Apart from the lectures and lesson observations, another wonderful experience that I’m able to enjoy at the RNCM is the chance to go to concerts and recitals by world renowned orchestras and artists. There is a vibrant classical music scene here and over the past month I've probably had my busiest concert-going schedule ever. I have even been to two concerts in a single day on several occasions!
The famous Bridgewater Hall is a mere 10 minute walk from the college and it is home to three orchestras: the Hallé, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and the Manchester Camarata. As a student, I can get concession tickets at a very affordable price - £3 - for most concerts. I've already enjoyed a breathtaking performance of András Schiff's Bartók Piano Concerto, Rachmaninoff’s Symphony by the visiting Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring by the BBC Philharmonic.
During a short trip arranged by ABRSM to London last week, I was able to visit the Royal Festival Hall to hear the London Philharmonic Orchestra. It has been very 'ear-opening' to hear so many wonderful orchestras in such a short period of time and experience their very different timbres and characters.
In addition to evening concerts, I have been to numerous lunchtime performances and student recitals at the Bridgewater Hall and at the RNCM concert hall which featured the younger generation of artists, orchestras and choirs. Numerous masterclasses also take place at the Royal Schools. I’ve already been to piano masterclasses by the great pianists András Schiff and John O’Conor at the Royal Academy of Music in London. I’ve gained an excellent insight into some Beethoven piano sonatas that my own students are learning and I look forward to bringing fresh teaching ideas for these pieces back to Hong Kong.
CTG Blog
South African teachers Ilke Lea Alexander, Justin Sasman and Hayley White are undertaking three months of study at the Royal Northern College of Music and will be using this blog to share their experiences with others.
Their placements are financed by ABRSM's Centenary Travel Grant fund, which covers the cost of flights, accommodation and tuition. With a focus on jazz, Ilke, Hayley and Justin will be developing their skills as musicians and teachers through a mix of one-to-one coaching, lectures, workshops and lesson observations.
Posts from students who enjoyed previous placements through ABRSM can also be found below.
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