It feels very strange writing ‘Spring Term 2013’ in all my admin, but what else do you call it?

The above photo is from my drive back from work at Alderwasley, towards Belper. The snow is making the drive particularly beautiful at the moment.

Spring Update:

Teaching wise I’m still doing peripatetic lessons at Alderwasley & Murray Park. Sadly the singing group for Murray Park Adult Ed. has finished due to dwindling numbers. However, the Rock & Pop Choir continues to grow and we have been packed in to the Archers Gallery at the VoiceBox for the past two weeks (not continuously obviously, our voices wouldn’t last out for a start!).

I’m also doing some AVIT Rockschool (not the film or the exam board, confusingly) workshops with Fleet Arts. These guys are based in Belper but have been running a variety of activities across Derbyshire for years. And further afield! We’ve been driving to sunny Eckington on Tuesdays for an after school session. We have 3 bands and the aim is for them to write at least 1 original song to be performed at a concert together with Heritage School. So far the feedback has been great, the students are very much enjoying it!

Gigwise, well this weekend I’ll be playing at the Bookcafe, Saturday night. It’s becoming one of my favourite venues, and I’ll be playing alongside Neil White & Sue Millichap. Then Sadlergates on the 25th, with another gig at the Brewery Tap on the 16th Feb. So lots to look forward to!

I’ve been writing some new stuff recently, so will be bringing this out in to daylight very soon. Gigs are of course a great opportunity to do this, but I’m also enjoying being part of a new Derby singer/songwriters group.. the furthest point from the SEA and sharing songs with like-minded souls. So far we’ve had one meet-up, with another scheduled for this evening. It’s a good opportunity to get some feedback & encouragement, and we’ll be playing some gigs during 2013.

Training/ Learning

Well, that’s the major events/ work going on so far. Of course I’m always keen to learn new stuff, I’m still on the lookout for relevant training. This weekend I’ll be going to an Education Day, with the Association of British Choral Directors, to brush up on my conducting skills.

The Music Education Expo looks very interesting, there are quite a few workshops I’d like to attend. However, the worry is I’ll have to choose which ones are the best! I’ll have to carefully consider which are relevant NOW, rather than the sort of work I might like to do in 5-10yrs time. Hmm..

After doing my ABRSM Grade 5 (Distinction, thank you very much) I’m now aware I need to get my music theory skills up to date. Having played & performed for years, mainly learning by ear, it’s a different route for me but the classical training is really helping my overall playing ability. I’m also back to singing lessons tomorrow, so best get on & do some practise for that! Looking forward to getting back to these, again mostly in the classical style.

After singing Fauré though, anything else seems like a doddle!

This is quickly becoming a short thesis, so I will sign off for now. Hope this year is starting as you’d hoped, and if you’d like to contact me on any aspect of my work/ self-employment/ choir leading please do. I’d be happy to answer any questions & help out with my experience to date!