Graduation Day

On Tuesday 5th July at my Graduation ceremony the four years studying here at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland came to an end with my award of a Bachelor of Music (Performance) with honours of the First Class. I have met some wonderful and inspirational teachers, shared my dreams with new friends and learnt so much during my time here. I have been truly fortunate to study what I love and I know that the skills that I have been taught here will stay with me as I continue my studies. I’m thrilled to have studied at an Institution with graduates that come from no less than 65 countries all across the world. It was also quite unique and wonderful to be presented to our friends and family by walking on stage following Ross Miller on Bagpipes.

We heard inspirational advice from our Principal Professor Jeffrey Sharkey and an encouraging commencement speech from Texas-born cellist Ralph Kirshbaum from his experiences in a long and fulfilling music career, who had been honoured with a Doctor of Music Degree (honoris causa).

Unfortunately Stephen Robertson, the head of vocals could not be with us for graduation as his presence would have made the day perfect.  He has been a constant source of inspiration for me during my four years here at the RCS, always there to provide support and encouragement to overcome what at first may have seemed insurmountable.  For all his help and guidance I must say a big thank you and hope that our paths will cross again in the future.

To all of you that have followed my training progress over the past four years, I want you to know that you have been a very important part of my development and I hope you stay with me for the next stage of my adventure. I have several exciting projects over the summer to share with you soon, keep in touch.

With-Mum-and-Dad
With My Mum And Dad Getting Ready To Go To The Ceremony
Charlotte-and-Matt
My Brother Matt and Me
Opening-Graduation
The Start Of The Graduation Ceremony
Scroll
Collecting My Degree
Group-7
A Fabulous Ceremony, I Was So Happy
Norman-and-Me
Norman Beedie, A Wonderful Teacher
Staff-04
Helen McVey, Very Inspirational
Staff-02
Alistair MacDonald, Helped Me Explore Music
Staff-01
Isobel Anderson, Our Alexander Technique Lecturer
Nana-and-Grandad
Celebrating With My Nana and Grandad
Group-5
Flowers From My Brother Thomas And His Girlfriend Anna
Group-1
Claire Rucket, Davidona Pittock, Maria Sappho and Me
Group-6
Leila Marshall And Me
George-and-Charlotte-01
George Todica And Me On The Steps Outside The RCS
Group-2
With Alex McFadzen
Group-4
Back: Nathan Jenkins, Next Line: Tim Edmundson, Robert Forrest and Alex McFadzen, On My Line: Susannah Bedford, Jessica Hurst, Me and Claire Rucket, Front: Beth Taylor
Outside-RCS
In Front Of The RCS Entrance At The End Of The Day

 

181 thoughts on “Graduation Day”

    1. At the moment my memory is so full of new music I forget the most basic things I have to keep putting reminders in my phone! I remembered to order your new book though, good luck with it 🍀 you deserve much success.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

      1. Thank you. I was offered an English teaching position for a year in China, though I’m not sure I can afford the move. Plus, I’m nervous, it’s entirely a different country. Still, I would use my earnings to finally take advantage of all the art exhibition offers I have to pay for. Any thoughts?

      2. I have a friend who teaches English in rural Japan, he had an amazing time after the initial adjustment where he got a bit home sick. He ended up staying for two years instead of one. Violet a blog friend of mine is doing something similar and having an amazing time, which reminds me I must check how she is getting on now.

        I think it would be good for you, it’s a brave new world to offer a creative person like you a different perspective. Take a look at DALO Collis blog his photos and posts in China are just amazing. I also have a conductor friend who moved out to China to an amazing opportunity. It’s a big decision have you done anything like it before?

      3. Well, in 2009, my move from Florida to California was over 2,500 miles. I ended up loving SoCal after getting used to it. Still, I didn’t have to cross an entire ocean. But my adventurous curiosity has been sparked. What if…

    1. Thank you 😀 I was so happy, the City seems so empty and quiet now everyone has left. I have a couple of exciting concerts in Scotland then I’m off to Berlin for a month, then a short trip to Brussels and finally the big move to London. I’ll catch up soon when the world stops spinning for a moment 😀.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

      1. I first saw Berlin in 1978. We were in a group camping on the outskirts of the city, and it was still east vs west. I’ve been back two or three times since and never recognise much. It is now very much a happening city, and it was a surprise to find myself back there at the time of a Love Parade! I suppose you have often been, but if you have not taken notice, and if they are still there, you might look out for the footpath markers showing where the wall once ran. I take it you did decide on the Masters then? In London? xx Gwen

      2. I’ve never been to Germany it will be a first for me, the performance is in French and I get to practice my German too. I’m starting at the Royal College of Music in London mid-September. Lots of change

      3. Oh well! I hope you get some free time to explore the city. I was about your age when I first saw it. I remember being struck how the west was all neon light, movement and consumerism, while the east was grey stone and little shops which in places were still a few steps down to below street level, and only a few tins displayed in a tiny window. Nothing like that now. On a subsequent visit I was struck by how many construction cranes were in use. The place was being rebuilt. Maybe all I would recognise now would be the Brandenberg Gate. Good luck with the next part of your studies. I’ve joined a community choir here. We had our first end of term concert. Teehee. Audience of twenty supportive family. Our choir leader is about thirty and has a beautiful voice. She teaches at the local Conservatorium of Wollongong. It’s a bit of fun for us, nothing serious. But singing and line dancing are great for the mind and spirits!

  7. Congratulations, Charlotte! What a beautiful graduation gown–and where did you get that lovely bracelet? Best wishes for your summer!

    Warm regards,

    Cate

    Reply

    1. The Designer Outlet Village Swarovski store, my Mum thought it might be a bit loud with all the colour in my dress and shoes but oh well…couldn’t resist such a good offer 😊😀😄.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  8. Congratulations Charlotte,
    What a brilliant 4days in Glasgow we had with you. We are very proud of you.
    Hope you enjoy your 2 years at the RCM doing your masters.xx😘

    Reply

    1. Glasgow really has such an amazing culture and music scene, I will miss it tonnes but I have an opportunity later in the year to come back and spend a bit of time here. I think once Glasgow has been part of your life the city and the amazing friendly people stay in your heart forever.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  15. Congratulations dear Charlotte, with my best wishes!
    Beautiful pictures from all of you & your family first of all!
    Aslo you look very pretty in this colorful dress! 🙂

    Reply

  16. Well done and sincere congratulations. It has been a wonderful journey and I have enjoyed sharing that and all your adventures. Now new adventures are calling and I look forward to reading about them. Take care, and again, Congratulations.

    Reply

    1. Thank you John, I’m glad you enjoyed the adventure, it’s going to be exciting I’m so busy at the moment I’ve not really had time to think about it 😄.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

      1. Thanks Charlotte. Everything is going great. But it is time to slow down and enjoy life for a couple of weeks.
        Best wishes
        Phil

    1. Thank you Clare, I can honestly say I worked really hard over the full four years they don’t give loads of them out so I was really pleased.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

      1. I am sure you deserved it. Most tutors have a very good idea about how much work a student puts in and you have so much talent as well. I hoe you can relax a little before going off to The Royal College.

  23. Congratulations, Charlotte! You deserve the highest honour! All the best in the coming Masters program and a bright future! In this world of turmoil, we sure need voices like yours to spread beauty and goodwill.

    Reply

    1. Thank you Arti, I like to look on the bright side even when there is so much darkness, I loved your post, I’m about to watch Unbroken directed by Angelina Jolie.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  26. Congratulations. How exciting to just be starting out on the adventure of your career. What a great looking bunch of people in your pictures. All the best in the years ahead. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Reply

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