This week has just flown by, with plenty of rehearsals, performances in class, researching and collating information for my essay, coaching, music calls for my opera scenes and much more.
However, the most important thing I have learnt this week was being self-critical and setting myself ‘micro-goals’ during my independent study time. I saw this fantastic poster in the practise room and it really connected with the projects I have undertaken at the minute.
I realised that I have to give myself time for the process and that something which can begin as (seeming) impossible can be overcome. By breaking the impossible goal down into achievable smaller goals you can improve your motivation, which can then provide you with the ability to process the task at hand.
It may seem simple when you first read it and I have used the idea before when revising for exams, or preparing an essay. But often when taking on a much bigger project I find myself continuously working hard focusing on the conclusion. This can often pressurise my learning environment, rather than congratulating myself for the small achievements, which day by day can add up to the larger goal.
For example I was tripping over fitting in a mordant in a piece I have been practising, so I took it apart and practised the notes outside of the rhythm, then I worked out all the different ways that I could rhythmically fit the ornament in so it worked with the accompaniment. Finally I brought it all together by practising the different options until I picked one that suited the drama of the phrase.
At the end of the week I had the lovely treat of attending two birthday parties and a fabulous concert at which the Kilmardinny Music Circle presented the talented and lovely Ayoub sisters, Sarah and Laura. Sarah recently graduated from the RCS and as I consider her a friend it was wonderful to get to see her perform. Together they have recently won “The Big Music Project Classical Competition” as a duo and will soon be performing at the Royal Albert Hall! I hope I can get tickets! My favourite piece of the evening was a set of Spanish pieces Malaguena – Playera – Habenera by Pablo de Sarasate. They really transported me to a Spanish villa at sunset with the smell of wine and olives in the air. A truly splendid week!