, lungs … More Fluting!
I have a strong memory from childhood of being taught that ‘giving up’ was a bad thing to do. The message I received was that once I committed to something, I should see it through… whether I liked it or not. It was ‘character building’ to stick at it (apparently) and conversely, showed an undesirable … More Stick or twist?
If you read my reflective post of 1st January 2017, you would have read that there were some challenges which I had intended to do in 2016 which, for various reasons, just didn’t happen. And you would also have read that I planned to make sure that those got done in 2017… So, here goes … More The ones that got away… #1 Record a CD of flute music
Just last week I had an email from the Associated Board for the Royal Schools of Music, apologising for the delayed issue of Diploma results from the winter session. So, when I opened the mailbox this morning to find inside a large envelope from the same people, I was a little taken aback! In fact, … More 45. Sit my DipABRSM – part 2
I have taught the flute on and off since I was 16, and since settling back in Cardiff with my family I have had a busy and regular private practice of flute pupils. I have prepared pupils for exams from the Prep Test for (absolute beginners) to Grade 8 and helped my pupils to gain results often in excess … More 45. Sit my DipABRSM
Before I even get into the details of this challenge, I have a confession to make… What I actually wrote on my list of 50 things was ‘Perfect a new Ian Clarke piece’. Perfect. Verb – make (something) completely free from faults or defects; make as good as possible. I hope you’re not going to hold … More 44. Learn a new Ian Clarke piece
The results are in! I’d like to say I’m delighted to report that I got a Distinction. In truth, if I hadn’t I think I’d have quit the day job… And frankly, I’m a *little* disappointed with my marks…. Here goes: List A – Telemann – comments included ‘acute awareness of style’; ‘eloquent rendition’; ‘lines … More 6. Grade 7 flute – part 2
Part 1 Why, oh why, oh why? Actually, pretty much everyone has asked my why I decided to do this one… So, here are my answers: When I did my flute grades as a kid, there was no Grade 7. It went 3, 4, 5, 6, 8. So I decided to ‘fill in the gap’. … More 6. Grade 7 flute – part 1
50shadesofbrave 