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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SONG SPIRIT & SOUL : Graduation!

Hello all,

I know, I have been away for quite some time but I have not been idle promise. So in July I graduated from University of Westminster with a 2.1 in Commercial Music, I was am so ecstatic.

Graduation day was 13th July 2015, at Royal Festival Hall, I was so happy to have my grandmother, aunt fly in all the way from New York and my lovely mother.

Before crossing the stage:

 After crossing the stage:

Hope the sheer number of photos makes up for lack of posts. This concludes my 'Year In The Life Of a Commercial Music Student' posts as I am now a graduate, here is to a new chapter. More compositions and piano coming!

Thanks so much for reading guys, posts coming ASAP!

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Song, Spirit & Soul: Update x EP x Poetry Freestyle !

Hi guys,

I am checking in to say hello, thank you all for reading my blog and supporting.

I would like to share with you an exclusive, artwork for my upcoming project 'Enjambment'.

This is my next series of piano compositions that I will be releasing in MAY! I will let you know when I do.

Inspired by the never ending busy of London the city that I live in, I created compositions based on my inspiration of Classical composers such as Phillip Glass, Erik Satie and Chopin. I am also inspired by Jazz trio Phronesis as well as Baroque pop duo Chargaux for their skill, look and artistry.

I can't wait to share the compositions with you once they are out!

Here is a poetry freestyle:

Enjambment

the never ending of the never ending

the not so understood

so perfect in its confusion

it just is

goes on and on

with no end

the endless lights, crowd,

the stage of life

a show with endless

possibilities

like a sentence

that never ends

runs of the page

into infinity

as life on earth

to the after life

it never ends

so lets live with purpose

live greatly

live wisely

go well

let the sentence run

run on 

run

may you make

that statement today

Ekeisha E

Also if you have not already see my website here:

http://ekeishamusic.weebly.com

Soundcloud

https://soundcloud.com/angelkeyz

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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SONG, SPIRIT & SOUL: Poetry Freestyle

Hi guys!

Happy Friday to those of you on this side of the hemisphere. I am typing this at 01:01am. The end of the week is the best time for most. When you get that Friday feel in' nothing can beat that! Here goes my first poetry freestyle as I can't sleep.

Look Within

Looking in from the outside

The night sky on the horizon

The melody of the wind

Says to look within

Look within for strength

Look within for hope

Look IN from the OUTSIDE

Outside may look like a lot

A lot that meets the eye

But not the heart

With our eyes we see

With our heart we feel

So I say to you

Look in from the outside

Your heart says ALOT!

Ekeisha Edet- 2015

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SOUL Post: Poetry Freestyle- Here Is To Living

Here is to living

Living to learn

Living to love

Living without regrets

Here is to living

Living to grow

Living to feel

Living to see the beauty on offer

Lets live for the present

Lets do all we can

for tomorrow

Here is to living

Living to give

Living to absorb

Living to change

Be better everyday

Here is to life

Living with faith

Forgetting our fears

Wiping our tears

Raising our fists

As we win

We are winners

Lets toast to LIFE.

Ekeisha Edet

Freestyle poem inspired by Black History Month 2014

What a Wonderful Summer: Carnival Tabanca

Hi guys!



It is safe to say that I am back. In June & July I was working at the premier sporting tournament in Tennis: Wimbledon. What a great time it was my heart was trembling during the final matches well done to the Champions!!

The week after the tennis tournament I found myself frantically packing to go on vacation- back to sunny St Lucia. What a great holiday I had with family, friends and loved ones.

Hotel Pina Coladas- my favourite beverage

Collecting fresh coconuts

He gave us a coconut- delicious

I played mas aka carnival out there. Carnival is a great season where people go out to fete (parties) most of these are all inclusive meaning they include UNLIMITED food and drink. Carnival came and I found myself playing mas with Just 4 Fun Carnival band!

Carnival Day 1- Face

Full view of costume -Passion 2014 

To get you all in the spirit, and to feel the carnival tabanca with click the link below for top DJ Private Ryan's post carnival relief!

I have Tabanca y'all. This is an intense desire for carnival to return in all of its glory despite the fact we are all licking our wounds and recovering from intense food and intoxication!


Listen to the mix while scrolling through some photos I took in St Lucia. Perhaps a Part 2 Photo Diary will come soon.

Post Carnival Beach Selfie

Reduit Beach

Pidgeon Island

At the top of Peak 1

Random Lizard aka Henry

Anse Chasanet Beach

Soufriere

Soufriere

Anse Chasanet Beach

The Pitons

Life of a Year 2 Commercial Music Student: Spring Break....sorta!

Hi Guys,

So its the end of the year almost. With the thick of deadlines over, a few remain. Last week was manic with recording for the Songwriting module and writing essays and reports for The Released Recording module (Sharing and Culture pathways); often getting to bed at 6-7am! Now its just a question of composing, finishing touches and report as the EP looms and this May we are also putting on a mini London tour for uni band  XOEO; also part of The Released Recording.

As you can tell there is a blurred line between university work and our public lives as creatives. That is I feel the benefits of a practical course like studying a Commercial Music BA at Westminster.  When I studied Food Science & Nutrition at Surrey University it was the complete opposite- although interesting there was not much of the insight into our place in the industry itself.

I am trying to be efficient and plan out these weeks as much as possible. Its easy to be complacent and think that I've got loads of time on my hands. But the reality is three weeks and hand in date for EP and EPK are so close (a week) upon returning to university.


Next week is 'recording week'. I will be working with singer Sophie Ray on a song I wrote a few years back called 'In Retrospect', a song about a relationship and what I would do differently if I could, go back if I could, things that were not said, wishing I could undo etc etc. I love the word play I used in this song, and hope you the audience do too. Next week if my blocked nose and glands allow allergies I will record a song 'Thought I Could (Make it Better)'- but only time will tell. I wrote this song around the same time, a song I conjured up with Rihanna in mind strangely. Think 'Te Amo', for rhythm and vocal delivery.


The week after is....the mini photo-shoot! Finally as a songwriter I will have photos to promote and also act as artwork for the EP itself. A fellow songwriter friend I met years ago encouraged me to do this. So photos will be coming soon. It is scheduled after Easter Monday so that means not too much gorging on chocolates my White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies to be exact. I will have a recipe up for them soon!



Exciting times are coming- composing, writing and photos. I will make sure to be blogging. Let the count down begin to my debut EP 'Heart Strings'- a piece of my heart for the universe.




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