Today’s thoughts… 21 May 2024

A bit of late-night practicing on the keyboard last night so I don’t disturb the neighbours, as later today is my concert! Or rather, a concert I’ve organised that I will be performing in along with members of the University College London Chamber Music Club.

I’ve been part of the Club more or less since I joined UCL over fifteen years ago, and in that time I’ve had the opportunity to be part of ensembles, duos, orchestras and choirs, played solo, and performed world premiers of pieces written by our resident composer. I’ve even had a piece dedicated to me! As part of the committee, we take turns in organising concerts throughout the academic year and I’ve tried to be imaginative and ground-breaking when it’s been my turn. One memorable concert featured two people playing a cactus… you had to be there!

Music has always been part of my life, and despite doing really well as a young flautist I knew I didn’t want to pursue a career in music. I said to myself it was because I wanted stability and financial security, but the truth is that I didn’t have the confidence and belief in myself that I could succeed.

Even though I didn’t want to work in music I didn’t know what I did want to do, as I felt I wasn’t really good at anything else. It used to worry me that I couldn’t envisage a clear path in life and didn’t know “what I wanted to be when I grew up”. Well I’m not sure that I have “grown up” yet but I’m happy with the twists and turns my path has taken and opportunities I’ve made the most of on the way. I do enjoy the job that I do now and feel I’m where I’m supposed to be.

In hindsight it probably was the right decision not to become a professional musician as rather than depend on music to live, I have enjoyed making music and performing in some amazing places without the worry of it being my job. I do get paid from time to time, which is a bonus, but mostly I perform for free in charity concerts and other events.

They say that if you don’t scare yourself at least once a day you are not really alive. Today I will make my debut solo performance on the piano playing Bach’s Prelude in C, and I’m really nervous about it! If you’re near UCL in Gower Street, London at 5.30pm do come along to what I’m sure will be a very enjoyable concert (my piano-playing aside!). UCL Chamber Music Club concerts are free and open to all – details of the programme can be found on the CMC website.