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My three-year doctoral journey
At the moment of writing this post, my graduation was almost 3 months ago and I am officially a Doctor of Music in Performance. It has been a really long journey, even though one can say it was “only” three years, as I did the doctorate full-time as opposed to part-time, which can take up…
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Playing from memory vs. playing with the score
Lately, we can see more pianists performing pieces from the scores instead of playing by heart. Most of the time these concerts are performances of contemporary music, long pieces, or newly written compositions, but even in the traditional setting of a piano recital this can happen. The question is, does it bother the audience to…
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Listening to Your Heroes’ Lives — and How It Affects You as a Musician
In the last couple of years, I had the amazing experience of listening to two top living women pianists whose recordings shaped the musician within me. The first on my list was the lioness herself — Martha Argerich. I had initially planned to see her live in Vienna at the Musikverein in February 2020, but…
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A Year of Music, Friendship, and New Horizons.
As the new year settles in, many of us take a moment to reflect on the past year. Were goals achieved? Was it a year of action, or one of preparation for something bigger? For me, 2024 was an exceptionally busy year—full of new experiences, cherished encounters, and unforgettable memories. One of the highlights was…
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A Pianist’s Journey Through Pianos: From Childhood Dreams to a Baby Grand
As I clear the room and corridor for the new piano arriving tomorrow, I can’t help but reflect on the pianos that have been part of my life. Each one carries its own story, its quirks, and a piece of my journey as a pianist. My first piano was a gift from my grandmother, who,…
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Finding Balance as a Musician: Easier Said Than Done?
They say musicians work when everyone else is off. Think Friday or Saturday nights, Christmas, New Year’s, Sunday morning rehearsals… you name it. Add teaching at a school, giving private lessons, and preparing for performances, and your life feels like a constant whirlwind. It’s not the kind of job where you shut your laptop at…
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Starting Anew: My Journey as a Pianist …in Malta
As I reflect on my journey as a musician, I realise that no one truly prepares you for the reality of being a full-time artist—not during my time at the conservatory, at least. For five years, while pursuing my master’s, I lived in a sort of musical cocoon. My life revolved around music almost 24/7,…
