Hi guys.
As I mentioned before, my most recent term here at college can only be summed up in one word. Madness. In a way, the demand sort of just doubled, and a lot had to be done in a short space of time. So here it goes, this is what my Spring term looked like...
This term was mainly heavy work wise, both in practical and academic aspects, here's the breakdown.
The Work-Academics
This term, there was a large focus on academics and exams. Yes, we had exams in the term before and coursework to submit, but the amount was certainly different. First, essays. Essays and written work were happening pretty much right when we got back after Christmas. Nearly every subject required some form of written assignment. We had to write historical and informative essays on various topics, based largely on our own work and knowledge. Needless to say, my room looked like a mini library for a while! We also had to write compositions and opera scenes to be assessed on, as well as a much harder musicianship/theory exam.
The Work-Practical
Until now, we hadn't been assessed in any part of our practical performance, we just did performance classes and had our private lessons. Well, this was the term of technical examinations...and they are as intimidating as they sound! These exams are pretty self-explanatory, your technique is assessed through scales, exercises, sight singing and a short song. It was pretty nerve-wracking because you just don't know what to expect, but it is over before you know it - in 7 minutes to be precise. Though the final recital is still weeks away, focus starts to turn towards your repertoire for this. My teacher and I played with numerous songs, which meant a lot of learning, and a lot of trial and improvement.
The Classes
The classes were pretty similar to the previous term, lessons every day, such as performance classes, language classes, physical awareness and history/artist development. Theory and musicianship also continued, but I think the key difference is that you become a lot more independent within these classes. Not everyone was writing the same music, or essay, meaning the work became a lot more personal to the individual. Other than that, it was the usual pattern of some very early mornings and some very late nights.
The Deadlines
Yes, there was work. Everyone has to work don't they? True, but the reason this term was so jam-packed, in my opinion, was due to when the deadlines were set. January and February consisted of a few deadlines, but nothing to panic over. That, and most of the attention was in preparation for after the mid-year recess. But once that recess happened, it all got a bit crazy. The minute we stepped into March, it was deadline after deadline. There was at least one big coursework chunk due each week, which was met with exams, also joined by technical exams. So for three weeks, we were just working non-stop. Plus, when you have so many different areas to look at, like practical AND academic work all due at the same time, it's easy to see why this was the term of getting stuff done.
That said, it's kind of understandable why they do it this way...
After this term, our schedules are meant to get lighter so all academics need to be done before the third term, but more on that later...
The Opportunities
Seeing as there was so much stuff to do, performance and opportunities sort of took a backseat for those three weeks. But, before that hit, we were able to do business as normal. Particularly great was putting on a concert of various choral works with the RNCM Symphony Chorus. We had been practising for months, and all in all, the concert went really well :)
So, that's a little look into the madness of my previous term haha, until next time-
xo
Miriam
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