The close of the year is a time to look back and reflect. I look back over my YouTube journey so far and I want to thank you for your kind comments, your encouragement and also for your hard work. You have had such amazing success in your ABRSM exam results! It makes all the difference to know that there are real people out there and I’m not just talking to a camera lens. Such amazing exam pass marks and such lovely comments make it all worthwhile. Thank you!

For a change I’m sitting in the audience for a musical “Celebration of Saint Cecilia” - the patron saint of music. I’m usually chatting away about the various music activities that I’m participating, but this time the shoe is on the other foot and I go to listen to my friend sing with Keele Bach Choir. Sitting in the audience brings a whole new perspective to me about supporting local music. It’s also a great opportunity embrace new music and widen my horizons.

I’m all set for our Ceramic City Choir Christmas Carol Concert. We’re singing unusual and beautiful arrangements of carols, quite unknown Christmas songs as well as the usual congregational carol singing. On top of that we’ll be enjoying fantastic pipe organ solos and piano duets. I talk you through our programme and I’ve added links below so that you can join me in spirit. Merry Christmas!

Ring Out, Wild Bells

Sussex Carol

In the Bleak Midwinter

The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy

Silent Night

O, Clap Your Hands

O little Town of Bethlehem

The Lamb

Come, Colours Rise

Music has been an integral part of my children’s life, from watching me perform to then performing themselves as part of our local music service. I’m so grateful for the input that so many people have had in their development over the years. Music education in schools, and also funding for extra curricular activities, is a topical debate and there are no easy answers. However, music, as a subject, has so much to give us all - even if it’s not destined to be your chosen profession. Here is my family’s story and my expression of thanks to all those who have been a part of our journey.

As musicians we use more muscles than just our brain. However, physical fitness has never been something that I thought much about - until now… Core strength and lung capacity are just two of the benefits that have really impacted my time practising my instruments, but in a general sense it’s so much better to get moving! As a complete beginner I’ve needed lots of help and advice along the way. I don’t think I’ll ever be a gym-a-holic but adopting a healthier, more active lifestyle (despite life getting in the way as it does) I’m definitely feeling the benefits of being more proactive about my physical wellbeing.

Music always has something new to offer but the new adaptation of Verdi’s Rigoletto, by the Glyndebourne Opera, has a surprising relevance to our modern life. Before I even got to the music there was so much more to this performance than I could have expected. Of course, the music itself was pure bliss! I expected to enjoy myself but Glyndebourne’s Rigoletto just keeps on giving.