reflections by participants
Dillon Lim
21 November 2018
1 day before the start of Coalesce
" I would like to thank Mr Rado for arranging an extra practice session for me. I had a 1.5 hours of practice today. "
22 November 2018
Day 1 of Coalesce
" The weather in Birmingham is very cold.
Day 1 started with a one hour history group class conducted by Miss Beetung Goo. Her class was very informative and interesting. She talked about the Baroque period and composers such as J.S. Bach, G.F. Handel and Antonio Vivaldi and also how the instruments, orchestra and opera were different from today. I certainly learnt a lot from her.
I have also attended a one hour piano lesson with Miss Caroline Costello. The repertoire that I was playing is very new to me. I made a few mistakes but she was very patient and gave me some good advice. I wished my lesson with her was longer as we did not manage to finish the whole repertoire.
The most challenging session of Day 1 was the chamber music class. I did not expect to play with so experienced violin and cello musicians.
All in all, it was a fruitful experience. "
23 November 2018
Day 2 of Coalesce
" Today was more relaxed because there were fewer classes and more practice time. The classes were very beneficial and i learnt a lot from the two teachers in the two classes today.
In the masterclass with Professor John Thwaites, i learnt how to play the dotted rhythm in the introduction more energetically. Due to time constraint, I only had 15 minutes with him.
I had a 45-minute piano lesson with Dr Robert Markham. I learnt the importance of using curved fingers to play the piano and lift my hands well so that i can play with more clarity. He also taught me the technique of always listen to the melody shape while playing."
24 November 2018
Day 3 of Coalesce
" It was the concert day. I was a little nervous as my repertoires were not fully ready. My solo piece was ‘raw’ to me as I only managed to play it reasonably well a few days before I set off to Birmingham. I had made a few mistakes during my performances at the concert but I am glad that I pulled through.
Overall, the most challenging part was the chamber music, but I was lucky to play with two very talented and experienced musicians who were very patient in teaching me and accommodating my mistakes during our practices.
I am glad that I have participated in this immersion program as it was a once in a life time experience for me. It had given me the opportunity to attend lessons and masterclass with the conservatoire professors, to play chamber music with two experienced musicians and to fully utilize the school’s facilities. I was immersed in a world of music wonder these few days and I learned new things every day.
Lastly, I would like to thank my parents, my Seimpi teachers and RBC professors, teachers and musicians who have supported and helped me and for making this trip a meaningful and memorable one"