Showing posts with label #london. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #london. Show all posts

Thursday, 30 April 2020

Song, Spirit & Soul post : Where have I been?

Hi all, I have been away for so so long.

So in the past 2 years since I have posted I have successfully completed a masters in Psychology.

 It was the hardest two years ever managing working part time as an SEN teaching assistant and studying.

 I studied at University of Westminster at the School of Life Sciences at Cavendish campus in Fitzrovia.

Some may ask 'why psychology?' Well mental health has been popping up in the media slowly as it destigmatizes. I love science, and I also love anything to do with society, brain function, history and I feel that psychology encompasses this. I had a module on my Commercial Music course at Westminster that was Music therapy and this involved the cognitive effect music has. As well as this I have known others and experienced bouts of depression and anxiety myself and wanted to learn more so that I can help others. I would definetly recommend studying MSc Psychology at Westminster as its BPS regulated which means if you want to go for PhD you can be officially registered in Great Britain and have the grounds to become a psychology assistant whilst pursuing your chosen specialism.

So what's next? 

An MSc in psychology has SO many uses: HR, PhD in clinical, educational, counselling psychogy, forensic psychology and more! 

Well I'm still deciphering what's next. Studying takes a toll and now that the Corona Virus has hit the world time will tell. I know that I would like to train for counselling in the future which type (whether Gestalt, Psychodynamic) not too sure of yet. But money is tight I'm sure all you millenials know-- so I plan to work and save so that the strain will be less when I do pursue further study for counselling in the future. 

Also connecting with psychology professionals and those in the field, of BAME descent. I feel the industry needs more representation in the future. I have found groups such as @BIPPNetwork, @NHSBME. Follow these on twitter!


So I will be updating on my endeavours let's see what the future holds. I learnt alot over the two years. To be honest I thought I'd given up on science all together but once I was on the course I enjoyed it to the point where I could complete it. For me I enjoyed the Stats modules best - quantitative and qualitative analysis. Second I'd say cognitive psychology involving child development. Like that was LOVE! And of course meeting new people.

Advice?

Make sure you are financially stable enough to support yourself during postgraduate study. Really think had about specialisms, even get some articles under your belt for your final project (dissertation) early to get a head start. Make sure you do not me tall exert yourself too much and really listen to your health as that is the most important thing.

Hope you are all well! Message me or comment below if you have any questions regarding becoming a qualified Psychologist. 

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Sunday, 29 March 2015

SONG, SPIRIT & SOUL: Life Of A Final Year Commercial Music Student: Tips for performing x See me LIVE!

Hi guys,

So as part of the Final Project module one of my objectives to get out there as a composer, and what better way to do this than by live performance. It is always nerve wracking just thinking of getting on stage, but once I'm on stage the nerves ease away.

Here are some personal tips for budding performers:


  1. Practise, practise, practise before hand. This is key as without practise your performance will not be perfect, and the more you practise the more you will be ready. Once you have the fundamentals down you can let go on stage and enjoy the performance more as you know the song inside out!
  2. Make sure that you arrive on time to the venue. Make sure you arrive well and early to the venue, this gives you time to settle in even before the sound check. Grab a drink, meet the other performers as well as the promoter of the event and chill. This way your nerves will be at ease, and you will be calm and ready for your performance! 
  3. Get used to an audience. The more you play in front of others the more used to people being present you will be. You will no longer be frightened as it will be normal, this will lead to enjoyment of performance rather than focusing on hiding the nerves.
  4. Feel the music. Always feel the music, get to grips with the pieces you are playing in its entirety. Play it with joy that inspired you to create the piece and really bring it to life, injecting your playing with energy and excitement for what you are performing. This will also enable you to engage with the audience.
  5. Enjoy the music. This is very very important. Enjoy the moment, enjoy the music, and enjoy your audience. Show them your very best, and just remember why you love composing, performing your songs. Everyone is there to see you, it should be a fun and exciting time. If you enjoy it, everyone else will no doubt about it!

I hope you find these tips useful, if you need more tips on overcoming anxiety on stage or performance in general see this on performance anxiety, here for pianist in particular, here for more in depth and technical advice. If you would like more advice in this area or sites to visit feel free to contact me.

Also come and see me live! Next week Friday 3rd April 2015 come to Sound Movement, Live Extra! 

Where: Canal 125, Caledonian Road, N1 9RG
Time 6pm-2am

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