Currently I have 5 students, so my teaching practice is slowly building and it is great, I really thoroughly enjoy teaching singing and my students seriously seem to get something from it, they are all happy withe me as a teacher anyway. So that was a lucky gamble that paid off.
Meanwhile another startling thing has happened that was rather unexpected. It has become known about the place that I am no longer really prepared to do long rehearsals away from home so much, and on the back of that I have been asked to stand in in Don Giovanni later in the year. What this basically means is that when the cast member is unable to do one show in a run of 20, someone (ie me) steps in and does the show for them, because it is a role I have sung a lot of times. It is quite nerve wracking because it will be performed on only a 2 hour rehearsal on the day, in other words, I'll be making up the movements as I go, with the help from the other cast members of course. Certainly a nice thought that it will keep me singing and performing, but I won't have to go away for months at a time to rehearse, in fact the whole episode will only take one day of my life (the man who should be doing the part is getting married on that day instead, so he's forgiven). Sounds good to me. Here are some photos of me in the last production of Don Giovanni I did 8 years ago:
Mean and moody.
Oh it's fun to look back.
The duo partnership we set up (baritone and piano (me)) has been advertised about the place a bit, we have one music society interested for their 2015-16 season (yes, it is so far away as to be almost laughable I know, but that is the way these things work) meanwhile we plug away at it, trying to get more.
And finally I am judging 3 competitive music festival competitions in the next month, which is always enjoyable.
So if the money is not exactly rolling in, then at least things are moving in the right direction, I am hoping to build on my reputation as a singing teacher, as this is largely word of mouth, so now I have some students, hopefully they will talk and more will come.
So a quick update from chatting about gardens (because, quite frankly the weather is so bloody awful that there is little to say on the outdoors).
Well done, it will come in the fullness of time. Meanwhile, weather permitting, you have your garden. You have brought it so far in such a short time and can now put all your plans into action. Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteSo glad things are working out so well for you.
ReplyDeleteGood luck - I'm sure things will pick up once the weather improves!
ReplyDeleteOnce those silver linings appear, they keep on coming. Well done.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, good for you!
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes!
Hope all your dreams come true!
And?
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that everything is going well for you. Doing so many different things will make each day interesting.
ReplyDeleteLove from Mum
xx
Congratulations! It was a huge step. This will help others take the step to be independent for sure! Fantastic news.
ReplyDeleteExcellent news - you look so different in these photos than you do in your profile photo (I think you need an update my friend).
ReplyDeleteNice to hear that you have finally found your ideal way to make a living. Money might not be rolling in as yet, but at least you get a lot of pleasure and satisfaction from what you do now. I`m sure all your future plans will work out just fine, too.
ReplyDeleteWhen I took the step to become self-employed I found that once I was 'available' then more opportunities came my way. In the end I was able to be very chosy, which was nice. You don't want too much work anyway as you will always want to get out into the garden, and update your blog!! Well done on your progress so far, you know you have made the right decision (and there are so many ways of economising on your spending in the shorter term)
ReplyDeleteHow exciting for you! Couldn't happen to a nicer person. :-)
ReplyDeleteVery good news. I am sure things will only improve after these initial successes.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear things are working out so well for you!!! :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like life is good my man
ReplyDeleteGreat news! Was crossing fingers... I envy you having a skill that you can use to become your own boss so to speak, although I know you have to have fingers in many pies. But how fun and I am so happy for you. Keeping fingers crossed all continues to go well! (& technically, I do have a small dream...but I am not sure which way to go with it, so ...it continues to perk away on the back burner. So, my envy is a bit misplaced... Or perhaps, more envy of your bravery!) either way, kudos to you!
ReplyDeleteThat is brilliant news! I am genuinely pleased for you!
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to step out into the wilderness and try something new. But so worthwhile too!
Very good luck with it all.
Warmest wishes
Rw
This is a late reply as - somehow - I missed this blog. I know this is frivolous but, I'm sure a frivolity we all can handle - you look very handsome in the photos! Fab news that you can have your cake and eat it too for a while! Eye candy
ReplyDeletehahaha, thanks.
Delete