Be brave

Learning music doesn’t just doesn’t just make you a musician, it actually builds bravery.

Music and particularly performing music, lives in the same part of your brain where you recognize your own nakedness.

Every time someone performs, they are presenting to the audience – this is what I made, this is a piece of who I am.

That’s scary.

And bravery is doing something while you are afraid of doing it.

Every time that you do something that you are afraid of doing, every time you do something bravely, it actually rewires your self concept, what you think about yourself.

Neural pathways get built that tell ourselves I can do difficult things and I can do it in front of people.

What is so amazing is that neural pathway that has been built doesn’t stay in music.

It shows up in job interviews, it shows up when you volunteer in the community, it shows up when you stand up to a bully.

There are so many places in life when we require bravery, the ability to do something while we are afraid to do it.

Bravery is built in the mind and the body through repeated acts of bravery.

And music is a bravery gym.

Break a leg!

A quick message to wish all those who are participating in the Sale Eisteddfod this Saturday. They have all worked very hard, preparing their repertoire and are sounding fantastic.

The main thing I would remind you all is to BREATHE!

Also this weekend is the last performances of The Little Mermaid by the Latrobe Theatre Company.

This is a lovely performance and would highly recommend attending if you are able.

To book tickets click here.

The Latrobe Chorale is also performing this weekend:

Saturday 21st May 2pm Presbyterian Church, Morwell.

Sunday 22nd May 2pm, St Michaels Church, Traralgon.

I will be conducting the program: Rutter’s Gloria and Faure’s Requiem.

Here is a taste:

It’s Eisteddfod time

Eisteddfods are a great opportunity to use as motivation to learn repertoire, improve your skills and practice performing.

Eisteddfods date back to the 12th century in Wales.

Eisteddfods are competitions that involve testing individuals for singing, dancing, acting and musicianship. The Royal South Street Eisteddfod in Ballarat has been running since 1891. The Sydney Eisteddfod commenced in 1933 and offers some 400 events across all Performing Arts, catering to 30,000 performers annually. Modern equivalents in Australia are competitions reserved for schoolchildren, though many have open sections where anyone (including professionals) may participate and compete. Typically, a prize may be a scholarship to pursue a further career. Many young Australian actors and dancers participate regularly in the various competitions scheduled throughout the year.

The main Eisteddfods in our local community are:

The Sale Eisteddfod (entries have already closed)

The West Gippsland Eisteddfod (entries close 7th June)

The Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod (entries close 30th June

The Yarram Eisteddfod (entries close 1st June)

Please note there are costs involved such as entry fees, purchasing sheet music, paying for rehearsals with pianists. There are also rewards such as a sense of achievement, prizes that include cash, and feedback from the adjudicator (the person judging the performances)

If you would like to know more about entering an Eisteddfod or would like singing lessons to help you better when performing in things like Eisteddfods click here and send me a message. Would be happy to help.

For a list of Eisteddfods and festivals in Victoria click here.

I have a limited number of places available for in person or on line lessons. To enquire about singing lessons click here.