Organ Playing
I have been doing regular daily organ practise and enjoying the progress that this disciplined approach yields. At first, repertoire that had been very familiar 30 years ago seemed unplayable, but my feet and fingers have been beaten into submission and ‘the little grey cells’ activated to achieve the necessary command to really enjoy this genre of music again.
Conducting
All conducting engagements, concerts and choral workshops for July were cancelled. However, I have been involved in the various approaches to government regarding the way forward for choirs and orchestras. My mind has also been engaged on the ways to resume performance practices, and attracting audiences back to live concerts.
Recitals
July would have seen the last of my recitals (accompanying a tenor singer) before my summer holiday break. Several recitals between March and September were cancelled due to the pandemic, and there is still much uncertainty about the viability of autumn engagements.
Examining & Adjudicating
No examining or adjudicating either during July. There have been many communications and Zoom meetings with ABRSM and the British and International Federation of Festivals to keep ‘in touch’ with progress towards future events.
Teaching
No formal teaching this month, though I have had contact from a number of students asking for help with various issues that have arisen in their practising. I am aiming to recommence teaching in September and am making my teaching room as safe as possible. Students will be able to stand over 2 metres away from me and we will be separated by a screen. Hand sanitiser is available, and between students door handles and surfaces will be disinfected. Many soft furnishings and ornaments have been removed and overnight the room will be treated with ozone.
Best wishes to all my fellow musician friends, colleagues and students who are battling with this post-COVID world. If only it were post-COVID! Let’s look forward to ‘normality’!