It seems like only yesterday when I landed in Manchester. Happy times pass so quickly and I am already packing my luggage for the return trip to Hong Kong.
If you asked me what the most unexpected thing I have gained during this three-month study trip in Manchester has been, I would definitely say it is the friendships and connections that I have made. When I first arrived in the RNCM in September I expected student life here to be much more inter-competitive and less enjoyable. It has turned out to be the complete opposite – students and staff are so friendly and it truly feels like I belong to a big music family. The college provides students with many opportunities to socialise during tea gatherings and post-concert parties. I had the chance to interact with students from all over the world and learn about their background and music education in their home countries.
Christmas is very near now and I spent a few nights with my friends in the German Christmas Market, indulging in several glasses of warm mulled wine and traditional seasonal dishes. On another evening, I invited some Asian friends to my place and had a little farewell party. Each of us made a national dish from our country to share – we had Singaporean fried rice, Korean kimchi pancakes, traditional Chinese soup and Hong Kong style noodles and had a great time sharing Christmas greetings.
As a solo pianist and a private piano teacher, it is sometimes quite difficult for me to make new connections with other musicians because I tend to work independently. The opportunities I had here reminded me of the importance of being connected. I have already been planning possible collaborative recitals in Singapore with a friend and will probably be arranging masterclasses for a Korean pianist when she visits Hong Kong in the future. Such opportunities would not have been possible if I had not developed these connections through my networking.
I have had a very fulfilling and inspiring term at the RNCM. I will never forget all the wonderful lessons, concerts and friends that I have met here and will try my best to share my experiences with everyone when I am back to Hong Kong. Being a teacher is not only about ‘teaching’ itself but about sharing and relating one’s experiences!
Finally, I have to say thank you to all the staff and friends at the RNCM and of course ABRSM for giving me this wonderful opportunity. May all of you have a Merry Christmas!
Posted by
Chun-pong
