There is always something happening!

The first days and weeks of my second year at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm were just a little bit quieter than during the last year. I did not have to care about the matters associated with the registration at the school, residency and similar obligations, so I really looked forward to this academic year.

The first two months at the school were in a sign of exams for me. According to my initial plan, I wanted to pass all the exams of theoretical subjects during these two months. The system allows this to me, so I passed the final assignment at the end of October. Of course, I had to put quite a lot of effort into it. Besides practising on my instrument, I spent a lot of time reading and writing, but I am glad that I have passed all the exams from the second year more or less and now, I can focus more on the accordion and concert projects.

Anyway, such a very intensive style of learning, when you absorb a large amount of information during a relatively small period of time, is very useful and interesting, and it shows your capabilities. For example writing of essays. I had about a year to complete my thesis at the Prague Conservatory, but here, I wrote essays of the same range in two or three days, which has made me more confident.

Obviously, it was not only about a theory. Even during the summer, I created a vision of how I would like to develop my music, especially chamber music. KMH is a university where you meet musicians from around the world. It is such an inspiring environment, and I try to use this opportunity as much as possible and work with many people. Chamber music and collaboration with other musicians have many advantages. First, it is so much fun to make music together with someone else, and there is a greater chance of realization of concerts when I play duo with someone than when I play solo. Therefore, besides my solo program, I also play with several classmates with whom I currently prepare concert programs that we want to realize in the near future, whether together with cello, violin or singing.

There is also another thing that learns me a lot, and it is so exciting to me. I understand that the opportunities to perform in public do not come by themselves. Therefore, I have begun to negotiate with various concert venues in Stockholm lately, and I have been trying to get some opportunities to present our programs. I must admit that it is not so easy. During the week, I find some time and call people that organize concerts, and I propose them our concert projects and negotiate with them, which is very exciting. At the same time, it is the way how to put my energy into something what I love - music and performing in front of the audiences, and eventually get paid for it.

Undoubtedly, the biggest cultural event was the Accordion Festival, which is held every year at KMH. During the festival, I have performed several times both alone and especially with my colleagues. A lot of accordionists and accordion fans come from all around and it is always a great pleasure to perform in front of such audiences, along with dozens of other participants. However, the interaction with these people is maybe even more important. During these three days, I had an opportunity to talk to different people in the field, and I must say that many of these conversations could bring interesting opportunities, whether concerts or private accordion lessons. And mainly, this event has given me a tremendous energy and inspiration.

I have also attended a great concert in Avesta as a member of the Accordion Orchestra in Stockholm which I play with also. As one of the representatives of KMH, I am going to attend a large student fair - Saco Student Fairs 2016. So there is always something happening, which is important! The first snow came to Stockholm already in early November, so I will not deny that I am starting to look forward to Christmas concerts and time with family in the Czech Republic.

 

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