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”

  2. Congratulations, Charlotte dear (and you look lovely too). But how could you even begin to imagine that your faithful clan would abandon you now?

    Reply

    1. Thank you Martin, I’ve got some exciting projects lined up, after taking a few days off to celebrate I’m now working hard learning three new roles in English, Italian and French.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte 😊

      Reply

    1. Thanks Don, I’ve still a couple of singing projects in Scotland this month, then I’m off to Germany in a few weeks for a month and a trip to Belgium after that, then London mid-September lots of change.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  5. Huge congrats dear Charlotte… I am so happy for you… Keep all the great achievements coming!!!!… Love & best wishes. Aquileana 😀

    Reply

    1. Thank you Aquileana 😊. I intend to soak up as many new experiences as absolutely possible, and try to enjoy every day along the way.
      Best wishes 🙋🏼
      Charlotte

      Reply

  6. Hip hip hip houra!!!! Congratuations Charlotte !!! You’re the best, you talented singer, great friend and fabulous youg wooman my dear Lady Rainbow voice !!! Very proud to be friend with you ! All the very best for you always !!!! Bravo !

    Reply

    1. Merci beaucoup 😊. I have a couple of French songs recorded at a recent concert, I’d like to send them to you for your opinion and advice. Thank you for being a great friend.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  9. Huge congrats Charlotte. All that hard work pays off. You have a great future ahead of you and I for one look forward to following you on your adventures and travels. Congratulations! Wishing you all the best.

    Reply

    1. I did a concert last week in the town I went to school in and one lady remembered me from my primary school plays she said she was thrilled to see how far I have come. Thank you 😊.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  10. Congratulations Charlotte! You will always treasure the days at the Conservatoire, but I know you will also treasure the days to come as you build a successful career beyond your undergraduate studies. I think you have all the ingredients; go forth and multiply your musical joys!

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    2. Thank you Peter, I’m very conscious arts funding has been severely cut and my generation of musicians have to build our own careers and not be too dependent on grants and scholarships. If you have any tips or advice for me that could help please e-mail me 😊🙋🏼. I’m willing to travel 😀.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  11. Praise God for your graduation and what a success story you have been. Charlotte, the Lord has many plans for you to prosper you, to give you a future filled with hope and not to harm you. I am so thankful for you and the inspiration that you have given to all the people you have touched along the way. May God continue to watch over you in all of your ways, and just continue to acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

    Reply

    2. Thank you Rev.Tim, my blog post tonight is about George and I being given the opportunity to give a little back by donating a concert to help what I feel is a most inspirational charity in India. With the funds raised helping people to get an education to help themselves in their future lives.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. Thank you Cheryl, I’d love to sing in the USA and visit some of the places I read about in all your blogs. One day I’ll find a way to do it.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. Thank you Barbara, I hope you are having a lovely summer. It was fab to have Nana and Grandad up in Glasgow although we walked their legs off 😄.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. Thank you Terry, it doesn’t seem like work, other than language learning 😳, doing what I do, I had to pinch myself in some of my performances so I knew I was awake and not dreaming it 😀.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  19. Congratulations to you! Four years of hard work ends with success, but still continues with a lifetime of memories and a continuing career path forward for you, Charlotte! 🙂

    Reply

    1. Thank you, we were encouraged by the conservatoire right from the start to keep reflective journals and this week I’ve loved flicking back through them all reading all my notes and thoughts.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  20. Wow, Charlotte. Congratulations! Best wishes on what the future holds, and yes… I’ll be here to journey with you vicariously.

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  23. So very happy for you. What a remarkable accomplishment. I can feel the joy, all the way over here in Michigan. May the good Lord continue to bless you with success along your journey.

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    1. Thank you, I’ve had offers this week from old friends who are already studying in London to help me to settle in down there so I’m grateful for that.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  27. Congratulations, hope you had a good celebration after receiving the degree, and I hope the holiday and beginning of the new challenge in London will go well. Best wishes and blessings, Charles.

    Reply

    1. My family and friends had a lovely short holiday celebrating together Charles. I’m already working on a couple of roles for this summer which I’m thrilled about.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

      1. I hope all the rolls go well, and that you will enjoy your new surroundings and be as happy as you were in Glasgow.Best wishes and blessings, Charles.

  33. Congrats dear. It has been a great experience reading your posts for these four years. I remember the time when both of us started our online journals together around four years ago. I have always liked hearing you.You are looking beautiful in all the pictures. Keep up the good work Charlotte. 😊😘

    Reply

    1. Thank you, it’s lovely to hear from you Gaurab 😊, it was so hot in the gown 😀. I hope you’re keeping well and life is treating you good.
      Best wishes 🙋🏼
      Charlotte

      Reply

  42. CONGRATULATIONS doesn’t seem to convey my feelings here, Charlotte!! I feel as though I saw my own child not only grow into a beautiful and smart woman, but did accomplish the task she set for herself. I thank you for letting me be part of your life and your success here!!

    Reply

    1. Awww GP what a lovely message, I’m teary eyed. Thank you for your constant support and encouragement. I’m posting a couple of videos tonight if you get chance to watch them of me as Zerlina with Opera Britain.
      My best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. Thanks Marie we were all exhausted by the end of the day, my Nana said she hadn’t had such a good nights sleep in ages 😀. Hoping to keep my adventure on the tracks 😊.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  50. Hi, I saw these photos with great delight early this morning. I was thinking of you yesterday. I was in Cambridge and standing near Heffers bookshop opposite St John’s College was a young countertenor, with the most stunning voice. He was singing a cappella, the music in his hands and a small box at his feet. It was all early music and I wished I could just stand and absorb it as so many others were doing. I put the first coins in and ten minutes later I passed him again and the box was filling merrily. He deserved it for making so many people happy as you do every time you sing. Good luck!

    Reply

    1. Hi Hilary, Cambridge is a beautiful City, it’s been lovely having you along with my journey and reading your advice and encouragement. I do hope that you get the chance to hear me sing whilst I’m in London and we can meet 😊. So happy to read about your latest book tour.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

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