As live public performances are restricted it can be easy to become down-hearted. However, a glance back in history, to the Baroque period, brings me comfort and reassurance that music will fight on and survive. Public performances didn’t occur until the late 1600s, and very often good musicians were scarce (even in the royal court). Music was largely a domestic affair. Realising that Bach himself struggled under such restrictions - and yet his music survived and shone through the constriction, has encouraged me that we too will live to tell the tale. As musicians we are accustomed to a creative approach to problem solving and already we are showing that we will do what it takes to keep playing. Whether it’s from the balcony of your apartment or via the internet we will keep making music!

A Shout-Out and a big “Thank You” to you all for showing such a positive and proactive approach to these trying times. It’s so good to see so many of you (too many to properly name) making such good use of this time. You’ve been working so hard and your studying is really paying off. Well done! Also, thank you for letting me know how you’re getting on. It’s so encouraging to know that my videos are helpful to you and it’s good to know that I’m not just talking to the wall. It’s so good to see musicians working together and learning new ways to be creative and to by-pass the problems. Together we’re making it work and keeping busy. Enjoy your studies!

Damaged tendons and a painful arm don’t bode well when playing an instrument. I’ve overdone it, working too hard and not listening when my body told me to stop! I should have listened to my own advice and not tried to do too much. Now I will have to take my own advice and use my time creatively and allow my arm to heal. Thankfully, I can still play - though writing can be tricky, but it’s a wake-up call to focus and prioritise. Silly me!