Last Sunday I travelled to Antwerp, Brussels to take part in a masterclass hosted by OASE projects in the beautiful AMUZ venue. The master class was given by W.Stephen Smith, the author of ‘The Naked Voice’, the vocal teacher of Joyce de Donato and Christine Brewer. We were told that this was his first visit to Europe to hold such a class, and I was thrilled to have been invited to participate.
There were singers of varying ages and voice types from all over Europe. The session started with such high energy and never let up, it was so exhilarating to just sit and listen to his advice as we each singer got up to perform.
When it was my turn it all seemed to happen so quickly. He gave me some insightful advice which I found particularly helpful and I made lots of notes.
Fortunately for me, Catrin, one of the organisers, took some pictures during the event which she said I could share with you all.
Before travelling back on Tuesday I took advantage of the beautiful weather and spent some time exploring the city and loved catching up with friends from the Italian summer school from last summer, Astrid Defauw and Alexandra Franck. Alexandra showed us all around Antwerp explaining the history of her beautiful home City.
Tomorrow will be my first day at the Royal College of Music and the anticipation of starting a new stage in my training is raising my excitement levels to new heights. Though it was sad to say goodbye to my family this afternoon after we finished unpacking, it will be great to start putting into practice some the suggestions that I have received over the summer from the different projects I have been a part of.
Exciting times.
Very exciting, I’ve really enjoyed my first week of freshers, I’m meeting my new teacher for our first lesson on Thursday and a full diary 😀.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Goodluck on the new term. 🙂
Thank you John, I’m bottling up my good luck messages 🍀 hehe.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Nice picture of you and the fountain. Good luck and have fun with your new term too!
Thank you 🍀🍀 going to need a little luck this week 😊.
Best wishes
Charlotte
That is great for you to hone your skills with these classes. How exciting for you, best wishes & hugs! Xx
Such a privilege to meet him Janice, such a lovely and nurturing man. I learned so much watching him with the other singers too.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Be well! x
What a lovely wish for me Cheryl ✨ thank you.
Best wishes
Charlotte
x
Everybody says you have a twin somewhere. Stephen looks like mine. Only he stole my hair.
Hehe, a very handsome man 😊 and thinning hair is a sign of great intelligence.
Best wishes
Charlotte
How did you know?
What a fabulous opportunity for you. So much promise and so many new adventures! <3
It was a fabulous opportunity I had to pinch myself. It was quite nerve wracking I’m glad I was one of the first segments.
Best wishes
Charlotte
It’s wonderful to read about the lovely people you met… great pics too! Enjoy the challenges and best in everything. 🙂
Thank you Iris, I’m so happy there were photographs to capture the memory for me. I love a challenge.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wishing you every success at the Royal College of Music.
Thank you very much 😊.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Tomorrow–so exciting! Break a leg!
I’ve had a fantastic week, it’s gone so quickly. I’m glad I had a rest this afternoon.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Well done for getting a place on the masterclass, and good luck for the start of your masters. I look forward to continuing to follow you on your amazing journey. X
Thanks Gill, I’m in Spain next week, my first time performing there 🤗. I’ve got the most magnificent dress.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Very nice, congratulations Charlotte – All the best for your new challenge, and thanks to share all this nice news ! Take care of you Miss Rainbow voice !
Merci Pascal, I’ve done a yoga class today, made a new friend, gone for a brisk walk, eaten a lovely roast dinner with Yorkshire pudding I made in my microwave/oven so it’s amazing it turned out OK. Listened to my music relaxing and caught up with my blog friends a lovely day, 😴 soon I’ve got an early start tomorrow.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Nice! Have a great new week ! 🙂
Lots of luck and best wishes for the next stage of your journey!
Thanks so much Rhys I’m storing my luck for later in the week 🍀🍀🍀 😄.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Antwerp… Well, Charlotte, you were practically in my back yard!
What a beautiful backyard to have, I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit. So happy I had a friend to give us a whistle stop tour as we saw so much more. Sorry I missed you 😊🙋🏼.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I hope you’ll enjoy your first week! You are one of the #RCMfreshers on Twitter. Does it feel real yet? So much hard work to get there…
I did Mary thank you, it certainly does feel real you should see my things to do list. The hard work is just beginning… 😀
Best wishes
Charlotte
What luck to have W Stephen Smith taking the masterclass! I love the photos of you – such concentration on your face! Best of luck at the RCM. Have fun too 🙂
I know! I laughed when I saw the faces I pull 😀 I really wanted to do well. We had great fun and I’m loving London.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I am so pleased 🙂 Best wishes Clare xx
So exciting to be following your dreams. Have a good year.
Thank you Diane that’s a lovely wish for me ✨. I’m going to make the most of it.
Best wishes
Charlotte
So happy for you. Cheers!
Thanks Eric. Cheers 🍹🍷
Best wishes
Charlotte
Never stop having fun,Charlotte! And bonne chance with your new term and continued career!
Thanks Noelle, Merci beaucoup,
Best wishes
Charlotte
Beautiful Charlotte and wish you the best on your new term.
Thank you Rev.Tim 😊
All my best wishes
Charlotte
And the first day arrives ~ what a great feeling it must have been to have taken your first initial steps into this new adventure as the term started. This last work in Antwerp with W.Stephen Smith is a great way to end one adventure and begin another. Wishing you continued beauty in life 🙂
What a great way of looking at it. So excited on my first day, I wore my new gold coloured loafers especially for the occasion!
Thank you for your good wishes Randall.
Best wishes
Charlotte
That’s amazing news and what wonderful photos. Go Charlotte!
I loved reading about your new book too, many congratulations and good luck 🍀 the illustrations are lovely.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Good luck to you, dear Charlotte 🙂
Thank you so much 🍀🍀🍀🍀 one more for my bottle of luck 😀
Best wishes
Charlotte
I hope your first day at the Royal College of Music went well. It’s great to have something amazing like that going on. (On September 19, I tidied up a closet and washed my socks, so our days were rather different in their average level of excitement.)
Yes I had a lovely first day. I hoovered and mopped the floor today and checked out the laundry room 😊😄 you can only take so much excitement in one week.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I guess you have to pace yourself. 🙂
Hi Charlotte, Antwerp was so educational and what a beautiful place it is! Excitement reigns supreme as you enter your new phase in life, take a deep breath and go for it.
🌬 deep breath and an early night tonight ready for next week.
Best wishes
Charlotte